Sample guidance counselor job description
Guidance counselors play a pivotal role in ensuring students feel supported at school. In addition to providing college and career advice, they can act as a sounding board and source of support for students who are struggling with mental health, discrimination, or other challenges. [School X] wants to foster an environment where students can grow as people in addition to developing academic knowledge. That’s why we’re searching for a dedicated guidance counselor who will support our diverse student body every day.
Objectives of this role
- Create a supportive environment for students
- Manage and respond to parent concerns
- Balance academics with emotional development in student life
- Promote a school-wide culture of support and care
- Ensure the student body models maturity and respect
- Lead as many students as possible to graduation
Responsibilities
- Assess student interests and abilities through individual planning
- Advise students on college and career paths
- Lead conversations and conflict resolution between students, teachers, and parents
- Provide counseling and resources to at-risk students
- Organize events to develop student sensitivity to social issues
- Report on student well-being to the administration
Skills and qualifications
- Highly empathetic demeanor
- Strong interpersonal communication skills, especially listening
- Thorough knowledge of best teaching and counseling practices
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Strong problem-solving attitude
- High emotional intelligence
Preferred qualifications
- Extensive knowledge of universities and careers
- Comfortable leading conflict resolution and crisis management sessions
- Collaborative, inspirational mindset
- Ability to lead and advise
- Understanding of youth psychology
- Capacity to assess academic achievement and capability
