High School Guidance Counselor

Education
Scottish Borders
May 18, 2026
Permanent
Urgent

Job Description

A high school guidance counselor provides comprehensive academic, career, and personal/social counseling to students in grades 9-12 to promote academic success and emotional well-being. They help students create educational plans, select classes, apply to colleges or training programs, and address social/behavioral issues that interfere with school performance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Academic Advising: Assist students with scheduling, maintaining academic records, interpreting standardized tests (SAT, ACT, AP), and developing strategies for academic improvement.
  • College & Career Planning: Guide students in exploring career paths, selecting colleges, completing applications, and securing financial aid or scholarships.
  • Personal/Social Counseling: Provide individual or small group counseling on issues like stress, anxiety, bullying, and conflict resolution.
  • Crisis Intervention: Act as a first responder for student mental health crises to ensure safety and provide appropriate intervention.
  • Collaboration: Collaborate with parents, teachers, and administrators to support student success and address behavioral issues.
  • Referrals: Connect families with outside agencies for more intensive mental health services.

Required Skills and Qualifications

  • Education: Degree in school counseling or school psychology.
  • Certification: State-specific certification or licensure to be a school counselor.
  • Communication: Strong interpersonal skills for working with diverse populations.
  • Data Management: Proficiency in monitoring student data to track progress.

Common Performance Targets

  • 80/20 Rule: Many schools expect counselors to spend at least 80% of their time providing direct and indirect services to students.
  • Preventative Support: Implementing programs that foster a positive school climate and reduce dropout rates.

Working Conditions

  • Environment is usually a school office setting.
  • Responsibilities include 50% sitting, 25% walking, and 25% standing, with some sedentary work involved.

Location

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