JOB TITLE

Secondary School Counselor

REPORTS TO

Coordinator of Guidance and Counseling & Principal

WORK DAYS

10 Months (204 Days)

SALARY:

Salary Schedule 91 (Level 2-4) ($64,873 - $103,271) Depending on degree level (recognized by ALSDE)

LOCATION

Various Locations FLSA Status:

EXEMPT X NON EXEMPT JOB DESCRIPTION

Secondary school counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today's diverse student population. Secondary school counselors do not work in isolation; rather they are integral to the total educational program. Provide high quality comprehensive counseling and guidance program for middle/high school students.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement a comprehensive guidance curriculum: conduct classroom guidance activities in each teacher's class and/or systematically conduct developmental counseling groups for each grade level throughout the year; consult with and/or provide resources to teachers to facilitate their instruction of counseling content and to infuse counseling content in the regular educational curriculum.

• Counsel individuals and small groups of children toward social and foundational wellness.
• Consult with and train teachers, parents and staff regarding children's needs.
• Participate in and help facilitate the intervention team process.

Define and interpret the guidance and counseling program to students, teachers, parents, administrators, and community members. Establish effective rapport with students. Motivate students to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to provide educational foundation. Assist students in developing an academic plan and provide a method for documenting and reviewing the plan annually. Assist in course placement of individual students, including students with special needs, to ensure appropriate educational situations. Assist with supervision of student records and transcripts to ensure compliance as per state and federal regulations. Conduct counseling and guidance learning activities in the classroom in collaboration with teaching staff for each assigned grade level during the school year. Consult with and is a resource to teachers to facilitate the infusion of counseling content into the regular education curriculum. Collaborate with elementary, middle and high school personnel to assist students in making a smooth transition to high school. Guide individuals and groups of students through the development of educational, personal, social and career plans. Inform students and parents of test results and their implications for academic, college/career and personal/social development of all students. Interpret group or individual test results to faculty and administration for use in enhancing instruction. Assist families with school-related problems and issues. Communicates with administrators, teachers, students, parents, and the community regarding the counseling program and its role in the educational program. Identify student needs periodically and uses the results for program planning. Establish a planning calendar for counseling program activities. Attend local, state, and national staff development programs, workshops, and conferences to improve professional performance and knowledge. Serve on school and/or system committees, advisory boards, and/or task forces as needed. Maintain confidentiality regarding school/workplace matters in accordance with state and federal law. Demonstrate initiative in identifying opportunities for improvements in areas of responsibility. Engage in professional growth and demonstrates professional ethics and effective leadership. Respond to inquiries and requests in a timely and positive manner. Adhere to school system rules, administrative procedures, local Board policies, and state, federal, and local laws. Report absences and takes leave in accordance with Board Policies and procedures. Perform any other job-related duties as assigned by Supervisor(s).

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Proficiency in oral and written communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on communication and collaboration with a wide variety of people and groups.
• Ability to manage budgets and develop curriculum and programming specific to the needs of elementary students.
• Ability to solve problems as a productive team member.
• Ability to use technology (Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook) to communicate, to plan and provide instruction, to facilitate students learning, to manage data, and to produce/submit required reports, correspondence, and/or financial information.
• Physical strength, mobility, dexterity, stamina, and acuity to perform mob responsibilities.
• Ability to compile and analyze data, interpret the laws, policies, and regulations pertaining to the work.

QUALIFICATIONS

Valid Alabama Professional Certificate in Education. Master's Degree or higher in School Counseling from an accredited college or university.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum of 2 years of satisfactory teaching experience with evidence of significant impact on student achievement.

• SUCH ALTERNATIVES TO THE ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS AS THE BOARD MAY REQUIRE. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

  Completed Application (HireTrue) Resume (uploaded to application) Three (3) returned References (HireTrue)

• PLEASE ENSURE ALL INFORMATION IS CURRENT WITHIN A 6 MONTH PERIOD

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical strength, mobility, dexterity, stamina, and acuity are required to perform job responsibilities.

REVISED:

March 2026

Please Note:

All candidates must submit to a background check (https://fieldprintalabama.com/individuals) . Employment is contingent upon candidate meeting suitability criteria as established by Alabama State Department of Education. The Birmingham Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religious preference, marital status, disability, national origin, or any other reason prohibited by state or federal law. Employees of the District are required to comply with the provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments. Birmingham Board of Education is required by state law to verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees by using the federal E-Verify program. New employees are required to provide a Social Security number, an unexpired identity document that contains a photograph, and other acceptable documents that establish employment eligibility. In addition to determining whether a new hire is authorized to work in the United States, E-Verify will confirm that the employee's name and Social Security number match.