School Counselor ~ High School

Certification: Counseling K-12

Salary: Minimum of 52,430

Reports To: Building Administrator

Purpose Statement

The School Counselor � Secondary provides a comprehensive school counseling program for students in grades 9 through 12. The counselor supports academic achievement, social/emotional development, college and career readiness, and post-secondary planning while collaborating with staff, families, and community partners to promote student success.

Essential Responsibilities

• Advise students to ensure appropriate course placement and progress toward graduation and post-secondary goals.
• Monitor student academic progress and identify concerns to proactively increase student success.
• Counsel students individually and in groups to support academic, social/emotional, and career development.
• Assist students and families with graduation requirements, college admissions, career pathways, and financial aid processes.
• Research eligibility requirements for programs such as financial aid, scholarships, and college admission to provide accurate and current guidance.
• Develop and implement counseling curriculum aligned to district and state standards.
• Plan and facilitate counseling, educational, and career-related activities to support personal planning and post-secondary readiness.
• Develop programs to assist students in the transition from high school to career, training, military service, or continuing education.
• Collect and analyze data to evaluate program effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
• Communicate with stakeholders, including parents and community resources, to provide comprehensive student support.
• Coordinate with teachers, college and university personnel, service agencies, courts, child protective services, and community organizations as needed.
• Participate in Professional Learning Communities to expand job-specific skills and meet annual goals.
• Supervise assigned programs and initiatives to ensure effective implementation and alignment with curriculum objectives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the school.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Missouri School Counselor certification (Secondary)
• Master's degree in School Counseling or related field
• Job-related experience within a specialized field required
• Successful completion of background screening

Skills

• Apply assessment instruments and interpret results
• Prepare and maintain accurate and confidential records
• Plan and manage programs and initiatives
• Utilize relevant technology and software applications

Knowledge

• Stages of adolescent development
• Graduation requirements and post-secondary planning processes
• College admissions and financial aid systems
• Applicable laws, policies, and regulations
• Counseling techniques and intervention strategies

Abilities

• Communicate effectively with diverse individuals and groups
• Maintain strict confidentiality
• Manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and interruptions
• Analyze data to develop action plans
• Work collaboratively as part of a team
• Exercise sound judgment in complex situations

Responsibility

This position operates under limited supervision while following district policies and standardized practices. The School Counselor may lead and coordinate programs, collaborate across departments, and contribute to building-level initiatives. There is continual opportunity to positively impact student services and post-secondary outcomes.

Benefits

Francis Howell School District offers a comprehensive employer-paid benefits package, including:

• Medical and dental plan options
• Vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• District-paid basic life insurance ($75,000)
• District-paid Short-Term Disability
• Paid holidays

Family medical coverage, long-term disability, and additional life insurance options are available at the employee's expense.

Application Process

 In addition to the application, please attach the following required documents:

• Letter of Interest addressed to Lisa Simpkins, Chief Human Resources Officer
• Current resume
• Current letters of reference (external applicants only), including one from a current supervisor