School Counselor (PK-8th Grade)

Job Title: School Counselor (PK-8th Grade)

Department: Elementary and Middle School

Job Type: Full-Time, 10-Month Contract

Reports To: Middle School Principal

Work Schedule: 185 days per academic year (Inservice begins on July 30, 2025)

POSITION OBJECTIVE: To support the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development of all students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program grounded in biblical principles. The school counselor will foster a Christ-centered environment that promotes grace, truth, integrity, and compassion, equipping students to grow in faith, character, and purpose as they pursue their God-given potential.

QUALIFYING CHARACTERISTICS:  The employee is a Christian with an authentic and mature personal relationship with Jesus Christ in both their professional and personal life with a calling and commitment to Christian education. They are dedicated to the mission of Christian education and are fully aligned with GCA’s Statement of Faith and Employee Covenant. Please review our Statement of Faith Agreement.  

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 

• A Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Counseling or School Counseling from an accredited college is required; a Master's Degree in either field is strongly preferred


• Must be eligible for an Indiana School Services License with a School Counselor endorsement within the first year of employment


• An ACSI Christian Philosophy of Education certification is required and may be obtained within the first two years of employment


• Must possess at least two years of experience in a school environment 

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Incorporates biblical principles into counseling and supports students' spiritual growth in alignment with the school’s mission


• Communicates clearly and empathetically with students, families, and staff, both verbally and in writing


• Builds trusting relationships and collaborates well with diverse individuals and teams


• Provides appropriate guidance, crisis intervention, and support for academic, emotional, and social development


• Maintains professional ethics and confidentiality in line with legal and ASCA standards


• Effectively plans, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive school counseling program


• Demonstrates sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and promotes equity and inclusion


• Uses data to identify student needs, guide interventions, and measure program outcomes

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Incorporate biblical principles into counseling and support the spiritual development of PK-8th grade students 


• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate school counseling programs aligned with school goals


• Provide individual and group counseling to support students’ academic, social, emotional development


• Respond to student crises, provide immediate support, and work to resolve conflicts or behavioral issues


• Work closely with teachers, administrators, parents, and external agencies to support student needs and well-being


• Offer guidance-focused instruction in classrooms on topics such as school core values, self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making as time permits


• Advocate for students’ rights and access to resources, promoting equity and inclusion in the school environment


• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and comply with legal, ethical, and school policies


• Stay current with best practices, attend trainings, and engage in continuous learning
  
  

The above description covers the most significant duties performed but does not restrict the administration’s right to assign or reassign other reasonable duties, responsibilities, or expectations to this job at any time, with or without advance notice.  The information contained in the job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Ability to remain stationary for long periods while working on a computer and move supplies (up to 35 lbs).


• Assist children as needed for health and safety.


• Indoor classroom setting with potential exposure to temperature changes, noise, and exterior windows when crossing campuses.