Guidance Counselor 2025-2026

About our School: Saint Mary’s offers its student body of 500 young men and women a

rigorous Catholic liberal arts and sciences curriculum, a developed fine arts program, a diversity of athletics and extracurricular activities, regular access to the sacraments, and a strong retreat program. As a diocesan Catholic school, Saint Mary’s takes great pride in striving to form virtuous young men and women who know the Truth and love the Good. In all areas of campus life, Saint Mary’s strives to create an encounter with Christ.

General Description: Saint Mary’s Catholic High School, Arizona’s oldest Catholic school, is

seeking a Guidance Counselor to begin in the fall of the 2025-2026 school year. The preferred candidate promotes and enhances the educational experience for students through an integration of academic, personal/social, and post-secondary support and advisement. Candidates must be a team player and adept at working with students and families.  Candidate possesses a graduate degree in relevant area. Candidates should have a passion for Catholic education and the formation of young men and women in virtue. 

Purpose and Scope

Under the supervision of the principal:  The Guidance Counselor plans, coordinates, and implements programs and services directed toward the spiritual, academic, and personal growth of each student.

Essential Job Functions:

Spiritual

• Strives to achieve the philosophy and goals of Catholic education as well as the Mission of the School
• Promotes and upholds Gospel values and Catholic moral teaching
• Provides opportunities for the students to be prepared for life in today’s Church and society
• Works towards the creation of a Catholic community within the classroom, school environment, and the entire school community

Academic

• Advises and coordinates the course of study for each student to secure appropriate placement and/or meet their graduation and college requirements
• Schedules individual meetings with each student to evaluate his/her academic progress
• Provides guidance to students, parents, and staff on request
• Monitors student’s records for the purpose of developing plans and/or providing information regarding student goals
• Monitors student academic progress and refers students for additional assistance as needed
• Maintains and facilitates communication with students, parents, teachers, and administrators
• Provides a variety of resources for academic growth and development

Testing

• Coordinates and/or implements all school testing programs
• Interprets and communicates test results for students, parents, and teachers

College and Career

• Provides students with general information regarding college admission
• Conducts college planning seminars for students and parents
• Provides opportunities for students and parents to meet with college and university representatives
• Communicates to students and parents information regarding financial aid and availability of scholarships
• Communicates to students and parents information regarding educational opportunities beyond the local school community
• Writes recommendations and prepares documentation for college applications
• Assists students in matching career goals with skills and interests
• Provides opportunities for career exploration

Guidance and Curriculum

• Collaborates with teachers to present guidance curriculum to students in a classroom setting
• Provides speakers, material and resources for guidance presentations

Personal Growth

• Identifies interpersonal skills that will help students understand and respect self and others
• Advocates for the student with parents and school personnel
• Schedules meetings with individual student to evaluate his/her personal growth and progress
• Coordinates and facilitates parent, student, and teacher conference
• Provides for personal counseling and referral as needed
• Assists students and parents in developing plans to address behavioral or attendance issues
• Refers students and their parents to community agencies, programs, or specialists as appropriate
• Facilitates any conflicts between interested parties

Professional Growth

• Continues professional development to remain current with religious and academic certifications
• Keeps informed of current practices through professional reading and educational opportunities
• Participates in professional activities and joins appropriate professional organizations
• Attends Diocesan sponsored in-services
• Attends and actively participates in school faculty meetings and in-services
• Actively participates in the process of continuous school improvement
• Maintains personal professional development records

Performs any other job-related tasks deemed necessary and/or assigned by the principal or designated supervisor

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Completes Ministry Formation Certification and/or re-certification as required by Diocesan policy
• Completes required Safe Environment Training and Code of Ethics
• Promotes awareness and adherence to appropriate guidelines regarding confidentiality, the distinction between public and private information and staff consultation.
• Recognizes when a student’s condition indicates a clear and imminent danger to the student or others and is knowledgeable on informing the appropriate person/s
• Demonstrates personal self-discipline, be adaptable and flexible in routine and unexpected situations
• Uses good judgment in daily encounters
• Uses verbal and written language correctly
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of good adolescent psychology
• Maintains appropriate grooming and dress at all times as stated in the faculty Handbook
• Demonstrates knowledge of applicable computer software

Minimum Qualification

• Preference given to Catholic guidance counselor
• Experience in high school counseling preferred
• If Catholic, willing to make a public Profession of Faith; If Non-Catholic willing to support Catholic teachings and philosophy
• Holds a Master’s Degree and is certified by the Arizona State Department of Education as a Guidance Counselor and meets applicable accreditation requirements
• Current FBI Fingerprint clearance card

Terms of Employment

• 10 and a half month employee (paid on a 12-month contract); Diocesan salary and benefits package