Middle School Counselor

Location: Social Circle

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Middle School Counselor

CONTRACT

TERMS:

190-Day Calendar

REPORTS TO:

Building Principal

SALARY

SCHEDULE:

Social Circle City School District Certified Salary Schedule + position supplement

Fair Labor Standards Act:
Exempt

OVERALL

PURPOSE:

The job of the Middle School Counselor is to implement a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes the academic achievement, social-emotional development, career awareness, and college and career readiness of all students. The Middle School Counselor provides individual and group counseling services; supports student transitions and goal setting; collaborates with families, staff, and community agencies; coordinates intervention and support services; and assists students in developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary for success in high school, postsecondary education, careers, and life.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Master's or higher degree in School Counseling.

Certification:

Valid Georgia School Counselor certification (S-5 or higher) as required by the Professional Standards Commission.

Preferred

Experience working with middle school students.

Knowledge of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and adolescent development.

Such alternatives to the above qualifications as may be appropriate and acceptable.

KNOWLEDGE &

SKILLS:

Knowledge of the ASCA National Model and Georgia School Counseling Program standards.

Knowledge of adolescent development and middle grades best practices.

Knowledge of MTSS, SST, Section 504, and student support processes.

Knowledge of college and career readiness pathways and educational planning.

Ability to analyze student achievement, attendance, behavior, and assessment data.

Ability to provide individual and group counseling services.

Ability to collaborate effectively with students, families, staff, and community agencies.

Ability to maintain confidential records and information.

Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Knowledge of Georgia's college and career readiness initiatives, Career Clusters, Individual Graduation Plans (IGPs), and workforce development pathways.

Knowledge of postsecondary education, dual enrollment opportunities, CTAE pathways, and career exploration resources.

Ability to assist students in identifying strengths, interests, aptitudes, and career aspirations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES:

Academic Development & Student Success

Implements a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with ASCA, Georgia Department of Education expectations, and district priorities.

Assists students in developing academic goals that align with their interests, strengths, and future aspirations.

Monitors academic progress and collaborates with staff and families to support student achievement.

Supports students during critical educational transitions, including elementary-to-middle and middle-to-high school.

Assists with course planning and educational decision-making aligned to student interests and future goals.

Social-Emotional Development

Provides individual and small-group counseling to address social, emotional, behavioral, and personal concerns.

Delivers classroom guidance lessons focused on social-emotional learning, conflict resolution, decision-making, and personal growth.

Assists in identifying and supporting students experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges.

Supports implementation of PBIS, restorative practices, and school climate initiatives.

Assists with crisis prevention, intervention, and response activities.

College & Career Readiness

Supports students in exploring career interests, strengths, aptitudes, and future opportunities.

Assists students in developing Individual Graduation Plans (IGPs) and understanding high school course options, CTAE pathways, advanced academic opportunities, and graduation requirements.

Provides career awareness and career exploration activities aligned to Georgia Career Clusters and workforce development initiatives.

Utilizes career assessment tools and labor market information to help students identify potential career pathways and postsecondary options.

Collaborates with high school counselors, CTAE staff, business partners, and community organizations to support career development and transition planning.

Assists students and families in understanding educational pathways leading to high-demand, high-wage careers and postsecondary success.

Provides academic coaching, progress monitoring, and support for students participating in scholarship and college-access programs, including the REACH Georgia Scholarship Program, to help ensure students remain on track academically and behaviorally and are prepared for postsecondary success.

Promotes college and career readiness through classroom guidance, small-group instruction, individual planning, and family engagement activities.

Student Support Services

Participates in Student Support Team (SST), Section 504, MTSS, and other student support…