Guidance and Outreach Counselor

Guidance and Outreach Counselor - 182776

Department: Lab School

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The Guidance and Outreach Counselor oversees daily school support services, facilitates enhanced student learning opportunities, and promotes family and community engagement at The Catamount School. Reporting directly to the school’s principal, this position serves as a key collaborative partner with faculty and staff at Western Carolina University, external community partners, and families to advance the school’s mission and programs.

The counselor is responsible for developing and managing the enrichment and family engagement schedule, maintaining school calendars, and coordinating logistics for all outreach communications and campus visitors. This role provides comprehensive individual and group support to students through counseling, classroom guidance lessons, and crisis intervention, while collaborating with teachers to integrate guidance curriculum and special learning opportunities into core academic classes.

The Guidance and Outreach Counselor manages volunteer recruitment, background checks, and records; serves as the primary point of contact for all volunteers and community-based projects; and implements research-based practices focused on academic, social-emotional, and career development. Additionally, the position coordinates school communications including newsletters and social media; plans and executes school events such as orientation, Visit the Village night, and school dances;

leads campus tours for prospective students, families, and community members; participates on the recruitment team; and assists in student supervision to support overall student success and transition to high school.

• Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance
• NC Guidance Counselor Licensure or licensure eligibility (e.g., guidance counselor licensure in NC requires a master’s degree or higher in school counseling from a regionally accredited institution and a passing score on Praxis II: Professional School Counselor Exam #5422)

• 3 years of experience as a school-based guidance counselor; experience coordinating volunteer and community-based projects

Permanent Full-Time

Employees are provided a comprehensive benefits package, including dental, vision, and health insurance plans that begin eligibility on the first of the month following the date of hire. Retirement plan contributions start following election, with employer contributions for both defined contribution or defined benefit plans. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees may receive tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year at any UNC System campus.

Additional benefits include free group exercise classes multiple times per week, discounted campus recreation membership, free vaccine and booster shots, pre‑tax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays, 24 hours of paid community service leave each year, and paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service. Leave earning employees who work at least half of the working days of their first month accrue vacation and sick leave immediately.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation;
National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call  or email .

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references with their complete contact information. For questions or additional information please contact lbutton.edu.

To apply, please visit: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./33665