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Middle School Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Buckley School

$95K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Middle School Counselor The Buckley School, Los Angeles' oldest K-12 gender-inclusive learning institution, has an opening for a Middle School Counselor to serve the emotional, social, and ...

The Buckley School

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Middle School Counselor The Buckley School, Los Angeles' oldest K-12 gender-inclusive learning institution, has an opening for a Middle School Counselor to serve the emotional, social, and ...

The Buckley School

$95K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Middle School CounselorThe Buckley School, Los Angeles' oldest K-12 gender-inclusive learning institution, has an opening for a Middle School Counselor to serve the emotional, social, and ...

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$31K

$59.9K

$93.5K

How much do middle school counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for middle school counselor in the United States is $59,889.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $70,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a middle school counselor?

Middle school counselors are trained professionals who support students' academic, social, and emotional development during the middle school years. They provide guidance on academic planning, help students develop coping and problem-solving skills, and address issues such as bullying, peer relationships, and family challenges. Additionally, they often collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a positive and inclusive school environment. Their goal is to help students navigate the unique challenges of adolescence and succeed both academically and personally.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a middle school counselor?

To thrive as a Middle School Counselor, you need expertise in adolescent development, counseling techniques, and typically a master's degree in school counseling along with relevant state certification. Familiarity with student information systems, assessment tools, and crisis intervention protocols is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and effectively support diverse students. These skills are crucial for guiding students through academic, social, and emotional challenges during a pivotal stage in their development.

How do middle school counselors typically collaborate with teachers and parents to support students' academic and emotional needs?

Middle school counselors work closely with both teachers and parents to ensure students receive comprehensive support. They often participate in team meetings, share observations, and help develop interventions for students facing academic or social-emotional challenges. Counselors also facilitate communication between school and home, providing resources or referrals as needed. This collaboration is vital for creating a supportive environment that promotes student success and well-being.

What is the difference between Middle School Counselor vs School Psychologist?

AspectMiddle School CounselorSchool Psychologist
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in school counseling or related field, state certificationMaster's or Doctoral degree in school psychology, state certification/license
Work EnvironmentElementary and middle schools, focusing on academic, social, and emotional supportElementary, middle, and high schools, conducting assessments and mental health evaluations
Employer & Industry UsageSchool districts, educational institutionsSchool districts, mental health agencies, private practices
Common Search & ComparisonMiddle School Counselor vs School Psychologist

While both roles support students' well-being, Middle School Counselors primarily focus on academic guidance and social-emotional support, whereas School Psychologists conduct assessments and provide mental health evaluations. The choice depends on whether the focus is on counseling or psychological testing and diagnosis.

How to be a middle school counselor?

To become a middle school counselor, you typically need a master's degree in school counseling or a related field, along with state certification or licensure. The role involves providing academic, career, and emotional support to students, often requiring strong communication, counseling skills, and knowledge of developmental psychology. Relevant experience through internships or supervised practice is also important.

Is it hard to get hired as a middle school counselor?

Getting hired as a middle school counselor can be competitive, often requiring a master's degree in school counseling or a related field, along with state certification or licensure. Strong interpersonal skills, relevant experience, and familiarity with school environments can improve job prospects, but demand varies by region and school district.
More about Middle School Counselor jobs

What cities are hiring for Middle School Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most Middle School Counselor job openings:

What states have the most Middle School Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Middle School Counselor jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Middle School Counselor jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Middle School Counselor jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Middle School Counselor jobs?

For Middle School Counselor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Middle School Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Middle School Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,889 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Middle School Counselor

The Buckley School

On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

The Buckley School is a dynamic, nurturing learning community committed to equity and inclusion, and as such, seeks to hire talented employees with diverse backgrounds.
Middle School Counselor
The Buckley School, Los Angeles' oldest K-12 gender-inclusive learning institution, has an opening for a Middle School Counselor to serve the emotional, social, and psychological needs of our 6-8 grade population through one-on-one counseling and through the creation of educational programs. The counselor works closely with administrators and teachers.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Provide individual and group counseling to students on academic and personal/social issues.
  • Address students' social and emotional needs, including conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and developing coping strategies.
  • Develop and implement behavior management plans and support systems for students with behavioral issues. Communicate effectively with parents/guardians regarding students' progress, concerns, and potential interventions.
  • Design and implement comprehensive school counseling programs that promote student achievement and well-being.
  • Stay current with developments in school counseling and education through ongoing professional development and participation in professional organizations.
  • Ensure all counseling practices comply with state and federal regulations, as well as school policies. Works closely with the middle school student support team and K-12 student support team.
  • Function as a liaison among faculty, advisors, parents/guardians, and those providing outside support to students. Communicate often with faculty and advisors.
  • Coordinate parent education programs.
  • Coordinate classroom observations of students with faculty and administration.
  • Periodically conduct professional development workshops for faculty and staff.

PROCEDURAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Upholds all expectations, policies and practices outlined in the school's employee handbook, the collective bargaining agreement, other foundational documents, and directives from senior administrators.
  • Maintains accurate and timely electronic records for each student.

