Counselor

Lansingschools; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Lansingschools in Lansing, MI, is looking for a dedicated school counselor to support students' academic and emotional needs. This position involves individual and group counseling, developing academic goals, and collaborating with staff for student success.

The ideal candidate must have a Bachelor's degree and a valid Michigan Teaching Certificate for guidance counseling. This role offers a chance to make a significant impact in students' lives while promoting their educational and career readiness.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Bachelor's degree.
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with NT endorsement or Guidance Counselor License required.
• Successful teaching experience at the secondary level is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to address academic and emotional needs.
• Collaborate with staff to implement personalized learning plans.
• Guide students through the college and career exploration process.

Skills

Effective oral and written communication skills

Strong knowledge of youth development

Ability to organize and implement programs

Proficient in counseling techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree

Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate or Guidance Counselor License

Tools

Counseling software systems

Job description

About the Lansing School District

The Lansing School District serves over 10,000 PreK‑12 students across 25 school buildings in the increasingly diverse urban community of Lansing, MI. We offer a wide variety of exciting and innovative educational options for families and staff members. All team members are dedicated to our mission to provide an excellent education to all students in a safe and nurturing environment.

Position Overview

We are hiring new counselors. A school counselor provides comprehensive academic, career, and social‑emotional support to students. This role includes individual and group counseling, academic planning, college and career readiness programming, and collaboration with school staff and community partners. The counselor promotes student success by helping students set goals, manage challenges, and prepare for life after graduation.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with NT (School Counselor) endorsement or Michigan School Guidance Counselor License.
• Successful teaching experience at the secondary level.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with parents, students, administrators, and staff.
• Strong knowledge of youth development and instructional support practices.
• Familiarity with academic planning tools, Educational Development Plans, and transcript audits.
• Understanding of college admissions, financial aid, career readiness, and job preparation skills.
• Proficient in personal and group counseling techniques to support social‑emotional growth.
• Ability to organize and implement school‑wide programs and testing (e.g., M‑STEP, PSAT, SAT, NWEA).
• Skilled in maintaining accurate records, reporting data, and using counseling software systems.
• Effective oral and written communication skills; strong organizational and public presentation abilities.
• Support students in developing academic goals and course schedules that align with graduation and postsecondary goals.
• Monitor academic progress and collaborate with staff to implement personalized learning plans.
• Guide students through the college and career exploration process, including applications, scholarships, and job readiness.
• Provide individual and group counseling addressing personal, social, and emotional needs.
• Lead programs and workshops on conflict resolution, self‑esteem, substance abuse prevention, and more.
• Assist with testing coordination, student scheduling, orientation programming, and wellness initiatives.
• Maintain confidential student records and document counseling services and outcomes.
• Coordinate with community partners and agencies to support students and families.
• Participate in school‑wide planning and professional development to stay informed on best practices in counseling.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Must be able to move throughout the building and campus, including classrooms, hallways, and outdoor spaces.
• Frequent verbal communication to instruct students, lead meetings, and collaborate with staff and families.
• May be required to stand or walk for extended periods, including during supervisory duties.
• Occasional bending, reaching, or sitting on the floor to interact with students.
• Regular use of computers and instructional technology for planning, instruction, and communication.
• Must be able to lift or carry instructional materials and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement

At the Lansing School District, we champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. We foster a rich environment for professional growth and student experiences by valuing diverse perspectives. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite passionate individuals dedicated to educational excellence to apply for our positions.

Additional Information

This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and qualifications for the position. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the Lansing School District reserves the right to modify responsibilities as needed. Due to evolving needs of the District, additional responsibilities may be assigned depending on funding sources.