Guidance Counselor
Job description, Salary, Resume, and Interview Questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT DOES A Guidance Counselor DO?
Guidance counselors play a vital role in supporting students’ personal, academic, and career development. They provide essential counseling services, helping students navigate social, emotional, and academic challenges. They also assist in college and career readiness, helping students explore future educational and vocational options.
Successful guidance counselors possess strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills. They are empathetic, approachable, and dedicated to fostering a positive school environment. These professionals are organized, proactive, and committed to ensuring the well-being and success of students while collaborating effectively with faculty and parents.
AVERAGE SALARY FOR
Guidance Counselors
Salaries can vary depending on factors such as geographical location, experience, educational background, and industry sector.
$57,429
Guidance Counselor Job Descriptions
Below are four types of Guidance Counselor job descriptions, detailing the range and expectations of the role:
Job Description: We are seeking a dedicated School Guidance Counselor to support students’ academic, social, and emotional development. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a passion for helping students succeed, and the ability to provide personalized guidance.
Responsibilities:
Provide individual and group counseling to students on academic, career, and personal matters.
Develop and implement strategies to support students’ emotional well-being and mental health.
Assist students in setting academic and career goals, including college preparation and job readiness.
Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to create individualized support plans.
Conduct workshops on topics such as study skills, stress management, and conflict resolution.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Education, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
State certification or licensure as a school counselor.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Job Description: We are looking for a College & Career Guidance Counselor to help students navigate the college admissions process and prepare for their future careers. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of college applications, scholarship opportunities, and workforce readiness.
Responsibilities:
Guide students through the college admissions process, including application preparation and essay writing.
Provide career counseling to students, helping them identify career paths and internship opportunities.
Organize career fairs and college visits to give students exposure to various opportunities.
Assist students in securing scholarships, financial aid, and preparing for standardized tests.
Maintain updated records on students’ academic and career progress.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, or related field.
Experience in college admissions or career counseling.
Excellent knowledge of college application processes and scholarship resources.
Job Description: We are seeking an Elementary School Guidance Counselor to provide emotional and behavioral support to students in an elementary school setting. The ideal candidate will be compassionate, patient, and skilled at working with young children.
Responsibilities:
Provide counseling services to students struggling with emotional, social, or behavioral challenges.
Develop age-appropriate programs and activities to promote positive behavior and self-esteem.
Coordinate with parents and teachers to identify students’ needs and provide necessary interventions.
Lead classroom lessons on topics such as bullying prevention and building friendships.
Support the overall well-being of students by ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Education, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
State certification or licensure as a school counselor.
Experience working with young children and supporting their emotional development.
Job Description: We are seeking a High School Guidance Counselor to support students in their academic, social, and emotional development during their high school years. The ideal candidate will be passionate about helping students succeed academically and prepare for life after high school.
Responsibilities:
Provide individual and group counseling on academic performance, mental health, and career planning.
Help students plan for post-graduation by guiding them through the college application, job search, and scholarship processes.
Monitor students’ progress and collaborate with teachers to support academic achievement.
Organize and conduct workshops on topics like time management, stress relief, and test-taking strategies.
Serve as a liaison between students, parents, and faculty to foster communication and support.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Education, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
State certification or licensure as a school counselor.
Strong knowledge of high school academic requirements and college/career readiness resources.
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Candidate Certifications to Look For
Consider the following certifications and qualifications when evaluating candidates:
Offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), this certification is widely recognized and demonstrates a counselor’s competence in providing school counseling services. It requires a master’s degree in school counseling, completion of supervised internship hours, and passing an exam.
Issued by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), this certification shows proficiency in counseling practices specific to the school environment. It focuses on comprehensive school counseling programs, including academic, career, and personal/social development.
While not specifically for school settings, obtaining the LPC credential from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) or a state licensing board can be beneficial. It allows counselors to work in schools and other settings, providing individual and group therapy, case management, and more advanced counseling services.
HOW TO HIRE A Guidance Counselor
Securing a skilled Guidance Counselor requires a strategic approach to identifying individuals with strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to support diverse learners. Here are key strategies to help you hire top talent:
Comprehensive Job Descriptions: Clearly articulate the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for the role to attract candidates who meet the specific needs of your organization.
Guidance Counselor Competency Assessments: Evaluate candidates by testing their ability to provide emotional and academic support to students, guide them in career planning, and assist with academic and personal issues. Assess their proficiency in using counseling tools, conducting assessments, and providing personalized support in both individual and group settings.
Focus on Detail Orientation: During interviews, ask questions designed to gauge candidates’ attention to detail and their approach to minimizing errors in their work.
Highlight Opportunities for Growth: Emphasize any potential for career advancement or skill development within the organization to attract candidates who are looking for long-term opportunities.
Leverage Education-Specific Platforms: Post job listings on platforms that specialize in education, special needs, or classroom support roles to access a broader pool of qualified professionals.
Guidance Counselor Interview Questions
How do you ensure accuracy when cataloging student records, assessing academic progress, and maintaining consistency in student data?
Describe your experience with student information systems and career development tools. How do these tools help you support students’ academic and career planning efficiently?
What strategies do you use to prioritize tasks and manage deadlines when overseeing counseling sessions, academic advisement, and student support services?
Can you share an example of identifying and resolving a significant issue in a student’s academic or personal situation, which impacted their success?
How do you stay organized when managing student caseloads, coordinating with teachers and parents, and maintaining records of counseling interventions?
Describe a challenging situation you faced in your counseling role. What was your role, and how did your actions improve the academic or emotional experience for the student?
How do you ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and confidentiality regulations, especially when handling sensitive student information?
What’s the most complex aspect of supporting diverse student needs, both academically and emotionally, and how do you address it effectively?
How do you approach quality assurance when providing counseling services, supporting academic development, and ensuring a positive school experience for all students?
What steps do you take to stay informed on emerging counseling techniques, career development strategies, and best practices in student support?
THREE EASY WAYS TO COMPLETE YOUR educational TEAM
School Professionals can assist you in finding the right Guidance Counselor for your team. Here are three ways to complete your education team:
Utilize School Professionals, a specialized education staffing agency.
Post your job on leading education job boards.
Leverage your professional network in the education sector. School Professionals offers access to a network of pre-screened and qualified education professionals.
NEED HELP HIRING A Guidance Counselor
Discover how School Professionals can elevate your hiring process with tailored staffing solutions. Contact us today to experience a partnership that transforms your recruitment strategy and connects you with top-tier talent.
