Guidance Counselor Job Description
The job of a Guidance Counselor involves “counseling” individuals on how to achieve their career goals, deal with personal problems and provide guidance on how to go to the right path. Counselors usually work in schools and assist students in overcoming social, personal and emotional problems as well as provide support services to staff and parents.
Education/Experience Requirements for the job of a Guidance Counselor: A successful candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree in education, a teaching certificate and several years of teaching experience. Some institutions may require a master’s degree in counseling and human relations.
Skills of a Guidance Counselor include but are not limited to: Active listening skills, effective written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, public relations and organizational skills, problem-solving skills and problem sensitivity. He/she must also be reliable, patient and dedicated to helping others.
Specific work elements of the job as a Guidance Counselor include but are not limited to: Providing direct support services to individual students, classrooms or small groups; completing referrals and assessments with students and parents; overseeing school programs; completing written reports; conducting professional development workshops; interviewing students and their families; going on home visits and conducting assessments; as well as presenting assessments or observations.
