Guidance and Outreach Counselor - #182776

Guidance and Outreach Counselor - #182776

Posting Number: EHRA
1103P

Classification

Title:

Teacher Leader - The Catamount School

Working Title:

Guidance and Outreach Counselor - #182776

Department:
Lab School

Anticipated Hiring Range:
Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.

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

Position Type:
Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week: 40

Number of Months Per Year: 12

Open Date: 07/28/2026

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
• Is currently enrolled in an approved program of study for 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). Degree must be conferred within two years of the start date.

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

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:

• 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
• 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance.

• Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and…