Elementary/Middle School Guidance Counselor

Overview

We are excited to consider your application for anticipated vacancies in the 2025-2026 school year. We are thrilled that you’re considering applying for openings expected in the 2025-2026 school year at Friendship Public Charter School. Our formal interview process will begin in January 2025, for our confirmed vacancies only. Non-vacant positions may still be posted during this time. 

Friendship Public Charter School operates a dynamic network of college-preparatory charter schools headquartered in Washington, DC. We proudly serve more than 4,800 preschool through 12th-grade students and support a growing network of alumni as they complete college. Our mission is to provide students with a world-class education that fosters ethical, literate, well-rounded, and self-sufficient individuals. We aim to inspire students to reach high academic standards, enjoy the learning process, succeed in their endeavors, and contribute actively to their communities. For 25 years, thanks to the dedication and expertise of our outstanding faculty, our students have excelled—achieving high graduation rates, college acceptance, and success both academically and socially.

We are seeking professionals who are responsible, confident, respectful, caring, committed, persistent, and patient to join our community for the 2025-2026 school year, starting in August 2025. At Friendship, we believe that every child has the potential to reach and succeed in college—and we invite those who share this belief to apply.

For more information about our Teacher Evaluation Method, see the Danielson Framework for Teaching.

For more information about our schools please visit the following Social Media pages: YouTube, Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram & Twitter! 

Please also see the available salary scales: FPCS Compensation

Responsibilities

• Academic Counseling:

  • Provide individualized academic counseling to students, helping them set realistic goals and develop plans for high school graduation, post-secondary education, and career readiness.
  • Monitor students' academic performance and collaborate with teachers and parents to address any academic challenges.
  • Assist students with course selection, scheduling, and understanding graduation requirements.

• College and Career Planning:

  • Guide students through the college application process, including exploring colleges, completing applications, and accessing financial aid resources.
  • Facilitate workshops and individual counseling sessions focused on career exploration, vocational training opportunities, and job readiness.
  • Develop partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide internship and job-shadowing opportunities for students.

• Social and Emotional Support:

  • Provide individual and group counseling services to support students' emotional well-being, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, peer relationships, and family challenges.
  • Implement programs that promote positive behavior, conflict resolution, and stress management skills.
  • Respond to crises and connect students with external resources such as mental health services, social services, and community-based organizations.

• Equity and Inclusion:

  • Advocate for all students, ensuring equitable access to academic and extracurricular opportunities, especially for historically underserved populations.
  • Collaborate with administrators and staff to create a school environment that is inclusive and culturally responsive.
  • Facilitate discussions and initiatives that address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the school community.

• Collaboration and Community Engagement:

  • Work closely with teachers, administrators, and support staff to identify and address students' academic, social, and emotional needs.
  • Engage with parents and guardians to keep them informed about their child's progress and provide resources to support their involvement in the education process.
  • Partner with local organizations, community leaders, and other external resources to enhance the services available to students and families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in School Counseling or related field required
• Master’s degree in School Counseling or related field preferred
• Experience working in an urban school setting preferred.
• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by urban students and a commitment to helping them overcome barriers to success.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of students, parents, and staff.
• Knowledge of academic and career counseling techniques and best practices.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues with compassion and discretion.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to respond to crises with calm and clarity.
• Proficiency in using counseling and academic management software is a plus.

FPCS’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, status as a special disabled veteran, or any other protected criteria as established by federal, state, or local laws.  This policy applies to recruitment and hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, layoff, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.  Employment decisions at FPCS are based solely upon relevant criteria, including an individual’s capabilities, qualifications, training, experience and suitability.