STUDENTS/STAFF/COMMUNITY RELATIONS
  • Creates warm and uplifting professional relationships with students, families, and all constituencies of the school.
  • Communicates with students, families, and administrators in a timely and effectively manner concerning student progress.
  • Serves as an ambassador for the school at all times, on and off campus, for example but not limited to: upholding the expectations in the employee and family handbooks; speaking positively about the school and its community members; participating in the school's efforts to recruit and retain new families, faculty and staff; etc.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES
  • Assist in the transition to and from school divisions, communicating regularly with student support staff in both Lower and Upper Schools, including an annual transition meeting in the spring.
  • Maintain a current referral list of outside professionals for both mental/social/emotional health services and learning difference support, acting as a liaison between the school and outside professional support.
  • Observe students in classroom settings to help teachers with behavior management.
  • Participate in Outdoor Education, chaperone school events, attend grade level meetings, and get involved in Middle School life.
  • Conduct admission interviews for possible incoming students when needed.
  • Review the school counseling program and learning differences services annually with administrators and other support staff.
  • Establish a planning calendar for activities with the other counselors.
  • Plan, implement, and maintain the systems necessary for the support, maintenance, and improvement of the school counseling program.
  • Articulate the school counseling program and learning differences support program to students, parents, teachers, advisors, staff, and community.
  • Develop and maintain skills needed to utilize technology systems and participate in professional development activities.
  • Cooperate and collaborate with other professionals in enhancing the education of students and their social/emotional wellness.
  • Meet weekly with Middle School Administration and other student support staff to consult and collaborate (MS Student Support Team). Attend all faculty and grade level meetings, and K-12 student support team meetings.

PROFESSIONALISM
  • Adhere to the ethical standards and preferred practices of related state and national professional associations.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of local policies and state and federal laws pertaining to children.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and professional development.
  • Maintain professional confidentiality and discretion at all times.
  • Be comfortable working with teachers and administration in a collaborative environment.

KNOWLEDGE
  • Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills
  • Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations, including students, parents, and faculty.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
  • An advanced degree in School Counseling, Social Work, School Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or Applied Psychology is required.
  • Appropriate license, certification, and/or other documentation attesting to the candidate's expertise in counseling is required.
  • A minimum of two years of experience working with Middle School children and families in a school setting is preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
  • Kindness, compassion, sensitivity, and the ability to listen carefully.
  • Knowledge of and demonstrated competency in diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Demonstrated knowledge of child and adolescent development and social-emotional learning.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations, including students, parents, and faculty.
  • Genuine interest and excitement in working with students and a desire to support their learning and growth.
  • Comfortable being visible and engaged on campus
  • Models the highest standards of professionalism and creates warm, uplifting, and trusting learning environments and working relationships marked by humor, positivity, humility, empathy, and excellent emotional intelligence.
  • Demonstrates great individual integrity, initiative, self-awareness, commitment to personal and professional growth, and the ability to receive and apply feedback
  • Possesses a passion for education, particularly in an independent school environment, conveyed by a solid understanding of educational practice and philosophy grounded in DEI
  • Relishes the joys and challenges of working with K-12 students and possesses a deep understanding of the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of children
  • Demonstrates adaptability, dependability, good judgment, strong social skills and the ability to read, assess, imagine, evaluate, calculate, & make wise decisions
  • Experience with developing scope and sequence, working in collaboration with department peers
  • Demonstrates strong communication skills in person, in writing, by phone, and through other electronic means (such as Zoom)
  • Knowledge of Google Drive (Sheets and Docs), Blackbaud/Education Edge, and the ability to learn new and evolving technology

COMPENSATION
$95,000 - $130,000 per year depending on experience.
The base salary is separate from fringe benefits, such as retirement contributions, daily lunch, on-site parking, contributions to medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D plans, our generous time off policy, or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Our pay ranges are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role but are not guaranteed. If hired at The Buckley School, your actual base salary will be determined by your education and experience.
TO APPLY
Interested candidates should visit:
Please note that you must upload your resume AND cover letter to be considered for the position. Incomplete applications will not move forward in the hiring process.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
The Buckley School proudly carries on the mission of its founder, Dr. Isabelle Buckley, who in 1933 set out to provide students with an education characterized not only by academic excellence, but also a sense of self-esteem, responsibility, and character. An independent, gender-inclusive day school for students in kindergarten through grade 12, providing students with a program based on critical thinking, creative self-expression through arts, physical development, and moral education lies at the heart of Buckley's ethos.
At The Buckley School, faculty and staff believe in their students, see their capacity for growth, and nurture their ability to create and evaluate. Students are honored for their diverse backgrounds and admired for their ability to lead with empathy and courage. Inspired by its mission, the Portrait of a Graduate, Dr. Buckley's Four-Fold Plan - education with equal emphasis on Academics, the Arts, Athletics, and Moral Education - and the Buckley Commitment of Honesty, Loyalty, Respect, Kindness, Self-Reliance, and Self-Discipline, faculty uplift students, partner with parents, and build community every day.

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