Guidance Counselor

State of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School seeks a compassionate Guidance Counselor to provide comprehensive counseling and support to students, helping them develop academic, career, social-emotional, and life skills for success.

The role emphasizes building positive relationships with students, families, faculty, and community partners while supporting students who benefit from a structured, supportive educational environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in School Counseling or related field.
• SC certification/licensure for school counseling or eligibility.
• Experience with adolescents in school or youth settings preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to students.
• Assist with academic planning, career exploration, and postsecondary planning.
• Conduct assessments to identify needs and monitor support plans.
• Provide crisis intervention and referrals to resources.
• Collaborate with teachers, families, and other support staff.
• Maintain confidential student records and counseling documentation.
• Help students develop communication, decision‑making, and life skills.
• Coordinate with community agencies when additional support is needed.
• Participate in conferences, staff meetings, and school activities.
• Promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive school environment.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in School Counseling

Job description

Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School is seeking a compassionate, student-centered Guidance Counselor to join our team. The Guidance Counselor will provide comprehensive counseling and support services to students while helping them develop the academic, career, social-emotional, and life skills necessary for success.

The ideal candidate will build positive relationships with students, families, faculty, and community partners and will be committed to supporting students who may benefit from a structured, supportive educational environment.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling services to students.
• Assist students with academic planning, goal setting, career exploration, and post-secondary planning.
• Conduct student assessments and help identify academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Develop and monitor individualized student support plans as appropriate.
• Provide crisis intervention and make referrals to appropriate school and community resources.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, families, and other student-support professionals.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records and counseling documentation.
• Assist students in developing effective communication, decision-making, conflict-resolution, and life skills.
• Support students in preparing for employment, continuing education, vocational training, and other post-graduation opportunities.
• Coordinate with community agencies and service providers when additional student support is needed.
• Participate in student conferences, staff meetings, professional development, and school activities.
• Promote a safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive school environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by school administration.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in School Counseling, Counseling, Education, Social Work, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Appropriate South Carolina certification/licensure for school counseling, or eligibility to obtain required credentials.
• Experience working with adolescents and/or students in a school or youth-serving setting preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to establish trusting relationships with students while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of academic, career, social-emotional, and post-secondary counseling practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to maintaining student confidentiality and following all applicable policies and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students who face academic, behavioral, social, or other barriers to educational success.
• Experience with career development, workforce readiness, or post-secondary transition planning.
• Experience providing individual and group counseling.
• Familiarity with community resources and youth-serving agencies.

Why Join Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School?

This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. The Guidance Counselor will play an important role in helping students identify their strengths, overcome barriers, establish goals, and prepare for successful futures.

Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School is committed to providing students with opportunities for personal growth, education, career development, and lifelong success.