How to Be School Counselor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 12, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The effect of having a school counselor is far reaching. A school counselor provides a safe and confidential environment for students to discuss any personal or academic issues they may have. This can help alleviate stress, boost self-esteem, and provide emotional support that can improve relationships between students, teachers, and parents.

Furthermore, having a school counselor can lead to improved academic performance as they can provide students with strategies to better manage their time, develop better study habits, and identify any learning difficulties. school counselors can also help students discover career paths and provide guidance on college planning and applications. All of these services combined create a positive impact on the overall wellbeing of each student and the school environment.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelors degree. Most school counseling positions require applicants to hold at least a bachelors degree in school counseling or a related field.
Complete a masters degree. Most school counselor positions require applicants to hold a masters degree in school counseling or a related field. Depending on the state, applicants may need to complete a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Get certified/licensed. Most states require school counselors to become certified or licensed in school counseling. Requirements vary by state, but typically include completion of a masters degree in school counseling, supervised clinical experience, passage of an exam, and continuing education requirements.
Gain experience. Depending on the state, applicants may need to have experience in the field before they can become certified or licensed. This may include working as a substitute teacher, paraprofessional, or working under the supervision of a certified school counselor.
Apply for the job. Once applicants have met the necessary educational and certification requirements, they can start looking for open school counselor positions. Applicants should make sure their resumes include their education and certification/licensure information, as well as any relevant experience or skills they have.

Skills and efficiency in the workplace are often linked to the amount of training and education an individual has. With the right training, employees are better prepared to face new challenges, understand the expectations of their position and work more efficiently. Education can be a powerful tool to improve working skills, as it can open up opportunities to learn more about the field, develop new skills and understand the latest trends.

Furthermore, when the right training is offered, employees have access to the tools they need to become more proficient in their roles, which leads to improved performance and productivity. when employees are skilled and efficient, it leads to better results for the organization as a whole.

You may want to check Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Behavioral Health Counselor, and Admissions Counselor for alternative.

Job Description

Provide individual and group counseling to students related to social, emotional and educational issues
Assess student concerns and develop individualized interventions
Monitor and assess student progress toward goals
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals to create a supportive learning environment
Facilitate student understanding of school policies and procedures
Track attendance, grades and behavior in order to identify potential issues
Create, implement and evaluate school-wide prevention programs
Facilitate referrals to outside agencies and services as needed
Serve as an advocate for students in matters involving educational rights
Provide crisis intervention as needed

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of counseling theories and techniques
Ability to listen and empathize
Knowledge of developmental psychology
Knowledge of crisis management
Ability to establish and maintain rapport
Knowledge of legal and ethical standards
Ability to assess individual student needs
Knowledge of community resources
Ability to design and implement programs
Ability to collaborate and build partnerships
Ability to work with diverse populations
Ability to manage time effectively
Excellent communication skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality

The most important skill for a school counselor is strong interpersonal skills. Having strong interpersonal skills means being able to effectively communicate with students, parents, and colleagues, as well as being able to understand the emotional needs of students. Counselors must be able to listen to students problems, provide advice and guidance, and recognize when a student needs additional help.

They must also have the ability to build relationships of trust with students, which can help foster open communication and allow the student to feel comfortable talking to the counselor. strong interpersonal skills also support counselors in providing appropriate responses to student behavior and helping them to develop empathy and self-awareness. Having strong interpersonal skills allows counselors to be effective in their roles and create a supportive environment for students.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a school counselor?
How do you establish relationships with students and their families?
How would you handle a student who is in crisis?
What strategies do you use to help students develop social-emotional learning skills?
How do you stay up to date on best practices in school counseling?
What strategies do you use to foster a positive school climate?
How do you manage your time when working with a large number of students?
How do you collaborate with teachers, administrators, and other support staff?
Describe a recent success story you have had in your work as a school counselor.
What challenges have you faced as a school counselor, and how did you overcome them?

Common Tools in Industry

Crisis Management Training. Training that helps counselors learn how to respond to situations that require immediate action. (eg. Safety drills, suicide prevention, and violence intervention)
Behavior Assessment. Assessment used to identify problem behaviors and create strategies to address them. (eg. Functional Behavioral Assessment)
Case Management Software. Software used to manage student records, document progress, and communicate with other school staff. (eg. Aeries Student Information System)
Interpersonal Skills Development. Activities that help counselors strengthen relationships with students and colleagues. (eg. Role-playing scenarios, active listening skills)
Mental Health Resources. Access to mental health resources such as counseling and therapy services. (eg. Referrals to local mental health providers)
School Climate Surveys. Surveys used to measure student satisfaction, safety, and engagement in school activities. (eg. SEL Climate Survey)
Conflict Resolution Strategies. Strategies used to help counselors and students resolve conflicts in a constructive way. (eg. Mediation, restorative justice practices)
Professional Development. Opportunities for counselors to enhance their knowledge and skills in the field of school counseling. (eg. Workshops, conferences, online courses)

Professional Organizations to Know

American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)
American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
International Association of Counsellors (IAC)
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
American Counseling Association (ACA)
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC)
Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)

We also have Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Marriage and Family Counselor, and Life Coach jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Academic Advising. A process in which a school counselor helps a student plan a program of study that fits the students academic goals and interests.
Career Counseling. A type of counseling in which a school counselor assists students in exploring their career options, developing career plans, and setting realistic long-term goals.
Mental Health Counseling. A type of counseling that addresses mental and emotional health issues that students may be facing, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Social Skills Training. A type of counseling in which a school counselor helps students develop and practice effective communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
Crisis Intervention. A type of counseling in which a school counselor provides immediate assistance to students who are experiencing an emotional crisis.
College Planning. A type of counseling in which a school counselor helps students identify colleges that best meet their academic, personal, and financial needs.
Post-Secondary Transition Planning. A type of counseling in which a school counselor assists students in making a successful transition to post-secondary education or employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a School Counselor?

A School Counselor is a professional who provides support and guidance to students in both academic and personal matters.

What duties do School Counselors typically perform?

School Counselors typically provide individual and group counseling, academic guidance, career counseling, and crisis management. They may also be involved in activities such as college preparation, student advocacy, and conflict resolution.

How many years of training are required to become a School Counselor?

Generally, School Counselors are required to have at least a master's degree in counseling or a related field. In some states, it may also be necessary to obtain a state-issued license to practice as a school counselor.

What qualities are important for successful School Counselors?

Good School Counselors need to have strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as a good understanding of child development and behavior. They should also be patient, empathetic, and open-minded.

What roles do School Counselors play in the educational environment?

School Counselors play an important role in the educational environment by providing support to students in all areas of their academic and personal lives. They also help to create a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Web Resources

School Counselor Education (MSEd) - Fort Valley www.fvsu.edu
What does a school counselor do? A closer look at this student www.umassglobal.edu
How to Become a School Counselor www.gmercyu.edu