High School Guidance Counselor

The Illinois Association of School Administrators; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Illinois Association of School Administrators is seeking an experienced School Counselor to guide students in course selection, graduation planning, and goal setting. You will coordinate standardized testing, organize test sites, and ensure security protocols are followed.

You will assist with college applications, essays, and FAFSA guidance, while promoting vocational programs through the Area Career Center liaison role and providing short-term counseling as needed.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in School Counseling is required.
• Valid state certification or license as a School Counselor.
• Experience working with adolescents in an educational setting.

Responsibilities

• Guide students in course selection and graduation requirements.
• Coordinate standardized testing (ACT/AP) and arrange test sites.
• Assist students with college applications, essays, and financial aid guidance.
• Serve as liaison between high school and Area Career Center; promote vocational programs.
• Provide short-term counseling and refer to mental health professionals when needed.
• Facilitate communication among parents, teachers, and administrators; participate in Student Support Teams and 504 plan development.
• Maintain confidential student records per FERPA and school policies.

Skills

Academic Advising

Testing Coordination

College & Career Prep

Area Career Center Coordination

Social & Emotional Support

Education

Master’s degree in School Counseling

Tools

FERPA compliance

Job description

Academic Advising: Guide students in course selection, graduation requirements, and academic goal-setting. Identify and support students who are underperforming or at risk of not graduating.

Testing Coordination & Administration: Act as the school’s primary coordinator for standardized testing, including the ACT and Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Responsibilities include ordering test materials, securing testing accommodations (via College Board and ACT), organizing test sites, training proctors, and ensuring strict compliance with security protocols.

College & Career Prep: Assist students with college applications, essay reviews, scholarship assistance, financial aid/FAFSA guidance, and exploration of alternative pathways (trade schools, military, gap years).

Area Career Center Coordination: Serve as the primary liaison between our high school and the regional Area Career Center. Responsibilities include promoting vocational and technical programs, managing the application and enrollment process for interested student, and credit completion for career center attendees.

Social & Emotional Support: Provide short-term individual counseling and crisis intervention for students dealing with personal, social, or emotional challenges. Refer students to external mental health professionals when long-term support is needed.

Collaboration & Mediation: Facilitate communication between parents, teachers, and administrators to address student needs. Participate in Student Support Teams, and 504 plan development.

Data & Record Keeping: Maintain accurate, confidential student records, transcripts, and progress reports in compliance with FERPA and school board policies.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in School Counseling, Counseling Psychology, or a closely related field.
• Certification: Valid state certification or license as a School Counselor.
• Experience: Experience working with adolescents in an educational setting (school counseling internship experience counts!).

Salary/Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and district schedule.
• State teacher/public employee retirement plan.
• Dedicated professional development opportunities.