| Description | Position Summary
The K–12 School Counselor collaborates with students, staff, and families to deliver a comprehensive developmental, data-informed counseling program that advances academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and postsecondary/career readiness. The counselor’s practice will reflect the expectations of the four CDE SSP Quality Standards: Service Expertise; Positive Learning Environment; Effective Services; Professionalism. (Colorado Department of Education)
Key Responsibilities & Expectations (with CDE SSP Standard Alignment)
Below is how key duties align with each SSP Quality Standard:
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CDE SSP Quality Standard
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Key Responsibilities (examples in the role)
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Standard I:
Service Expertise
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- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of counseling theories, interventions, crisis response, developmental stages, mental health, equity practices, and ICAP/college & career services.
- Use needs assessments, data, and evidence-based practices to plan, prioritize, and evaluate counseling services.
- Design and manage a comprehensive counseling program (personal/social, academic, career) across grade levels.
- Stay current on legal, ethical, and state/federal policy requirements, including special services, confidentiality, and mandated reporting (in alignment with district and state policies).
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Standard II: Positive Learning Environment
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- Champion a school climate that fosters belonging, respect, cultural responsiveness, and inclusive practices.
- Collaborate with teachers and staff to integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) and trauma-informed strategies.
- Promote equity of access (e.g., advanced courses, dual enrollment, support programs) and mitigate barriers for underserved students.
- Offer preventative and responsive support to reduce behavioral and attendance issues, intervene early, and refer as needed.
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Standard III: Effective Services
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- Deliver direct services: individual counseling, small groups, classroom lessons (SEL, career exploration, resilience).
- Offer indirect services: consultation with teachers, families, and community partners; coordinate referrals; case management, including Mckinney-Vento.
- Monitor and use student outcome data (attendance, course completion, grades, student surveys, postsecondary indicators) to evaluate impact and refine interventions.
- Ensure follow-through on interventions and supports—track referral response, progress, and determine adjustments.
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Standard IV: Professionalism
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- Engage in continuous professional development, reflective practice, collaboration, and coaching.
- Act ethically, with integrity and equity, following state, district, and ASCA or professional counseling standards.
- Contribute to systems and policy change (e.g. advocating for school counseling programs, resource allocation, district-wide equity).
- Maintain professional relationships with families, external agencies, and community partners; serve as a liaison where appropriate.
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Special Emphases / Core Functions
While all duties should reflect the SSP standards above, this position will emphasize:
Social-Emotional Development & Support
- Provide support for classroom-based SEL lessons and tiered groups (e.g., conflict resolution, coping skills, grief, self-regulation).
- Conduct individual and crisis counseling, collaborate with mental health providers, and follow referral protocols.
- Monitor and support students with attendance, behavior, and social-emotional challenges; coordinate with RTI/MTSS teams.
- Use screening, surveys, or data (e.g. climate surveys, discipline referrals) to detect needs and plan responsive supports.
Academic Advising & Course Scheduling
- Supports Principals in developing the master schedule.
- Assist students (and families) with course selection/planning/scheduling that aligns with graduation requirements, student interests, and postsecondary goals.
- Oversee or actively participate in the Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) process, helping students set short- and long-term goals.
- Collaborate with administration and departments to ensure equitable access to advanced coursework (AP, IB, dual enrollment, CTE) and supports for struggling students.
- Monitor student progress (grades, credit recovery, early warning indicators) and design interventions or academic support referrals.
- Assist with Senior Experience: Work-based Learning and/or Capstone Projects.
- Track graduation progress for credits, academic competencies, and service hours.
- PSAT/SAT, AP, and ASVAB Exam management and administration.
Postsecondary & Career Readiness
- Guide exploration of postsecondary pathways: 4-year, 2-year, trade/technical schools, military, apprenticeships, employment.
- Provide direct instruction or workshops on college admission, financial aid, scholarships, application timelines, resume/portfolio development, and interviews.
- Cultivate partnerships with colleges, career agencies, local employers, community organizations, internships, job shadowing, and mentorship programs.
- Educate families and students on transition supports, articulation agreements, and bridging programs.
- Manage and communicate scholarship opportunities to upper classmen and families.
Professional Oversight & Evaluation
- The counselor’s evaluation will use the State Model SSP evaluation framework. At most 30% of evaluation will be based on student outcome measures (e.g., metrics tied to academic success, postsecondary enrollment, attendance, social-emotional growth) (Colorado Department of Education).
- The remaining evaluation will reflect the four SSP quality standards. (Colorado Department of Education)
- The counselor is expected to maintain a portfolio of artifacts (e.g., lesson plans, data analyses, coordinator logs, parent or community engagement evidence) linked to the standards.
Qualifications & Skills
Required:
- Master’s degree in School Counseling or related field from an accredited institution.
- Hold or be able to obtain Colorado SSP license with School Counselor endorsement.
- Knowledge of developmental psychology, SEL, career counseling, ICAP practices, and data-driven interventions.
- Strong interpersonal, collaboration, communication, and facilitation skills.
- Experience working with diverse student populations, with emphasis on equity and cultural competency.
- Ability to use data systems, counseling software, and student information systems.
Preferred:
- Familiarity with ASCA National Model or equivalent standards-based counseling framework.
- Experience administering group lessons and designing curriculum modules in SEL or transitions.
- Established partnerships with community postsecondary, workforce, or mental health organizations.
Working Conditions & Expectations
- May require occasional evening or weekend hours (e.g., parent nights, career fairs, workshops).
- Participate in district-level or school-level committees relevant to student support, equity, or mental health.
- Maintain confidentiality and follow district policies on student records, mandated reporting, and ethical standards.
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