What are the responsibilities and job description for the Guidance Counselor position at Potterville Middle/High School?
Position: School Counselor
Reports to: MS/HS Principal
Terms of Employment: Full-time
Work Year: 185 Days (Teacher Calendar) 10 days in summer (paid)
2026-27 School Year
Position Summary
The Secondary Guidance Counselor serves students in grades 5–12 at Potterville Public Schools as a comprehensive advocate for academic success, social-emotional well-being, and post-secondary readiness. Reporting to the MS/HS Principal, the Counselor collaborates with teachers, administrators, families, and community partners to create a supportive, equitable, and goal-oriented school environment. The Counselor provides individual and group counseling, supports the academic advising and scheduling process, coordinates 504 plans, and connects students and families to necessary resources.
This role is distinct from administrative and disciplinary functions. When student needs exceed the scope of school-based counseling, the Counselor refers students to appropriate external mental health, social work, or community support.
Qualifications
|
Required |
Preferred |
|
• Master's degree in School Counseling or a closely related field. |
|
|
• Valid Michigan School Counselor Certification (or in progress). |
• Familiarity with trauma-informed practices, restorative approaches, & SEL programming. |
|
• Knowledge of ASCA National Model, MTSS frameworks, social-emotional development, and college/career readiness practices. |
• Experience with SAEBRS data systems, FERPA compliance, and 504 coordination. |
|
• Experience in individual and group counseling at the secondary level. |
• Experience with MTSS and providing SEL tier 2-3 supports for students |
|
• Strong communication, crisis intervention, and collaboration skills. |
• Experience supporting college and career advice for students in grades 9–12. |
Primary Responsibilities
Student Social and Emotional Health
- Provide individual and small-group counseling to support students' social, emotional, and mental health needs.
- Develop and implement self-regulation and coping strategies for students experiencing stress, anxiety, or behavioral challenges.
- Act as an advocate for students' emotional and social well-being in school settings.
- Facilitate healthy peer relationships and a positive school climate.
Academic Advising and Scheduling
- Assist students in grades 5–12 with course selection, academic planning, and scheduling.
- Monitor academic progress and connect struggling students with appropriate interventions and tutoring resources.
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to develop academic support plans.
- Guide students and families through graduation requirements, dual enrollment opportunities, and academic goal-setting.
College and Career Readiness (Grades 9–12)
- Support students in exploring post-secondary pathways, including college, trade school, military, and career options.
- Assist students with college applications, financial aid resources, and scholarship opportunities.
- Coordinate and facilitate college and career exploration activities, visits, and programming.
- Help students develop resumes, personal statements, and transition plans.
- Collaboration and support with CAPCAN and College Advisor to support grades 9-12 college exploration, FAFSA, and scholarship applications
Social Emotional Learning
- Integrate social-emotional learning topics into school programming and classroom presentations.
- Support the implementation of school-wide SEL initiatives aligned to district priorities (e.g., Capturing Kids' Hearts).
- Gather and provide resources to assist teachers with effective SEL lesson delivery.
Community Liaison and Family Engagement
- Serve as a primary contact for families seeking support and resources.
- Connect students and families to community mental health services, CMH, Eaton RESA, and other external agencies.
- Maintain open and proactive communication with families regarding student academic and social-emotional progress.
504 Support and Compliance
- Coordinate and oversee the district's 504 accommodation process for secondary students.
- Collaborate with teachers and administrators to assess eligibility, develop plans, and monitor implementation.
- Ensure timely documentation and compliance with federal and state 504 requirements.
Data Collection and Analysis
- Collect and analyze data related to counseling contacts, academic outcomes, and student needs (SAEBRS).
- Maintain accurate records of interventions, referrals, and student progress to guide decision-making.
- Share relevant data with administrators and school teams to inform building-level planning.
Ensuring a Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment
- Collaborate with building staff, Process Champions, and Child Study teams to maintain a supportive school climate.
- Proactively address issues related to bullying, harassment, and student conflict in coordination with administration.
- Support crisis response in coordination with building leadership and community mental health partners.
Contact Information:
Crystal Hopkins, HRS, SPS
- Human Resources Director, Payroll & Benefits
- Email: hopkinsc@ppsvikings.org
- Phone: (517) 645-4700 Ext.102
- District Website: ppsvikings.org
- Application Link: https://ppsvikingsmi.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. The schools district may add to, modify or delete any aspects of the job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems necessary.
Nondiscrimination: The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.