The counselor manages a caseload of students with social, emotional, or learning challenges, providing direct clinical services and case management. Responsibilities include implementing IEPs, conducting risk assessments, and collaborating with staff and parents to support student success.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, or a related field and a Pupil Personnel Services credential specializing in School Counseling. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain professional ethics and confidentiality are required.
Reports to: School Director, Director of Student Support and/or Designee
Classification: Certificated/ Exempt
Who We Are: (Organization overview)
We employ a diverse, empathetic, and passionate team who value collaboration, integrity and the desire to be a servant leader. We are committed to excellence and work tirelessly to improve learner outcomes by empowering learners through Project-Based Learning, Individualized Learning, and Social-Emotional Learning. We are committed to being self-directed, participating in ongoing personal and professional development, problem-solving, and embracing a growth mindset. With our unwavering commitment to excellence, we are confident that our team will thrive and succeed in all areas of their lives.
The opportunity (Position overview)
Reporting to the School Director, the Student Support Counselor will manage a caseload and work directly with learners who experience difficulties in educational achievement due to social and emotional adjustment and/or learning-related challenges. The Support Counselor will provide direct clinical and case management services, including individual and group counseling, interventions, assessments, referrals, and support
What you will do (Duties and responsibilities)
Designated Instructional Service counseling (DIS counseling), also known as Special Education counseling, for learners with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
Consulting - The school counselor will consult with students, parents, teachers, and other schools and community personnel to assist in meeting the needs of students.
Student Appraisal - The school counselor will accurately interpret student data. The counselor will also assist teachers with the educational placement of students by using appropriate strategies.
Professional Practices and Development - The school counselor will adhere to ethical standards of the counseling profession and abide by the laws, policies, and procedures that govern the school. The counselor will also participate in professional associations and upgrade professional knowledge and skills when needed.
Ability to work well and deal tactfully with administrators, employees, parents, and learners.
Academic counseling through general education in collaboration with the general education facilitators.
Understand high school transition requirements for academic, social, and emotional matriculation.
Understand and address the unique social-emotional needs of individual students.
Provide individual and small group counseling when applicable. (topics including but not limited to organization, anger, bullying, and grief)
May facilitate and/or co-facilitate an Advisory class that addresses social-emotional learning, 21st-century skills, life skills, and core values.
Work collaboratively with the Student Support Team and other staff to ensure student success.
Coordinate and implement dissemination of information to students, parents, and community members pertaining to mental health and wellness.
Maintain student records regarding minutes as required by IEPs.
Conduct risk assessments when necessary.
Coordinate and administer school and community outreach.
Facilitate family workshops and parent development training to help care for learners with special needs.
Be an active leader of school-wide training initiatives to develop understanding and preparedness in serving a school community that may encounter mental health emergencies.
Maintain professional competence through participation in professional development activities provided by the school and self-selected professional growth activities.
Other responsibilities
Be self-directed by taking initiative and responsibility for your work.
Work in a collaborative, team based and innovative environment.
Commit to Excellence by seeking ways to improve and exceed expectations or Commit to excellence by seeking to raise the bar for self and team.
Prioritize the growth and needs of the team, lead by example, and foster a supportive work environment.
High level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.
Approach problems and challenges with a human-centered creative mindset, seek to understand, and develop multiple solutions to find the best answer.
Helps create a positive culture by being committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, promoting ethical behavior and social responsibility within the workplace.
Be authentic, own your strengths and weaknesses, ask for help when needed, be honest and transparent in your communications, and work towards common goals that are meaningful to you and the team.
Represent iLEAD and the school in which I work in a positive and professional manner in all interactions and communications.
Pursue continuous improvement and maintain professional competence through seeking out opportunities to develop new knowledge, skills, and perspectives. This includes participation in professional development activities offered and self-selected professional growth activities
Perform other responsibilities as defined by the designated supervisor.
Essential functions
Communicating with others to exchange information. (In Person/Telephone/Computer)
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
When needed to support a school or education program, must have the ability to travel by public transit as well as operate a vehicle for self-transportation purposes between worksites.
Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
May encounter outdoor elements: high (>90)/low (<60) temperatures, precipitation, and/or wind.
Ability to work in situations involving the need to make informed and quick decisions.
Ability to supervise/manage workers and delegate as needed in project management situations.
Reading detailed documentation and analyzing data sets.
Writing professionally, both by hand and utilizing computer software.
Speaking in public settings, including making public presentations to large and small groups.
Dealing and navigating professionally through high-stress situations.
z*The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
What you will bring (Qualifications)
Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Psychology or a related field required.
Pupil Personnel Services credential with a specialization in School Counseling is required.
Work well with children and communicate effectively.
Exercise tact, patience, kindness, and positive attitude.
Must possess and maintain a standard of moral character and behavior to serve as an effective role model for learners.
Ability to problem solve and multitask.
Ability to cooperate successfully as a member of a team.
Maintain confidentiality of learners and their records.
Demonstrated capability to maintain effective relationships in a team-oriented environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
Very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.
Thrive in a collaborative, team based and fast-paced environment.
iLEAD California is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering diversity within its staff.
iCA promotes equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. In doing so, we comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations to ensure an equal employment opportunity for everyone. We don’t discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, ancestry, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, military service obligation, veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. Our policies and personnel practices are intended to ensure that all of us are treated equally with regard to recruiting, hiring, and advancement, and our decisions on employment are made to further the principle of equal employment opportunities for employees.
Revised 04/18/23
Market context
California school counseling roles stay competitive
School counselor and DIS counselor openings in California are often competitive because districts look for candidates with the right credential, strong student-support skills, and a clear commitment to confidentiality and professional ethics. For this role, the listed salary range is broad, so matching the Pupil Personnel Services school counseling credential and related degree requirements can help your application stand out. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page to save time, then confirm your credential details before applying.
