School Counselors

Career summary

Elementary, middle, and high school counselors help students deal with personal and social problems. They work with students individually or in small groups.

Counselors also advise students about:

• College testing
• Admissions
• Apprenticeships
• Financial aid
• Joining the military

School counselors meet with faculty and staff to explain available counseling services. They attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops.

Counselors identify and report possible cases of neglect or abuse. They meet with parents, teachers, and school administrators. They counsel students and teach classes on dealing with anger and bullying. They also provide information on drug and alcohol prevention.

High school career counselors run career centers and provide information about colleges and training programs. They talk with students about their goals for the future. Sometimes they give students tests to get more information about their interests and abilities. Counselors review school records to make sure students are taking classes they need to graduate and meet their goals.

Related careers

This career is part of the Education and Training cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Addictions Counselors
• Adult and Vocational Education Teachers
• Elementary School Teachers
• High School Teachers
• Mental Health Counselors
• Middle School Teachers
• Probation Officers
• Psychologists
• Public Health Educators
• School Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Special Education Teachers
• University and College Teachers

Military careers

• Caseworkers and Counselors

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to school counselors.

• Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
• Help students handle emotional and social problems.
• Help create and enforce school policies, behavioral rules, and procedures.
• Meet with faculty and staff to explain available counseling services.
• Provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools.
• Meet with parents and guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to help students with problems.
• Review transcripts to ensure that students meet graduation or college requirements. Write letters of recommendation.
• Provide information to students about college options, career planning, class scheduling, and study habits.
• Provide drug and alcohol prevention programs in schools.
• Maintain student records.
• Provide assistance to students with disabilities.
• Interview and test students to help evaluate their interests and goals.
• Conduct orientation programs to help students adjust to new life experiences, such as starting college.
• Attend professional meetings, conferences, and workshops.
• Supervise peer counseling and tutoring programs.
• Research occupational, educational, and economic information.

Common work activities

School counselors perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Assist and care for others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Use computers
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Document and record information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Develop goals and strategies
• Coach others
• Schedule work and activities
• Teach others
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Perform for or work with the public
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Evaluate information against standards
• Think creatively
• Develop and build teams
• Analyze data or information
• Perform administrative tasks
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Process information
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, school counselors:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction. They work closely with students, teachers, and other professionals.
• Are often placed in conflict situations with parents and students.
• Often deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals.
• Are responsible for work outcomes and results of coworkers.
• Communicate with students, teachers, and other professionals daily by telephone, e-mail, or in person.
• Write letters and memos on a daily basis.
• Sometimes speak in front of large groups of people.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.
• May on occasion deal with students who may become physically violent.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors in schools and offices.
• Work somewhat close to other people, such as when sharing office space.

Work performance

• Must complete their work accurately so that students receive the help they need.
• Must sometimes repeat the same mental activities.
• Often make decisions that affect students. They are able to make most decisions without talking to a supervisor.
• Are able to set most tasks and goals for the day without talking to a supervisor.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week. Most work 40 hours per week.
• May work nine months during the school year and have summers off.

Physical demands

School counselors frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for school counselors to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for school counselors to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

Skills and abilities

School counselors need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand spoken information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• School Counseling

Other programs of study to consider

• Addiction Counseling
• Counseling Psychology
• Education Administration
• Education Measurement and Testing
• Education, General
• Family Resource Management
• Human Services
• Mental Health Counseling
• Psychology, General
• School Psychology
• Social Work

Training

To work as a school counselor, you must:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree;
• complete a master's degree in counseling or a related field;
• complete a supervised counseling experience;
• be certified by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction as an Educational Staff Associate (ESA);
• have a strong interest in helping others; and
• have excellent communication skills.

Education after high school

Most school counselors have a master's degree in counseling, education, or a related field. You may specialize in college student affairs, school counseling, education, or career counseling. You typically take courses in human growth and development, social and cultural diversity, and relationships. Additional courses include working in groups, career development, and assessment.

Some colleges offer training in career and vocational counseling beyond the master's level. These advanced studies are often called Certificate of Advanced Study or Advanced Graduate Specialist programs.

Most graduate programs require completion of a supervised work experience or internship.

On-the-job training

Some employers train new counselors in testing and interviewing techniques.

School counselors attend classes and seminars each year to update their skills and knowledge. School counselors must complete a certain number of continuing education hours each year. This allows them to remain certified as a school counselor or maintain a professional license.

Military training

The military trains people to work as caseworkers and counselors. This training lasts from eight to ten weeks. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Child Development
• Computer Applications
• Ethnic and Gender Studies
• Parenting
• Psychology
• Sociology

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require a master's degree in counseling, education, or a related field. All states require school counselors to be certified as counselors. Some schools require counselors to have a teaching license.

Applicants must have good communication skills and a strong desire to help others. Some employers prefer applicants who are certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Some employers look for school counselors who speak languages other than English.

