Guidance Counselor

Connally ISD; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 57,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Connally Independent School District seeks an Elementary Counselor to provide a comprehensive school counseling program supporting academic growth, personal development, wellness, and college/career readiness. This exempt/professional role reports to the principal and collaborates with teachers, families, and community partners.

The qualified candidate holds a master's in school counseling and Texas counselor certification, with experience in data-driven planning and student support.

Qualifications

• Must have: master's in school counseling or related field.
• Texas school counselor certification required; approved educator prep program and exam.
• Experience with data-driven planning and referrals is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive elementary counseling program.
• Use data to identify needs, monitor progress, and improve services.
• Develop annual counseling plan aligned to campus goals.
• Provide direct counseling and small group support to students.
• Support students with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Coordinate referrals with district procedures.

Skills

Counseling skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Data-driven

Tech literacy

Bilingual preferred

Education

Master's degree in school counseling

Texas school counselor certification

Job description

CONNALLY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB TITLE: Elementary Counselor WAGE/HOUR: Exempt/Professional

REPORTS TO: Principal PAY GRADE: 2 / $56,938 - $87,434

DEPARTMENT: Varies DAYS: 197

Role And Purpose

The Elementary School Counselor provides a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate school counseling program that supports students' academic growth, personal and social development, wellness, and college and career awareness. At CISD, this role helps ensure students receive the guidance, support, and interventions needed to succeed in school and build a strong foundation for future learning.

Qualifications

Education/Certification

• Master's degree in school counseling, counselor education, or a related field
• Valid Texas school counselor certification required; TEA states candidates for the standard school counselor certificate must complete an approved educator preparation program, hold a master's degree, and complete the required exam. Texas no longer requires two years of classroom teaching experience for school counselor certification.

Experience

• Strong knowledge of comprehensive school counseling practices, including academic support, individual student planning, responsive services, and system support

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to work effectively with diverse students, families, staff, and community partners
• Strong counseling, communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills
• Ability to use student data and technology tools to support student growth and program improvement
• Commitment to student wellness, academic success, and equitable access to support
• Bilingual skills preferred

Major Responsibilities And Duties

I. COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM

• Plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive elementary school counseling program aligned to campus and district priorities.
• Use student data to identify needs, monitor progress, and improve counseling services and student outcomes.
• Develop an annual school counseling plan aligned to campus improvement goals and district priorities.
• Participate in required meetings, professional learning, and continuous improvement activities.

II. STUDENT SUPPORT AND RESPONSIVE SERVICES

• Provide direct counseling services to individual students and small groups using evidence-based practices.
• Support students experiencing academic, behavioral, social-emotional, or crisis-related challenges.
• Apply crisis response, prevention, and de-escalation strategies as appropriate.
• Support students identified as academically at risk and help close gaps in student achievement.
• Make appropriate school-based and community referrals in accordance with district procedures.

III. ACADEMIC, COLLEGE, AND CAREER READINESS

• Promote academic success, student goal setting, and age-appropriate college and career awareness.
• Support individual student planning and help students build the habits and skills needed for long-term success.
• Promote awareness of student progression requirements, educational pathways, and future readiness.
• Provide opportunities for academic enrichment and support student readiness for secondary and postsecondary pathways over time.

IV. FAMILY, STAFF, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, families, and community partners to support student success.
• Maintain strong visibility, accessibility, and communication with students, families, and staff.
• Share relevant information with families and staff using appropriate technology and communication tools.
• Coordinate with school and district personnel to strengthen student supports and school climate.

V. Compliance And Professional Responsibilities

• Follow federal and state law, district policies, ethical standards, and student confidentiality requirements.
• Consult with appropriate professionals when legal, ethical, or student welfare questions arise.
• Support safe, orderly, and effective school operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal or designee.

VI. Working Conditions

MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
• Environment: Works in an office setting; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

APPROVED: Human Resources Department May 2026