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:

CDE SSP Quality Standard	Key Responsibilities (examples in the role)
Standard I: Service Expertise	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).
Standard II: Positive Learning Environment	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.
Standard III: Effective Services	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.
Standard IV: Professionalism	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.

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.