Additional requirements for school counselor positions vary according to each school district. One to three years of successful teaching experience is preferred by some. School districts often encourage their own teachers to go to school to obtain a counseling degree and then transfer to this occupation. Dual certification as a school psychologist and counselor is desired for some elementary school counselor's positions. Most community colleges look for applicants with a master's degree in an appropriate field and experience counseling at the college level. Employers look for evidence of good moral character and people with no convictions for crimes. They look for counselors who can work as part of a team, conduct classroom presentations, student activities, and work well with parents and community groups.

Counselors may take jobs as teachers in the school system where they are interested in working and later move into counseling positions. This entry route can also help counselors understand issues from a teacher's point of view. With additional education, a counselor in another counseling area may become a school counselor. Some employers hire workers who meet state certification requirements but have gained their counseling experience and skills outside the public school system.

Tips

Become a college dormitory director or assistant. Volunteer at a school, local mental health association, woman's shelter, programs for the disabled, hospital, or day care center. Join a peer-helper class or serve as a teacher's aide. Fluency in a second language, particularly Spanish or an Asian language, may improve chances in some districts. Vocational certification may be beneficial. Expertise in group work with parents or students is helpful. Be prepared to design your own counseling program that will best fit the needs of your employer and your students. Keep other areas of your life as stress free as possible.

Costs to workers

Workers may want to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Licensing/certification

School counselors who work in elementary and secondary schools must be certified by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction as an Educational Staff Associate (ESA). There are two levels of certification. The first level is residency. Residency certification requirements include:

• being 18 years of age;
• evidence of good moral character and physical fitness;
• submission of digital or two fingerprint cards;
• completion of all course work for a master's degree in counseling from a state-approved program for certification as a school counselor; and
• completion of a written examination of the knowledge included in the course work for the required master's degree in counseling OR the Praxis II specialty area test in guidance and counseling.

The residency certificate is undated when first issued. After two years of employment as a school counselor, the certificate becomes valid for five years.

The second or advanced level is professional certification. Requirements include:

• school counselor certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; or
• completion an approved school counselor certificate program;
• completion of a minimum of ten-clock hours of course work in issues of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, and substance abuse) and three hours of approved training in suicide prevention;
• submitting an application and paying a fee; and
• 100-clock hours of continuing education and three hours of suicide prevention training every five years for renewal of certification.

Counselors who do not already have a valid Washington teaching certificate must go through a background check which includes digital fingerprinting. Digital fingerprints can be obtained at one of nine Educational Service District (ESD) offices. There is a main processing fee and each ESD may also charge a processing fee. Fingerprints can also be obtained from private fingerprinting services or law enforcement agencies for an additional fee and submitted to Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The processing fee is the same. Employers may require an additional background check.

For information on state certification, contact:

Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Professional Education and Certification 
PO Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
360.725.6400

#2/12/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Salaries vary with Washington school districts, but full-time counselors in public schools are paid an average base salary of $57,834 per year.

#Updated OSPI info from 2011-12 rpt 4/30/13 cj. Updated from annual OSPI rpt 3/30/15 cj. 4/11/16 lh. 4/3/17, 3/18/19 cj.

School counselors can earn additional income by working summers in the school system or in other jobs.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. Elementary and high school counselors generally earn higher wages than those who work at colleges and universities.

School counselors who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Schools, colleges, and universities
• Job training services

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is growing steadily. The number of students in school is expected to increase. This will create a greater demand for counselors. In addition, the number of duties counselors have is growing. However, growth in this occupation will be limited by school budgets. Counseling programs are some of the first items that are reduced when budgets are cut.

Other resources

American Counseling Association 
6101 Stevenson Avenue, Suite 600
Alexandria, VA 22304
800.347.6647
703.823.0252

American School Counselor Association 
1101 King Street, Suite 310
Alexandria, VA 22314
800.306.4722
703.683.2722

National Career Development Association 
305 North Beech Circle
Broken Arrow, OK 74012
866.367.6232
918.663.7060

Washington School Counselor Association 

Women's Studies/Women's Issues Resource Sites 
This site contains several different areas of women's studies. It also contains links to women's studies programs worldwide.

References

Career cluster

• Education and Training

Career path

• Social

O*Net  occupation

• Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors (21-1012.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

DOT occupations

• Counselor (045.107-010) 
• Counselor, Nurses' Association (045.107-014) 
• Director of Counseling (045.107-018) 
• Director of Guidance in Public Schools (045.117-010) 
• Foreign-student Adviser (090.107-010) 
• Residence Counselor (045.107-038) 
• Supervisor, Special Services (169.267-026) 
• Veterans Contact Representative (187.167-198) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• School Counselor

Holland occupational clusters

• Social/Artistic/Enterprising
• Social/Enterprising/Artistic

COPSystem

• Service Professional