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Career Counselor Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Career Counselor information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$29.6K

$43.2K

$58.7K

How much do career counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for career counselor in Decatur, IL is $43,217.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,800.00 and $48,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a career counselor?

A career counselor helps people with their career choices, typically those who are new to the workforce or who are transitioning into a different career. As a career counselor, you provide clients with guidance on how to make their situation favorable for employment. This process usually begins with an initial interview to assess the client’s skills, preferred field and area of focus, and determine a career direction. During this interview and subsequent meetings, a career counselor should gather additional client information, such as employment history, education, interests, and personality type. From here, counselors may advise clients in job searches and point them towards employment opportunities. It is important that career counselors maintain relationships with their clients throughout the entire job search process.

What qualifications do you need to be a career counselor?

To become a career counselor, a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field is typically required, with many positions preferring a master's degree in counseling or career development. Certification or licensure, such as the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential, can enhance job prospects and credibility. Strong interpersonal, communication, and assessment skills are also essential for success in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by career counselors when supporting diverse client populations?

Career Counselors often work with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, each with unique needs and barriers. Common challenges include addressing cultural differences, overcoming language barriers, and supporting individuals with varying levels of education or work experience. Counselors must develop strong communication and empathy skills to build trust and provide tailored guidance. Staying updated on labor market trends and resources is also essential to effectively support all clients in their career journeys.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a career counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Career Counselor, you need a background in counseling or psychology, typically with a relevant degree and certification such as NCC or state licensure. Familiarity with career assessment tools, job search platforms, and career planning software is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and empathy help build trust and effectively guide clients through career decisions. These capabilities are crucial for empowering clients to make informed career choices and achieve their professional goals.

How do career counselors work?

Career counselors work by helping individuals assess their interests, skills, and values to identify suitable career paths. They use tools like assessments and interviews to provide guidance, develop action plans, and may offer support with resume writing and job search strategies. Typically, they work in schools, clinics, or private practices and may hold certifications such as the National Career Development Certification.

What is the difference between Career Counselor vs Career Coach?

AspectCareer CounselorCareer Coach
CredentialsOften requires a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or related fields; certifications like NCC or GCDF are commonNo specific credential requirements; certifications like ICF or CCE are optional
Work EnvironmentTypically works in schools, universities, mental health clinics, or counseling centersUsually works independently or with organizations, focusing on goal setting and performance
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in educational, mental health, and career services sectorsCommon in corporate, executive, and personal development settings

While both roles assist individuals with career development, Career Counselors focus on diagnosing issues, providing guidance, and addressing emotional or psychological barriers. Career Coaches primarily help clients set goals, develop strategies, and improve performance. The choice depends on whether the individual needs counseling support or performance coaching.

What are popular job titles related to Career Counselor jobs in Decatur, IL? For Career Counselor jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Career Counselor jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Career Counselor jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Career Counselor jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Career Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Career Counselor job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,217 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Middle School Counselor for 2026-2027 School Year

Decatur Public Schools District #61

Decatur, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Job description

Position Type:
Middle School Teaching/Guidance Counselor
Date Posted:
3/13/2026
Location:
Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School
Date Available:
08/2026
TITLE: Middle School Counselor
PURPOSE:
To help middle school students adjust to the many changing aspects of adolescence, and work to maximize student success by promoting access and equity for all students.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Holds a valid Illinois Professional Educator License
  2. Holds a certificate as a guidance counselor - or- Holds a type 73 certificate
  3. Master's Degree or higher education
  4. The ability to function effectively as a member of the school staff.
  5. Good organizational skills, detailed oriented, and ability to prioritize tasks effectively and efficiently.
  6. Ability to understand and follow basic oral and written instructions.
  7. Good written and communication skills.
  8. Ability to communicate to students, parents, staff, and administration in a courteous manner.

REPORTS TO:
The Principal or Designee
MAINTAINS LIAISON WITH:
Parents, Staff, Administration, and High School Counselors and/or designee. Communicates on a regular basis or as requested by parents, staff, and/or administration.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(The following are the essential fundamentals to include but not limited to the following job duties.)
I. MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION OF STUDENTS SERVICES:
  1. Observes students in their classrooms and other school settings to assist with providing short-term counseling for academics, discipline, and truancy.
  2. Emphasis will be placed on helping students develop skills in resolving conflicts, making decisions, improving interpersonal relationships with students and staff, preventing situations that would disrupt the learning environment, and coping with uncomfortable situations.
  3. Works with students to explore, set goals, and plan educational career opportunities. Monitors and collects data on student interests through career exploration platforms.
  4. Develop and maintain the Individual Career Exploration Plan for each student.
  5. Consults and collaborates with the teachers, school psychologist, social workers, administrators, families, and community resources to develop student success.
  6. Maintains contact with building administration to ensure that there is a coordinated effort and program to help students develop responsibility for their behavior.
  7. Has knowledge of community agencies that can assist students and can make appropriate referrals as necessary.
  8. Provides a stabilizing environment for students in crisis.
  9. Help arrange assistance for the academic needs of individual students.
  10. Assist with grade-level transitions.

II. ASSISTANCE TO INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF:
  1. Works with the staff in determining the needs of the students.
  2. Advises teachers on the social, emotional, and career development of the middle school student.
  3. Works with individual teachers to assist with situations that help will improve the teacher's effectiveness working with middle school students.
  4. Works with staff to support lessons on social-emotional learning.
  5. Coordinates and administers State and District wide tests.
  6. Arranges for conferences with parents and teachers as needed.

III. STAFF AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
a. Maintains and submits accurate and timely records/reports as required by law, Board policy, and administrative guidelines.
b. Follows building and district rules, procedures, and policies.
c. Takes an active role in interpreting the school's objectives, rules, and policies.
d. Participates in programs and/or assemblies that bring about Career Awareness.
e. Maintains and submits accurate and timely records/reports as required by law, Board policy, and administrative guidelines.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Wages, hours, terms, and conditions of employment pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement.
EVALUATION:
Each employee shall be evaluated according to the District's guidelines, policies, and procedures in accordance with the DEA contract.
The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to handle work which deals mostly with people, objects, and equipment in a general setting. The employee may be required to use repetitive hand motions, including prolonged use of a computer terminal. The employee is frequently required to sit, see, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and kneel. The employee may be required to lift up to 20 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus with or without correction.
The employee must recognize differences in sound, such as voices/noises that are loud and playful instead of angry and combative. The employee must have the ability to differentiate tones and volumes in conversation. The employee should hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
MENTAL FUNCTIONS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to compare, analyze, communicate, coordinate, compile, instruct, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, negotiate, and maintain emotional control under stress. The employee frequently is required to compute. The employee occasionally is required to copy.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.
Decatur Public Schools is an equal employment opportunity employer with an affirmative action plan.
This position falls under the Decatur Education Association (DEA) Contract - 2022-2026.
The Salary Schedule is attached above. Benefit information can be found HERE.
Attachment(s):
  • Middle School Counselor JD
  • Salary Schedule DEA