Overview
Category:support
Median Salary:$58,000
Education Required:masters
Growth Outlook:growing
Student Interaction:direct student
Key Responsibilities
- Provide individual and group counseling to students
- Teach classroom lessons on social skills and emotional regulation
- Support students with behavioral challenges
- Collaborate with teachers and parents on student needs
- Coordinate crisis intervention and safety planning
- Maintain confidential student records
A Day in the Life
- Individual counseling sessions with students
- Small group social skills sessions
- Classroom guidance lessons
- Parent and teacher consultations
- IEP and 504 plan meetings
- Crisis response and intervention
- Documentation and case notes
Education & Certification Path
1
Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Education, or related field
2
Master's degree in School Counseling
3
Complete internship in school setting
4
Pass state counselor licensure exam
Required Certifications
- State school counselor license
- National Certified School Counselor (optional)
- Crisis Prevention Intervention training
- Mandated reporter certification
Career Progression
Counseling Intern → School Counselor→
Lead Counselor or Department Head→
District Counseling Coordinator→
Director of Student Services
Work Environment
Counseling office with private space for individual sessions, group room for activities
Typical Schedule
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM during school year, some evening parent meetings