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School Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

School Social Worker

Hesperia, CA · On-site

$81K - $103K/yr

This Position will consult and work in partnership with the School Counselor to a) deliver school and community wide best practice b) create policies, procedures, and support that positively impact ...

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School Counselor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$23.5K

$63K

$100.2K

How much do school counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for school counselor in Riverside, CA is $63,023.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,100.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a School Counselor, you need a background in counseling, psychology, or education, typically with a master's degree and state certification in school counseling. Familiarity with student information systems, career assessment tools, and mental health screening software is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build trust with students and staff set exceptional counselors apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively supporting students' academic, social, and emotional development within educational environments.

How does a school counselor typically collaborate with teachers and parents to support student success?

School counselors work closely with teachers to identify students' academic and social-emotional needs, often conducting joint meetings to discuss strategies for individual student support. They also maintain regular communication with parents, providing updates on student progress, addressing concerns, and offering resources or referrals when needed. This collaborative approach ensures a holistic understanding of each student, helping create a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

What is the difference between School Counselor vs School Psychologist?

AspectSchool CounselorSchool Psychologist
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in school counseling or related field; state certification/licenseMaster's or doctoral degree in school psychology; state certification/license
Work EnvironmentElementary, middle, or high schools; focus on student guidance and career counselingElementary, middle, or high schools; focus on psychological assessment and mental health
Employer & Industry UsagePublic and private schools, educational agenciesPublic and private schools, mental health agencies, clinics
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and responsibilitiesDistinguishing mental health services and assessment functions

School counselors primarily focus on student guidance, academic planning, and career counseling, while school psychologists specialize in mental health assessment, psychological testing, and therapy. Both roles work within educational settings and require relevant certifications, but their core functions differ significantly.

How much do school counselors make?

School counselors in Missouri typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, education level, and school district. Salaries can vary based on certification, additional qualifications, and the size of the school or district where they work.

How to become a school counselor with no experience?

To become a school counselor, you typically need a master's degree in school counseling or a related field and state certification or licensure. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level roles in education or mental health can help build relevant skills and improve job prospects.

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. Job availability depends on school district needs and funding, but strong interpersonal skills and relevant experience can improve chances of employment.

What degree do most school counselors have?

Most school counselors hold a master's degree in school counseling or a related field. They are also typically required to obtain state certification or licensure to work in educational settings. A bachelor's degree is usually a prerequisite before pursuing a master's program in counseling or a similar discipline.

What are the most commonly searched types of School Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of School Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to School Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA?

For School Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for School Counselor jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most School Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various School Counselor job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,023 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Long Term Substitute, Upper School Counselor

Irvine, CA • On-site

$35 - $41/hr

Temporary

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

This temporary position will provide coverage during a leave of absence, anticipated to begin in mid-October and last approximately 3-5 months. The hiring range is $275-$330 per day. This position is exempt and is not eligible for benefits or holiday pay.

The School Counselor supports the social and emotional well-being of students. Working collaboratively with faculty, administration, and families, the counselor provides individual and group counseling, develops wellness programming, and fosters a culture of care, belonging, and resilience. This position is an integral part of the Student Support Team and contributes to the school’s mission to foster confident, compassionate, and engaged learners.

Key Responsibilities

Counseling and Support:

  • Provide individual and group counseling to students to address academic, emotional, and social challenges.
  • Serve as a resource for students navigating transitions, managing stress, and developing coping strategies.
  • Respond to immediate student concerns, providing crisis intervention and referrals when necessary.

Student Wellness and Programming:

  • Develop and implement programs to promote mental health, resilience, and overall well-being.
  • Lead workshops and classroom lessons on topics such as conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and stress management.
  • Partner with the school’s leadership team to integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into the curriculum.

Faculty & Family Collaboration and Support:

  • Engage proactively in collaboration with faculty and grade-level teams to identify and support students' academic, social, and emotional needs
  • Play an integral part in the Student Support Team (SST)
     
  • Partner with the Parent Association to design and deliver educational programming for parents, providing resources and guidance on adolescent development, mental health, and family-school collaboration.
     
  • Strengthen faculty capacity by leading professional development initiatives focused on creating emotionally, safe, supportive and inclusive classroom environments. 
     
  • Act as a trusted resource and consultant for faculty, offering expertise and strategies to address students’ social-emotional development within the classroom setting.
     
  • Foster strong, ongoing communication with families, providing guidance, resources, and support to address a wide range of student needs and promote positive school-home partnerships.
Crisis Response & Risk Assessment
  • Act as a member of the school's crisis response team, offering guidance and immediate support during individual or community-wide emergencies.
     
  • Maintain and follow communication protocols for responding to students in distress or crisis conducting risk assessments as needed.
     

Community Engagement:

  • Support inclusion initiatives, ensuring all students feel valued and respected.
  • Foster strong relationships within the school community to enhance student support services.
  • Organize and participate in events and activities that strengthen the school’s community connections.

Qualifications (preferred):

  • Master’s Degree in School Counseling, or Clinical/Counseling Psychology
  • Experience as a school counselor in an Independent school
  • Classroom experience developing and teaching SEL lessons