5-12 Professional School Counselor

Grundy Center Community School District is seeking a dynamic, properly licensed and endorsed Middle School/High School Counselor to serve students at Grundy Center Middle School and Grundy Center High School beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. This position provides the opportunity to lead a comprehensive, ASCA-aligned counseling program focused on supporting students’ academic achievement, career readiness, and social-emotional well-being.

The ideal candidate will build strong relationships with students, staff, and families while delivering high-quality counseling services that support academic planning, college and career readiness, and social-emotional development. The successful candidate will collaborate with educators, families, and community partners to ensure all students are supported, connected, and prepared for success beyond high school.

Grundy Center Community School District is a supportive, student-centered district where staff are valued and collaboration is a priority. The district offers authentic opportunities to connect students to meaningful post-secondary pathways through strong family engagement, community partnerships, and a shared commitment to student success and continuous improvement.

To learn more about the Grundy Center Community School District (click here) and the community of Grundy Center (click here).

Position Summary:

The Professional School Counselor promotes students' academic, career, and social-emotional growth through a comprehensive program aligned with the ASCA model. They provide individual and group counseling, facilitate academic and career planning, and collaborate with staff, families, and community resources to support student success. Additionally, they manage 504 plans, support special education, and participate in school-wide initiatives, ensuring an inclusive environment where all students can reach their full potential.

Essential Functions:

Direct Student Services

• Provide individual and small-group counseling to support students’ academic, career, and social/emotional development.
• Deliver classroom lessons and guidance curriculum aligned with ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success.
• Support students in developing self-management, interpersonal skills, decision-making, and coping strategies.
• Provide short-term responsive counseling services, crisis support, and appropriate referrals to school and community resources.

Academic Planning & Individual Student Planning

• Assist students with academic planning, course selection, scheduling, and development of 4-year plans.
• Monitor student progress in academics, attendance, and behavior to identify and support at-risk students.
• Support students in meeting graduation requirements and post-secondary readiness goals.
• Collaborate with staff to design interventions that promote student achievement and engagement.

College, Career & Postsecondary Readiness

• Support students in college, career, military, and workforce exploration and planning.
• Assist with college applications, scholarships, financial aid (FAFSA), testing, and post-secondary transitions.
• Coordinate college and career readiness activities such as visits, fairs, and informational programming.
• Promote student development of college- and career-ready skills aligned to ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors.

Systems Support, Equity & Collaboration

• Serve as 504 Coordinator and participate in IEP/504 meetings to support student access and accommodations.
• Collaborate with administrators, teachers, families, and community agencies to support equitable student outcomes.
• Support implementation of schoolwide initiatives (registration, scheduling, testing, awards, and transition planning).
• Advocate for student access, inclusion, and support systems that remove barriers to learning.

Program Management, Accountability & Professional Practice

• Implement a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with ASCA National Model and district goals.
• Use data to evaluate program effectiveness and guide decision-making to improve student outcomes.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records in compliance with FERPA and applicable state/federal regulations.
• Participate in PLCs, staff meetings, professional development, and district or building initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by administration.

Requirements:

Education and Licensure:

• Master's degree in School Counseling or related field from an accredited institution.
• Hold a valid Professional Service License with endorsements:
• • Professional School Counselor K-8 - 172
  • Professional School Counselor 5-12 - 173
• Previous experience working as a school counselor is preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent human relations, communication (verbal, written, and presentation), and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex tasks, prioritize work, and lead initiatives to completion.
• Knowledge of counseling techniques, social-emotional learning best practices, and familiarity with Special Education, curriculum, business procedures, and relevant state/federal laws and ethical standards.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with educators, families, and community agencies, with strong leadership skills and a commitment to team-based problem solving.

Working Conditions:

Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Evaluation:

Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Building Principal in accordance with the Iowa Department of Education guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of the Grundy Center Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic status in its educational programs and its employment practices.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts the Superintendent’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time unless restricted by law or a negotiated contract.