High School Counselor - Lead

High School Counselor - Lead

Provide leadership and coordination for the high school counseling program while supporting students' academic achievement, college, career, and military readiness (CCMR), social-emotional development, and postsecondary planning. Collaborate with administrators, teachers, Career and Technical Education (CTE) staff, students, families, and community partners to ensure students graduate prepared for success after high school.

Education/Certification:

• Master's degree in School Counseling or related field
• Valid Texas School Counselor Certification
• Knowledge of Texas graduation requirements, CCMR indicators, and CTE programs

Experience:

• Minimum of three years of successful school counseling experience preferred
• Experience with CCMR accountability measures and college/career planning preferred
• Experience working with high school students and families

Counseling Program Leadership:

• Coordinate and implement a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs.
• Serve as the lead counselor and provide guidance, support, and coordination for the high school counseling department.
• Assist campus administration with counseling-related initiatives and campus improvement goals.
• Analyze student data to identify needs and develop interventions that support student success.

Academic Advising:

• Guide students in course selection, graduation planning, and endorsement pathways.
• Monitor student progress toward graduation requirements.
• Conduct individual and group academic planning sessions.
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators to support student achievement and attendance.

College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR):

• Lead campus efforts to improve CCMR outcomes and accountability performance.
• Monitor CCMR indicators and maintain accurate student tracking systems.
• Coordinate SAT, ACT, TSIA2, ASVAB, and other college and career readiness assessments.
• Support students in college applications, financial aid completion, scholarship opportunities, and career exploration.
• Coordinate college, career, and military recruitment activities.
• Collaborate with district CCMR staff to ensure compliance with state accountability requirements.
• Analyze CCMR data and develop strategies to increase student attainment of CCMR indicators.

Career and Technical Education (CTE):

• Collaborate with CTE staff to promote career pathways and industry-based certifications.
• Assist students in selecting CTE pathways aligned with career interests and postsecondary goals.
• Monitor student participation and completion of CTE programs.
• Support efforts to increase enrollment in high-demand, high-wage career pathways.
• Coordinate with business and industry partners to promote career awareness and work-based learning opportunities.
• Help ensure students meet requirements for industry certifications and workforce readiness.

Social-Emotional Support:

• Provide individual and group counseling services.
• Support students experiencing academic, behavioral, attendance, or personal challenges.
• Assist with crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment protocols, and referral services.
• Collaborate with families and community agencies to address student needs.

Parent and Community Engagement:

• Conduct parent information sessions regarding graduation requirements, CCMR opportunities, financial aid, and career pathways.
• Maintain positive communication with students, families, and community stakeholders.
• Develop partnerships with colleges, universities, military representatives, and local businesses.

Program Management:

• Maintain accurate student records and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and district policies.
• Prepare reports and presentations related to counseling, CCMR, and CTE outcomes.
• Participate in professional development and remain current on counseling, CCMR, and CTE requirements.

May provide leadership and coordination for campus counseling staff. Assist in training and mentoring counselors and counseling interns as assigned.

Regular school hours with occasional evening events and meetings. Ability to travel for professional development, college visits, and district meetings as needed.

Performance Indicators:

• Increased student graduation rates.
• Improved CCMR accountability outcomes.
• Increased FAFSA/TASFA completion rates.
• Growth in CTE pathway completion and industry-based certifications.
• Increased college, career, and military readiness participation and attainment.
• Positive student, parent, and staff engagement outcomes.

Tools/Equipment Used:
Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment

Posture:
Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion:
Frequent walking

Lifting:
Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may lift and move textbooks and classroom equipment

Environment:
Work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise

Mental Demands:
Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours