Counselor - Bush Elementary School and Mendoza Elementary School 2025-2026

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Job Summary:

The position of school counselor prepares all students for high school graduation and success through direct and indirect student services The position is responsible for leadership, advocacy, and collaboration within and without the school to implement a preventative, proactive school counseling program, using the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model (2012). The position will promote student success through the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program which addresses academic, career, and social-emotional needs of students. The school counselor also contributes to school wide college and career readiness efforts.

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities:

This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role, detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Develop and manage a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs
• Implement a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, which monitors student progress and provides personalized support for students who are not on track to graduate within four years
• Maintain accountability within a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, including collaboration with the administration and faculty members to regularly make data-informed, evidence-based, counseling decisions
• Serve as a systems change agent within a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, including the development of evidence-based programming to address the priority college and career readiness needs of the school
• Spend 80% or more of documented time on direct and indirect services to students.  Direct services to students typically include instruction of core curriculum, group activities promoting academic and social/emotional development, individual student college and career planning, responsive services in individual or small group settings, and crisis response support.  Indirect services to students typically include consultation with parents, teachers, educators, and community organizations; collaboration with educators, parents, and the community in regard to student achievement; and referrals for students and families to school or community resources
• Spend 20% or less of documented time on program planning and support
• Support 504 referral, evaluation, and accommodation processes for students in one’s caseload
• Assist students in crisis situations and refer to district or community resources when appropriate
• Remain current with federal laws, state statutes, and district policies related to college and career readiness
• Remain current with postsecondary college and career opportunities and best practices, including changes to college admission and financial aid criteria (especially, but not limited to FAFSA) if applicable
• Support Special Education team on a case-by-case basis when needed, including attendance at relevant IEP meetings
• Thorough understanding of academic requirements that lead to high school graduation
• Knowledge of college and career readiness strategies and programs as well as postsecondary options
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary. 

Education:

• Master’s Degree in School Guidance and Counseling
• Valid Arizona School Counselor Certification required. Applicants must have on file in the Human Resources Department a copy of the appropriate valid certificate or evidence of eligibility to be appropriately certified by the Arizona Department of Education
• Adherence to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards for school counselors 

Experience:

• Classroom teaching experience or demonstration of effective classroom instructional practices
• Prior experience as a school counselor
• Experience in college and career readiness work including the knowledge of academic, social emotional, and college and career development.
• Experience with use of technology in research, school counseling program development, management, and delivery

Skills & Competencies:

This section outlines the critical skills and competencies required to excel in this role, enabling effective performance, adaptability, and consistent achievement of job responsibilities.

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with parents and district personnel at all levels
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, students
• Ability to work with diverse populations and cultures
• Willingness to adapt to change as well as mediating between students, teachers, and parents
• Time management and planning skills for managing multiple cases and implementing school wide programs
• Understanding job market trends and opportunities, along with resume and college skills
• Recognizing signs of mental health issues or crisis, techniques for emotional support and referral to professional services 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office, classroom, or other settings, and if there are physical activities like standing, walking, or lifting.

• Mostly office setting along with classrooms, auditoriums and shared spaces on campus
• Frequent interactions with students, teachers, administrators, and parents
• One-on-one or small group counseling sessions
• Follows school hours and school-year calendar
• Emotionally demanding balancing administrative tasks, social and academic conflicts, family challenges, etc
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or computer, along with occasional walking and standing to move between classrooms, offices and school areas
• May involve lifting and carrying books, teaching materials, or light office equipment (usually under 25 pounds)

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:  

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.

Salary : $65 - $1,000