Guidance and Outreach Counselor -

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University seeks a Guidance and Outreach Counselor for The Catamount School in Cullowhee, NC. The role oversees daily school support services, enhances student learning opportunities, and promotes family and community engagement, reporting to the school principal.

The counselor coordinates enrichment schedules, school calendars, and outreach communications, and delivers individual and group counseling, while working with teachers to integrate guidance into the core curriculum

Qualifications

• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Enrolled in NC Guidance Counselor Licensure program or eligible; master’s in school counseling and Praxis II required or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling, classroom guidance, and crisis intervention to students.
• Coordinate enrichment and family engagement activities, newsletters, and school events.
• Manage volunteer recruitment, background checks, and records; liaise with families, staff, and partners.

Job description

Guidance and Outreach Counselor - #182776

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Working Title Guidance and Outreach Counselor - #182776

Department

Anticipated Hiring Range

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

About WCU

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 include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

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

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week

40

Number of Months Per Year

12

Posting Text

Open Date

07/28/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Resume
• List of references

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).