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How to Write a School Counsellor Job Description Sample

A School Counsellor, or an Educational Counsellor, supports students on educational issues, personal development, and career planning. Their duties include identifying issues that affect students, advising current and prospective students, and working with teachers and parents to provide guidance.

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What does a School Counsellor do?

A School Counsellor works with students to develop their academic, social, and emotional skills. Educational institutions and school boards employ School Counsellors to help students manage stress, school work, and other challenges. They also help students select courses, assist with post-secondary education applications, provide resources, and perform administrative tasks. Some School Counsellors offer group counselling sessions to help students develop both their social and academic skills. School Counsellors typically work in an office setting and may be part-time or full-time employees.

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School Counsellor Job Description Examples:

School Counsellor duties and responsibilities

There are many important duties and responsibilities School Counsellors must complete to advise students effectively and provide value to parents, teachers, and other staff members. Some of their most important duties and responsibilities include:

  • Managing and implementing programs for students to express themselves in a non-judgemental, safe space
  • Assisting educators and school administrators to help plan and carry out school events and programs
  • Analyzing student performance to identify potential academic, social, or personal development challenges
  • Helping students develop academic and career goals that align with their talents and interests
  • Responding to school crises by offering students support and counselling
  • Communicating with school staff members and behavioural health specialists to provide the best care for students
  • Referring students and parents to outside agencies for additional counselling or treatment when necessary
  • Maintaining confidential records of students to track their progress

School Counsellor skills and qualifications

While the specific skills a School Counsellor needs may vary depending on the school or district, there are some common interpersonal and academic skills you should look for when interviewing candidates. These skills and qualifications include:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication to relay information to students, parents, and faculty members
  • Empathy, sensitivity, and interpersonal skills to understand the needs of students, parents, and faculty members
  • Excellent time management skills to complete administrative and counselling tasks effectively
  • Experience using word processing and spreadsheet software systems
  • Problem-solving skills and crisis intervention techniques
  • Strong organizational and planning skills to provide guidance to several students simultaneously

School Counsellor experience requirements

Most School Counsellor positions require previous experience in counselling, social work, or a related field. Review each applicant’s work history carefully to ensure they have a strong understanding of different academic counselling techniques. Many employers prefer candidates who have at least three years of experience for mid-level School Counsellor positions.

School Counsellor education and training requirements

Employers typically require School Counsellors to have a bachelor’s degree in education, career development, counselling, or social sciences, though a higher degree may be preferable. For example, a candidate with a master’s degree in educational psychology, counselling psychology, or a related field could have the advanced training you’re looking for to meet the needs of your students and faculty.

School Counsellors also need to show certification from a local regulatory body before you can hire them depending on which province or territory your academic institution is in. For example , if you’re looking to hire a School Counsellor in Manitoba, you may need to verify that a candidate has earned their Professional School Personnel Certification before offering them a job.

School Counsellor salary expectations

A School Counsellor makes an average of $81,652 per year. Salary may depend on a candidate’s level of experience, education, and geographical location.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a School Counsellor job description isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, some similar job description samples include: 

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School Counsellor job description FAQs

Do School Counsellors teach students?

While School Counsellors rarely teach classes, they may organize awareness events and after-school activities. School Counsellors who do help teach classes must have the relevant teaching experience and certifications to do so. This includes having a teacher’s certificate in the province or territory they work in.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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