High School Counselor

Portage Public Schools; Portage, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Portage Central High School in Portage, MI seeks a High School Counselor to guide grades 9–12 through academic, career and personal development under the Portage Public Schools framework.

Responsibilities include individual and group counseling, college applications guidance, coordinating with families and teachers, managing a large caseload, and participating in school improvement initiatives and crisis response when needed, with familiarity of IB, CTE, dual enrollment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Counseling and state certification.
• Michigan secondary school counseling certificate or endorsement.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with patience.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to high school students.
• Coordinate with teachers, parents, and community resources.
• Manage a caseload of 350+ students.
• Assist in college applications, financial aid and scholarships.
• Deliver presentations and participate in school improvement planning.
• Familiar with IB, CTE, EFA, Co-op, dual enrollment and related programs.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Growth mindset

Time management

Confidentiality

Education

Master’s of Arts degree in Counseling

Michigan 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