High School Guidance Counselor

SUMMARY: The High School Guidance Counselor supports the academic, social-emotional, and career development needs of students in grades 9�12. The counselor collaborates with staff, families, and community partners to promote student well-being, success, and readiness for postsecondary opportunities. This role requires strong communication skills, the ability to interpret student data, and a commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide academic counseling, including course planning, scheduling, credit checks, graduation tracking, and postsecondary planning.
• Deliver short-term social-emotional support and crisis intervention, referring students to outside services as appropriate.
• Assist students with college and career readiness, including applications, financial aid guidance, military pathways, and workforce preparation.
• Maintain accurate student records, documentation, and data in accordance with district, state, and federal guidelines.
• Interpret assessment data (including standardized tests) to help guide instructional and counseling decisions.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families to support student well-being and remove barriers to learning.
• Facilitate school-wide programs supporting academic success, mental health, attendance, and positive behavior.
• Participate in student support teams, IEP or 504 meetings, re-engagement meetings, and other multidisciplinary planning groups.
• Provide counseling services in alignment with ethical standards and confidentiality requirements.
• Support students during transitions between grade levels and into postsecondary pathways.
• Assist with crisis response protocols, safety planning, mandated reporting, and emergency procedures.
• Participate in professional development, district trainings, and ongoing learning related to counseling practices.
• Promote and follow Board of Education policies, district procedures, and professional codes of conduct.

EDUCATION & RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in School Counseling, Counseling, or a related field required.
• Experience working with high-school students is preferred.
• Experience with academic advising, career planning, or mental health support preferred.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, OR CERTIFICATIONS:

• Criminal background check required.
• Valid State of Iowa School Counselor license required.
• Additional training in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, or mental health support preferred.

Job Description:
High School Counselor