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School Counseling Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

State of Iowa

School Psychologist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$48K - $116K/yr

The School Psychologist collaborates with ISD teachers, school counselors and professionals in other disciplines (e.g. mental health specialists, DHS personnel, other AEA professionals) to assist ...

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School Counseling information

See Iowa salary details

$21.1K

$56.7K

$90.2K

How much do school counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for school counseling in Iowa is $56,740.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,100.00 and $65,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a school counselor?

School counselors are trained professionals who work in educational settings to support students’ academic, career, social, and emotional development. They provide guidance on course selection, college applications, and career exploration, as well as help students navigate personal and social challenges. School counselors also collaborate with teachers, families, and administrators to create a safe and supportive learning environment. Their goal is to help all students succeed academically and develop the skills necessary for lifelong learning and well-being.

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

To thrive as a School Counselor, you need a background in counseling or psychology, often requiring a master's degree and state certification or licensure. Familiarity with student information systems, counseling software, and assessment tools is important for effective student support and record-keeping. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and cultural competence help build trust and rapport with diverse students and families. These skills and qualifications are crucial for promoting students' academic, social, and emotional well-being in a school environment.

What are some common challenges school counselors face when supporting students, and how can they effectively address them?

School counselors often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, addressing diverse student needs, and balancing administrative tasks with direct student support. To effectively address these challenges, counselors prioritize time management, utilize data-driven strategies to identify at-risk students, and collaborate closely with teachers, parents, and community resources. Ongoing professional development and establishing strong communication channels within the school also help counselors provide comprehensive support and make a positive impact.

What is the difference between School Counseling vs School Psychology?

AspectSchool CounselingSchool Psychology
Required CredentialsMaster's in School Counseling, state certificationMaster's or Doctorate in School Psychology, state certification
Work EnvironmentElementary, middle, high schools; focus on academic, career, and social-emotional supportSame school settings; focus on mental health assessments and psychological interventions
Employer & Industry UsagePublic and private schools, educational agenciesPublic schools, school districts, mental health agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, certifications, and responsibilitiesDistinguishing between mental health and academic support roles

School counseling and school psychology share similar environments and certifications but differ mainly in focus. School counselors primarily support students' academic, career, and social-emotional needs, while school psychologists focus on mental health assessments and psychological interventions. Both roles are vital in educational settings, but their specific functions and training differ to meet distinct student needs.

Is it hard to get hired as a school counselor?

Getting hired as a 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 a good understanding of student needs can improve job prospects, but demand varies by region and school district.

Is there a shortage of school counselors?

School counseling is experiencing a nationwide shortage due to increased student mental health needs and retirements among current counselors. This has led to higher demand for qualified school counselors, often resulting in staffing challenges in many districts. Strong communication and counseling skills, along with relevant certifications, are important for those entering the field.

What else can I do with a school counseling degree?

A school counseling degree can qualify you for roles such as school counselor, mental health counselor, or college counselor. It also provides a foundation for careers in student advocacy, educational administration, or community outreach, often requiring additional certifications or licenses. Skills in communication, assessment, and crisis intervention are valuable across these fields.

What are the most commonly searched types of School Counseling jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of School Counseling jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to School Counseling jobs in Iowa?

For School Counseling jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching School Counseling jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for School Counseling jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for School Counseling jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most School Counseling job openings:

School Counseling jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Counseling job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,740 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

K-12 School Counselor (Flexible Learning Network)

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Cedar Rapids Community School District
See more jobs at Cedar Rapids Community School Districtexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Description: K-12 School Counselor - Flexible Learning Network (FLN)

Location: City View High School @ Kirkwood / Five Seasons Virtual Academy @ Wilson

Reports To: Executive Director of Student Services and the FLN Head of Schools

Contract: School-Year Contract (as determined by district)

Position Summary

The School Counselor for the Flexible Learning Network (FLN) provides a comprehensive, K-12 school counseling program across both City View Community High School and the Five Seasons Virtual Academy (FSVA). This role is designed for a collaborative problem-solver and relationship-builder who can support students in a competency-based, early college, and virtual learning environment. The counselor helps students navigate diverse educational pathways while ensuring progress toward academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Virtual Academy & Flexible Learning Support

  • Provide counseling, academic planning, and graduation support specifically tailored for students in virtual learning environments.
  • Monitor student engagement, attendance, and course completion to identify and address barriers to success in virtual settings.
  • Develop individualized intervention plans for students at risk of falling behind and support transitions between traditional and virtual educational settings.

2. Comprehensive School Counseling 

  • Deliver direct services through a school counseling core curriculum, including instruction and planned group activities that promote academic, career, and social-emotional development.
  • Provide individual and small-group counseling focused on short-term, goal-oriented achievement and mental health needs.
  • Assist students at all levels with individual student planning, including appraisal of interests/abilities and advisement for goal setting.
  • Provide crisis response and assistance to families during emergency situations.

3. Academic Planning & Graduation Support

  • Develop and monitor individualized academic plans and conduct regular graduation requirement reviews.
  • Support course selection, scheduling, and credit attainment.
  • Utilize student data to identify concerns and implement interventions that promote student success.

4. College, Career, and Pathways Planning

  • Coordinate comprehensive college and career readiness programming, guiding students and families through admissions, financial aid (FAFSA), and scholarship applications.
  • Maintain expertise in diverse pathways, including dual-credit/early college programming with Kirkwood Community College, apprenticeships, military service, and workforce training.

5. Section 504 Coordination

  • Serve as the school's Section 504 Coordinator, managing the identification, evaluation, and annual review processes.
  • Facilitate 504 meetings and ensure the implementation of accommodations across various educational programs and assessments.

6. Collaboration and Outreach

  • Consult and collaborate with families, staff, and community partners to remove barriers to learning.
  • Support student recruitment and enrollment for City View and FSVA, representing the programs at district and community events.
  • Manage school social media and communications to highlight student achievements and promote the school's mission.
  • Willingness and ability to collaborate with homeschool students and families. 

7. Other

  • May carry a FLN roster if needed.
  • Other duties as assigned by the superintendent and/or their designee.

Qualifications

Credentials:

  • MA in School Counseling - Required
  • Valid Iowa School Counselor License (with appropriate K-8 and/or 5-12 endorsements for a K-12 scope) - Required
  • Valid Iowa Teaching License - Preferred

Characteristics & Mindsets:

  • Student-centered and relationship-driven
  • Comfortable navigating ambiguity and building new systems
  • Commitment to educational equity and advocating for all students
  • Strong philosophy and practices demonstrating support for student-centered learning, trauma-informed care, and positive behavior intervention systems (PBIS)

Experience/Skills:

  • Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
  • Experience in virtual learning, alternative education, or competency-based environments
  • Experience coordinating state and national assessments (ISASP, PSAT, ACT)
  • Knowledge of college admissions and postsecondary transitions
  • Data-informed decision maker who uses regular analysis to improve programming

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

  • Ability to perform physical demands associated with school counseling, including standing, walking, and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds
  • Must be able to travel between district sites and attend occasional evening events
  • The work environment is typically quiet but requires flexibility for virtual interaction and supervising various student activities


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