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School Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requirements: Master's degreein school counseling AND current ISBE Professional Educator License (PEL) witha School Counseling Endorsement Reports to: Principal Evaluated by: Principal ...

Master's degree in school counseling AND current ISBE Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Counseling Endorsement Reports to: Principal Evaluated by: Principal PRIMARY FUNCTION As vital ...

Requirements: Master's degreein school counseling AND current ISBE Professional Educator License (PEL) witha School Counseling Endorsement Reports to: Principal Evaluated by: Principal ...

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School Counseling information

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$22.5K

$60.4K

$96K

How much do school counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for school counseling in the United States is $60,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What other jobs can a school counselor get?

School counselors can transition into roles such as mental health counselors, school psychologists, social workers, or student support specialists, often requiring relevant certifications or advanced degrees. They also may work in community agencies, healthcare settings, or educational administration, utilizing skills in counseling, communication, and crisis intervention.

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.

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 school counselors?

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 is the 80/20 rule in school counseling?

The 80/20 rule in school counseling suggests that approximately 80% of a counselor's time is spent on direct student interactions, such as counseling sessions and classroom guidance, while about 20% is dedicated to administrative tasks, planning, and collaboration with teachers and parents. This principle helps counselors prioritize their workload to maximize student support and program effectiveness.

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.

Where do school counselors make the most money?

School counselors tend to earn the highest salaries in regions with higher living costs and larger school districts, such as urban areas or affluent communities. Factors like experience, education level, and certifications can also influence salary levels, with some states offering higher pay due to demand and funding for education services.
More about School Counseling jobs
What cities are hiring for School Counseling jobs? Cities with the most School Counseling job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of School Counseling jobs? The most popular types of School Counseling jobs are:
What states have the most School Counseling jobs? States with the most job openings for School Counseling jobs include:
Infographic showing various School Counseling job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,409 per year, or $29 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

ALTA VISTA INNOVATION HIGH SCHOOL

Full Time, Monday - Friday

Help Us Change Lives

We live by the motto that “There is a Student in Front of Everything We Do” and we are very passionate about it.  Do you have a passion to work with students? If so, then this is an exciting opportunity for you! You’ll have the opportunity to work with a diverse group of students supporting their growth and development. Remember the person who made a difference in your life? Now it’s your turn.

Learn more about us at https://learn4life.org/

How You Will Make an Impact

The School Counselor is responsible for enhancing student success by developing, implementing, evaluating, and continuously improving a comprehensive school counseling program. Utilizing a Multi-Tiered, Multi-Domain System of Supports (MTMDSS), the school counselor promotes academic achievement, college and career readiness, and social-emotional development for all students. The school counselor’s time is primary dedicated to direct student services and advocacy through communication with staff, families, and community members on behalf of students. As a leader, advocate, and collaborator, the School Counselor works to drive positive systemic changes that ensure equity and access for every student. This position reports to the Principal or their designee 

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES: This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with this classification. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

  • Implement a school counseling program that is aligned to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, schoolwide goals and improvement metrics, districtwide priorities, and current, evidence based practices and systems that have been shown to promote student success.
  • Abide by the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counseling and the ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies to guide professional growth and development.
  • Conduct regular reviews of school and student data to inform student outcomes through program SMART goals, tiered supports, closing the gap activities, interventions, equity initiatives, and advocacy efforts.
  • Evaluate and share the results of the school counseling program’s impact and effectiveness with key stakeholders. Provide recommendations for improving the school counseling program. 
  • Spend their time in alignment with ASCA’s recommendation that 80% or more of the school counselor’s time is spent providing direct student services (instruction, appraisal, advisement, and counseling with students) and indirect student services (collaboration, consultation, and referrals with families, teachers, administrators, school staff, and community stakeholders). 
  • Implement comprehensive Tier 1 school counseling support that reaches ALL students.
  • Provide intentional, targeted, culturally responsive Tier 2 school counseling interventions for students identified as deserving of additional support. 
  • Provide intensified Tier 3 school counseling supports/referrals for students experiencing emergency or crisis situations, as well as those whose needs remain unmet after receiving Tier 2 support. 
  • Consult, collaboration, and team with key stakeholders to support student success.
  • Promote equity, access for all students, and make a significant impact in creating a school culture free from racism and bias in all forms.
  • Engage in high-quality school counseling system support, including, but not limited to the development of action plans, lesson plans, annual planning calendars, annual administrator conferences, needs assessments, results reports, data-sharing presentations, progress monitoring of school counseling interventions and activities, planning time for the creation and improvement of data-driven school counseling interventions, regular meetings with other school counselors, etc.
  • Utilize technology and other virtual tools to support efficient and effective program delivery and communication with the school community.
  • Actively pursue and participate in professional learning, to stay current with evidence-based practices in the field. Examples: Maintaining membership in state and national professional organizations (i.e., American School Counselor Association), reading professional journals, attending local, state, and national workshops and conferences, engaging in continuing education coursework as appropriate. 
  • Perform administrative duties, responsibilities, and activities as assigned, which may be changed or modified from time to time.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

  • Knowledge of Federal and State Education Codes, including K–12 and Public Charter School laws and governance.
  • Understanding of Independent Study, Personalized Learning, and Distance Learning models.
  • Knowledge of high school credits, graduation requirements, academic interventions, and alternative education programs.
  • Ability to design and manage student-centered programs.
  • Strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Skilled in working with diverse learners, including students with special needs.
  • Ability to adapt to change and manage multiple priorities.
  • Proficient in using data to guide decisions and improve practices. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited college or university.
  • Valid California Clear Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Counseling.
  • Experience in individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and working with at-risk youth.
  • Familiarity with community resources and support networks
  • Proficient level in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Education and Student Information Systems.
  • Ability to travel in performance of the job duties.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Vision: Ability to read small prints and view a computer screen for prolong periods, prepare, or inspect documents and operate office equipment. 
  • Hearing: Ability to hear average or typical conversations and receive ordinary information.
  • Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communication, in person or virtually, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer. 
  • Mental Demands: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret, and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Frequent multi-tasking, changing of task priorities, repetitious exacting work. Understand how to manage stress in a  medium workflow management, low project coordination, and high people engagement.
  • Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use fingers to make small movements such as typing, picking up small objects, or pinching fingers together, use hands to grasp, and manipulate small objects; twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.
  • Strength: Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
  • Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors. Prolonged period sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Work in a low to moderate noise environment with frequent deadline pressures.     Â