School Counselor

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The School Counselor plays a vital role in fostering the academic, social-emotional, and career development of students. They provide guidance, support, and interventions to help students navigate personal challenges, develop positive relationships, and achieve their educational goals. The counselor collaborates with teachers, administrators, families, and community resources to create a supportive and inclusive school environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist students in developing academic goals and creating individualized success plans.
• Provide interventions and strategies for students struggling academically.
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators to implement academic support programs.
• Monitor student progress and recommend appropriate interventions.
• Provide individual and group counseling to support students’ emotional and mental well-being.
• Develop and implement programs to promote positive behavior, self-esteem, and resilience.
• Address behavioral concerns by working with students, families, and staff.
• Respond to crisis situations and provide immediate support as needed.
• Refer students and families to external mental health and social services when appropriate.
• Assist students in exploring career pathways and setting post-secondary goals.
• Provide guidance on college applications, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
• Organize college and career fairs, workshops, and guest speaker events.
• Support students with course selection and graduation planning.
• Serve as a liaison between students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
• Advocate for students’ academic, emotional, and social needs.
• Communicate with families to provide resources, support, and intervention strategies.
• Conduct parent meetings and workshops on relevant topics (mental health, academic success, etc.).
• Lead initiatives on bullying prevention, conflict resolution, and positive school culture.
• Implement and oversee social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health awareness programs.
• Support students with transitions (e.g., new students, grade level advancement, high school to college/workforce).
• Respond to crises such as student trauma, self-harm concerns, or grief counseling.
• Develop and implement school crisis response plans.
• Work with school staff to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records in compliance with district policies and state regulations.
• Ensure ethical and legal guidelines are followed in counseling practices.
• Collect and analyze data to assess the effectiveness of counseling programs and interventions.
• Stay updated on best practices and trends in school counseling and mental health.
• Attend professional development workshops, conferences, and training sessions.
• Collaborate with school staff, district personnel, and community organizations to support student success.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Understanding of child and adolescent development, including social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
• Knowledge of counseling theories, techniques, and best practices for school settings.
• Familiarity with academic, career, and college readiness counseling strategies.
• Awareness of crisis intervention strategies and mental health resources.
• Understanding of federal, state, and district regulations related to student privacy, special education, and counseling (e.g., FERPA, IDEA, Section 504).
• Knowledge of cultural competency and equity-focused counseling practices.
• Familiarity with schoolwide programs such as social-emotional learning (SEL), restorative practices, and positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS).
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and support for students experiencing adversity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with students, families, and staff.
• Active listening and empathy to support students’ academic and emotional needs.
• Conflict resolution and mediation skills for handling student disputes and behavioral issues.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills in complex student situations.
• Ability to develop and implement student support programs and interventions.
• Proficiency in collecting and analyzing data to assess counseling effectiveness.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to balance multiple responsibilities.
• Technological proficiency in using student information systems, counseling software, and digital communication tools.
• Build trusting relationships with students and create a safe, supportive environment.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and families to support student success.
• Advocate for students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being.
• Manage sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Adapt counseling approaches to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Handle crisis situations calmly and effectively while providing appropriate support.
• Develop and lead group counseling sessions, workshops, and schoolwide initiatives.
• Maintain a growth mindset and stay updated on best practices in school counseling.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Mobility: Ability to move freely throughout the school building and campus, including classrooms, offices, and meeting spaces.
• Sitting & Standing: Prolonged periods of sitting while conducting one-on-one counseling sessions, meetings, and administrative tasks; occasional standing for presentations, workshops, or supervision duties.
• Speaking & Hearing: Clear and effective communication is essential; one must be able to actively listen, respond, and engage with students, staff, and parents in various environments.
• Vision Requirements: Ability to read and interpret documents, student records, digital screens, and written communication.
• Manual Dexterity: Frequent use of computers, office equipment, and written documentation; ability to type, write, and handle materials.
• Emotional & Mental Stamina: Ability to handle high-stress situations, manage multiple tasks, and provide crisis intervention when necessary.
• Occasional Physical Assistance: May involve assisting students in distress or guiding them to appropriate support services.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• School-Based Setting: Primarily works in an office within a school building but may also conduct sessions in classrooms, conference rooms, or other designated spaces.
• Student Interaction: Engages with students individually, in small groups, and in larger classroom settings to provide counseling, guidance, and support.
• Collaborative Environment: Works closely with teachers, administrators, school psychologists, social workers, and other support staff to address student needs.
• Fast-Paced & Variable Workday: Balances scheduled counseling sessions with unexpected student crises, staff consultations, and parent meetings.
• Emotional & Mental Demands: Frequently deals with sensitive or challenging situations, including crisis intervention, mental health concerns, and family-related issues.
• School & Community Events: May participate in school functions such as open houses, parent-teacher conferences, and career fairs.
• Flexible & Adaptable Work Conditions: May require adjusting the daily schedule based on student needs, emergencies, or administrative tasks.
• Confidential & Private Setting: Ensures a safe and secure space for student discussions while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
• Technology Use: Regularly uses computers, counseling software, student records systems, and virtual communication tools.
• Occasional Travel: May involve travel between school sites, district meetings, professional development training, or community resource visits.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Master’s degree in School Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Education, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Completion of a state-approved School Counseling credential or licensure program.
• Additional coursework or training in trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning (SEL), crisis intervention, and mental health counseling is preferred.
• Prior experience in school counseling, student services, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and implementing culturally responsive counseling practices.
• Background in academic advising, career guidance, conflict resolution, and behavioral intervention strategies.
• Experience in providing individual and group counseling for students facing academic, social-emotional, and behavioral challenges.
• Knowledge of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), restorative practices, special education services, and crisis intervention is a plus.
• Internship or practicum experience in a K-12 school setting as part of a counseling preparation program.

BENEFIT INFORMATION
St. Louis Park Schools provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 20 or more hours per week. Key benefits include:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

The cost of benefits varies based on the employee group and full-time equivalent (FTE) status. For detailed information, including specific benefits and associated costs, please refer to the applicable group or bargaining unit contract Employment Contracts.

Salary : $47,066 - $103,660