High School Counselor

Portage Public Schools; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Portage Public Schools seeks a qualified High School Counselor at Portage Central High School to guide students in grades 9-12 through academic, vocational, emotional and social development.

The role includes individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, advising on college applications and scholarships, and collaboration with teachers, parents and community resources. A Master’s degree in Counseling and MI secondary school certification are required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Counseling required.
• Current State of Michigan Secondary School Counseling Certificate or Endorsement required.
• Experience with confidentiality and school policies preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling for students.
• Guide students in academic, vocational, emotional and social development.
• Coordinate with teachers, parents, and community resources.
• Manage a large caseload of high school students.
• Participate in IEPs, 504 Plans, and crisis intervention when needed.
• Assist with scholarship applications and college planning.

Skills

Counseling skills

Crisis intervention

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Master’s of Arts degree in Counseling

MI Secondary School Counseling Certificate/Endorsement

Job description

High School Counselor - Portage Central High School

2026-2027School Year

Salary Per PEA Teacher Contract: PEA Contract Starting January 2027

Job Summary:

Guide and direct the educational, vocational, emotional and social development of students grades 9-12. Assist students in selecting the academic field that best meets their educational and vocational goals. Help students with school, personal, social and family issues that affect classroom behavior and academic progress. Provide individual and small group counseling and crisis intervention.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Learn and then take responsibility for master-scheduling process
• Provide individual and group counseling to students with identified concerns.
• Be familiar with community resources for students and families.
• Manage a caseload of 350, or more, high school students.
• Be a strong team player who works, collaboratively, with colleagues.
• Understand and effectively communicate the college application process, financial aid information, and scholarship opportunities.
• Be well versed in career education, career testing, and career planning.
• Be able to prepare and facilitate large- and small-group presentations.
• Assist in the development and implementation of school-improvement plans.
• Communicate effectively with: teachers, special-education consultants, parents, administrators, community mental-health agencies, and other resources.
• Coordinate homebound services, team meetings, and 504 Plans.
• Participate in special education Individual Educational Plans (IEPs).
• Be familiar with the wide variety of high school programs in our area (IB, CTE, EFA, Co-op, ATYP, KAMSC, EMC, dual enrollment, online courses, etc.).
• Enroll new students.
• Work five days during the summer in order to: enroll new students, finalize college applications, complete student audits, and make summer school recommendations.
• Be flexible and be able to attend to and address multiple needs, daily.
• Take a role in assisting with the building’s Crisis Response Team.
• Write effective letters of recommendation and process college and scholarship applications.
• Be familiar with FERPA regulations and other issues of confidentiality.
• Proctor multiple tests (SAT, PSAT, M-Step, etc.), and interpret the results for students and families.
• Be an active participant in implementing all facets of the counseling curriculum, including parent programs and other initiated programs outlined in the counseling calendar.
• Be an active participant as a member of the emotional support dog care team.
• Remain current in the counseling profession through appropriate conferences, workshops, periodicals, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Regular and consistent attendance.
• Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Portage Public Schools Employee Handbook.

The above duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the nature of the work by this position. The listing is not all-inclusive.

Qualifications

• Master’s of Arts degree in Counseling
• Current, State of Michigan, Secondary School Counseling Certificate or Endorsement
• Demonstrated history of regular and consistent workplace attendance
• Experience working in an environment where providing structure and consistency, maintaining confidentiality, and practicing sensitivity was expected
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including a high degree of patience
• Willingness to learn new skills, take direction, and model a growth mindset
• Ability to be flexible, manage time wisely, and prioritize job responsibilities under stress

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Preferences

• Have successful classroom teaching experience and/or successful high school counseling experience

Notice of Non-Discrimination:

The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex(including sexual orientation andgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The following positions at Portage Public Schools have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Human Resources Director Brad Galin and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Meisterheim. Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002