High School Counselor

REPORTS TO: Student Services Director

JOB GOAL: The High School Counselor provides proactive, Christ-centered counseling and academic guidance for students in Grades 9-12. The counselor promotes emotional well-being, resilience, and academic success through direct counseling services, collaboration with teachers and parents, and schoolwide initiatives. Serving as a student advocate and intermediary, the counselor supports effective communication between students, faculty, administration, and parents. A primary focus is guiding students through college and career planning. All ICS faculty demonstrate Christian character through kindness, grace, and integrity, creating a nurturing space for students.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Counseling & Student Support

• Provide individual and small-group counseling to support students’ social-emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal needs.

• Maintain a safe, confidential, and supportive environment that promotes student trust and growth.

• Implement preventive and responsive interventions using evidence-based, solution-focused, and restorative approaches.

• Partner with the Learning Support Teacher and MS/HS Principal to address students’ holistic needs through targeted academic, social, and emotional interventions that enhance classroom engagement, organization, motivation, and peer relationships.

• Refer students to external professionals or agencies when specialized care is required, ensuring coordinated follow-up and communication.

Consultation & Collaboration

• Serve as a student advocate and liaison, fostering open communication among students, teachers, parents, and administration.

• Partner with teachers to design classroom strategies that promote positive behavioral, social-emotional, and academic outcomes.

• Support crisis management by providing immediate intervention and follow-up support when necessary.

Academic, College, and Career Counseling

• Provide students and families with personalized academic, college, and career counseling throughout high school, supporting course selection, graduation planning, and postsecondary preparation.

• Guide students through the college exploration, application, and decision process, integrating faith-based discernment and reflection.

• Plan and coordinate college fairs, scholarship information sessions, and financial aid workshops in partnership with universities and external organizations.

• Implement and refine students’ High School and Post High School plans on an annual basis through individual counseling that results in a written academic learning plan for each student.

• Design, deliver, and evaluate developmentally appropriate lessons focused on executive functioning, academic success, emotional wellness, resilience, and college/career readiness (during Advisory).

• Manage student schedules, grades, transcripts, and College Board records, ensuring data accuracy and alignment with graduation requirements.

• Oversee the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) program and coordinate all relevant courses and assessments. 

• Coordinate the administration of standardized assessments (PSAT, SAT, AP exams, etc.) and use data to inform counseling and academic planning.

• Review academic records for prospective students to assess eligibility for grade level admission.

Parent & Community Engagement

• Partner with parents to promote consistent home-school approaches to supporting student development.

• Provide parent education workshops and communication to strengthen understanding of adolescent development, stress management, and college readiness.

• Lead alumni engagement and mentorship initiatives that connect graduates with current students for guidance and inspiration.

School-Wide Contributions

• Support student transitions between Middle School to High School and from High School to Post Secondary institutions through targeted workshops and programs.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records and ensure compliance with school policies and ethical standards.
• Participate in the Service Learning program (Project 4:12) including the capstone project Week Without Walls (WWW) by co-leading a team.
• Participate actively in faculty meetings, chapel, and school events, modeling the school’s values and Christ-centered mission.
• Engage in ongoing professional development in counseling, academic advising, college guidance, and related areas.
• Exemplify strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Meet everyday stress with emotional stability, objectivity and optimism.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience
• [Preferred] Master’s degree in Counseling, School Psychology, or a related field
• Teaching credential from a US state, Canadian province or from ACSI (exceptions will be approved by the Academic Board)
• Experience in international college and career counseling 
• [Preferred] Minimum 3–5 years of experience in school counseling (international or cross-cultural experience preferred)