Memphis Shelby County Schools·Memphis, Tennessee
The professional school counselor will implement a comprehensive guidance program to support students' academic, social, and emotional development. Responsibilities include conducting individual and group counseling, facilitating crisis interventions, and collaborating with staff and parents to monitor student progress.
Purpose and Scope Assist in planning, implement and assess the school’s guidance program designed to increase the academic, social, emotional and environmental strengths of students.
The position is responsible for performing both professional and administrative tasks as necessary.
The position works independently, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.
Essential Job Functions Implements a comprehensive guidance and counseling program based on state and District standards; collaborates with supervisor, other counselors, principal, assistant principals, faculty, staff and community resources in the planning, coordination and assessment of the counseling program.
Counsels individuals and groups of students in setting and developing strategies for the achievement of academic, social/personal development and other identified goals.
Facilitates crisis intervention as needed to ensure school/student safety.
Provides peer mediation as needed for students.
Works to discover and develop special abilities of students.
Works to resolve students' educational handicaps.
Administers various tests to assess the development and needs of students.
Provides referrals to various school, District and community services when appropriate.
Establishes and maintains confidential student case files; prepares and submits required records and reports.
Attends meetings with staff and service providers to discuss individual student education plans and progress.
Conducts conferences with parents to discuss student progress and problems; assists in presenting parent workshops as required.
Participates with the principal and assistant principal the coordination of student registration, course selection and student scheduling.
Conducts data analysis of attendance, detention and failure rates and other factors to help determine guidance counseling needs in assigned school.
May assist in monitoring students during recess and in the cafeteria, and/or during student drop-off or dismissal.
Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints in areas of responsibility.
Performs routine administrative/office tasks as required, including but not limited to preparing correspondence, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, sending and receiving faxes, entering and retrieving computer data, ordering supplies.
Attends training, conferences and workshops as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills.
Perform other duties as assigned or directed.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in school counseling, plus an additional one (1) years related experience, for a total education/experience of seven (7) years. Requires state certification in Guidance and Counseling. Degree Equivalency Formula: Bachelor’s Degree= 4 years plus required years of experience. Master’s Degree= 2 years plus required years of experience. Where Master’s degrees are required, years for Bachelor’s Degrees must be included.
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in school counseling and possess state certification in Guidance and Counseling. At least one year of related experience is required, totaling seven years of combined education and experience.
Market context
In Tennessee, Professional School Counselor roles are typically in steady demand because schools need support for student academic planning, attendance, and social-emotional needs. These positions can be competitive when districts look for candidates who can meet certification-related requirements and work effectively with students, families, and staff. Review the posted qualifications carefully and confirm your Associate’s degree, 48 semester hours, or ParaPro status, plus CPR and First Aid readiness, before applying; this platform’s AI-summarized requirements and benefits help you scan the original job description faster.