Middle School Counselor

Bendle Public Schools

Job Description:

Middle School Counselor

Reports To:

Middle School Principal

The Middle School Counselor plays a vital role in supporting the academic, social-emotional, and personal development of all middle school students. Working as a key team player within the school community, the counselor delivers comprehensive guidance programs—including whole-class SEL lessons, small group counseling, individual support, and academic/course scheduling. The ideal candidate builds strong, positive relationships with students, staff, and families, and fosters early post-secondary awareness to prepare students for high school and beyond.

• Design and deliver engaging, proactive whole-class and small-group SEL lessons addressing age-appropriate topics (e.g., emotional regulation, conflict resolution, peer relationships, and decision‑making).
• Facilitate structured group counseling sessions focused on developing healthy social interaction, communication skills, and peer support networks.

• Demonstrate proficiency and leadership in creating and managing school schedules
  , collaborating with school leadership to ensure an efficient master schedule.
• Guide students through course planning tailored to their individual academic aptitudes, standardized test results, career interests, and learning goals.
• Monitor academic progress, identifying at‑risk students and collaborating with teachers and parents to implement targeted academic interventions.

• Introduce early career and post‑high school opportunity planning
  , helping middle schoolers connect current academic efforts to future educational and vocational pathways.
• Coordinate career awareness activities, interest inventories, and exposure to post‑secondary options.

• Establish and maintain open, effective, and collaborative relationships with students, staff, and families.
• Host and facilitate required evening conferences and events
  , including:
  • New Student Orientation programs to support smooth transitions into middle school.
• Serve as a liaison between the school, home, and community resources.

• Work collaboratively as a dedicated team player with administrators, grade‑level teams, special education staff, and multidisciplinary support teams.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs) in collaboration with teachers, administrators, special educators, and families to promote positive behavioral growth and academic success.
• Participate in school teams (e.g., MTSS, 504 planning, PBIS, and safety teams).
• Perform other essential professional duties appropriate for a middle school counselor as assigned by the Principal.

• Student Supervision: Maintain active supervision of students during counselor‑led activities, transition periods, counseling sessions, and scheduled supervisory duties (e.g., hallway, arrival/dismissal, or lunch monitoring as assigned).
• Student Helpers: Provide direct oversight, training, and supervision for student office helpers/counseling aides, promoting task responsibility, confidentiality awareness, and positive work habits.

• Education: Master’s Degree in School Counseling. Specific coursework related to Middle School.
• Licensure: Valid State School Counselor License or Certification (K–12 or Middle Level).
• Experience: Previous experience working with middle school populations preferred. Demonstrated experience in master/student scheduling and data‑driven guidance programs is highly desirable.

• Strong understanding of early adolescent development, trauma‑informed practices, and SEL frameworks.
• Excellent organizational skills with proven capability in course scheduling software and Student Information Systems (SIS).
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with diverse student populations, caregivers, and colleagues.

• Oral & Written…