Middle School Guidance Counselor

SUMMARY: The Middle School Guidance Counselor supports the academic, social-emotional, and developmental needs of students in grades 5�6. The counselor collaborates with staff, families, and community partners to promote student well-being, build foundational skills, and ensure a successful transition into adolescence and middle school. 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 & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide academic counseling, including course planning, scheduling support, progress monitoring, and development of organizational and study skills
• Deliver short-term social-emotional support and crisis intervention, referring students to outside services as appropriate
• Implement developmentally appropriate lessons and activities focused on social-emotional learning, peer relationships, and decision-making
• Support students in building self-awareness, goal-setting skills, and positive behavior habits
• Maintain accurate student records, documentation, and data in accordance with district, state, and federal guidelines
• Interpret assessment and student data to support instructional and intervention decisions
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families to address student needs and remove barriers to learning
• Facilitate school-wide programs that support attendance, behavior, mental health, and school connectedness
• Participate in student support teams, IEP and 504 meetings, MTSS processes, and other multidisciplinary planning groups
• Provide counseling services in alignment with ethical standards and confidentiality requirements
• Support student transitions from elementary to middle school and between grade levels
• Assist with crisis response protocols, safety planning, mandated reporting, and emergency procedures
• Promote positive school climate, student engagement, and inclusive practices
• 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 upper elementary or middle school students preferred
• Experience with academic support, social-emotional learning, or behavioral interventions 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

TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of counseling practices, child and early adolescent development, and crisis intervention strategies
• Ability to interpret student records, assessment data, and behavioral or academic indicators
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills for working with diverse students, families, and staff
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and follow ethical and legal guidelines
• Ability to use school information systems, data platforms, and student support tools
• Ability to maintain a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive school environment

• Ability to stay current with district standards, data privacy practices, and cybersecurity policies related to student information
   

   

  Job Description:
  Middle School Counselor