School Counselor
SOC 21-1012.00 · ESCO 2359 · OSCA 272331
Role snapshot
Overview
Supports students' emotional wellbeing and academic progress through one-on-one sessions, group workshops, and crisis intervention, connecting families with outside resources when needed. School counselors advocate for all students, helping them develop academic, career, and social-emotional skills crucial for success.
Empowers students to overcome challenges, achieve academic success, and develop essential life skills, fostering a positive school environment and contributing to their overall well-being.
On the job
- Provide individual counseling to students on personal, social, and academic issues.
- Facilitate group counseling sessions and classroom guidance lessons on topics like study skills, bullying prevention, and career exploration.
- Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to support student development and address behavioral concerns.
- Respond to student crises, including mental health emergencies, abuse, or neglect situations.
- Develop and implement comprehensive school counseling programs aligned with national standards.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
GrowingJob growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.
Education & training
Master's degree in school counseling, educational psychology, or a related field, often with supervised practicum/internship.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
School Counselor
Mental Health
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
social · SCE
People who enjoy helping and caring for others, organizing information, and influencing positive change in a structured educational environment tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Empathetic
Genuinely cares about students' well-being and can understand their perspectives and emotional states.
Organized
Manages multiple student cases, schedules, and program initiatives efficiently and systematically.
Resourceful
Proactively seeks out and connects students and families with appropriate support and community resources.
Resilient
Handles challenging student situations and emotional demands without becoming overwhelmed or burnt out.
Collaborative
Works effectively with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a supportive and cohesive environment for students.
Ethical
Adheres strictly to professional standards of confidentiality, advocacy, and professional conduct.
Best for
- Individuals passionate about fostering the holistic development of children and adolescents.
- Those who thrive in a structured educational environment but can also respond flexibly to urgent needs.
- Professionals who enjoy blending direct student support with program planning and advocacy.
- People who are empathetic, organized, and skilled at navigating complex interpersonal dynamics.
Watch out for
- Can be emotionally demanding due to exposure to student crises and challenging family situations.
- Requires continuous collaboration and communication with multiple stakeholders, which can be time-consuming.
- Work often extends beyond scheduled hours, especially during peak times or crises.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a School Counselor — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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