Middle School Guidance Counselor
Young World Physical Education, Dallas Center, IA, United States
Middle School Guidance Counselor
Summary:
The Middle School Guidance Counselor supports the academic, social‑emotional, and developmental needs of students in grades 5‑6. The counselor collaborates with staff, families, and community partners to promote student well‑being, build foundational skills, and ensure a successful transition into adolescence and middle school. This role requires strong communication skills, the ability to interpret student data, and a commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Provide academic counseling, including course planning, scheduling support, progress monitoring, and development of organizational and study skills.
Deliver short‑term social‑emotional support and crisis intervention, referring students to outside services as appropriate.
Implement developmentally appropriate lessons and activities focused on social‑emotional learning, peer relationships, and decision‑making.
Support students in building self‑awareness, goal‑setting skills, and positive behavior habits.
Maintain accurate student records, documentation, and data in accordance with district, state, and federal guidelines.
Interpret assessment and student data to support instructional and intervention decisions.
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families to address student needs and remove barriers to learning.
Facilitate school-wide programs that support attendance, behavior, mental health, and school connectedness.
Participate in student support teams, IEP and 504 meetings, MTSS processes, and other multidisciplinary planning groups.
Provide counseling services in alignment with ethical standards and confidentiality requirements.
Support student transitions from elementary to middle school and between grade levels.
Assist with crisis response protocols, safety planning, mandated reporting, and emergency procedures.
Promote positive school climate, student engagement, and inclusive practices.
Participate in professional development, district trainings, and ongoing learning related to counseling practices.
Promote and follow Board of Education policies, district procedures, and professional codes of conduct.
Education & Related Work Experience
Master’s degree in School Counseling, Counseling, or a related field required.
Experience working with upper elementary or middle school students preferred.
Experience with academic support, social‑emotional learning, or behavioral interventions preferred.
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
Criminal background check required.
Valid State of Iowa School Counselor license required.
Additional training in crisis intervention, trauma‑informed care, or mental health support preferred.
Technical Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Knowledge of counseling practices, child and early adolescent development, and crisis intervention strategies.
Ability to interpret student records, assessment data, and behavioral or academic indicators.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills for working with diverse students, families, and staff.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and follow ethical and legal guidelines.
Ability to use school information systems, data platforms, and student support tools.
Ability to maintain a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive school environment.
Ability to stay current with district standards, data privacy practices, and cybersecurity policies related to student information.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All employers submitting a job opening for posting on the Teach Iowa system will not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, or status as a veteran. A bona fide religious institution may choose to exercise the allowances in Iowa Code section 216.6.(6)d. Employers may have additional developed specific equal employment opportunity policies and procedures; please check with employers.
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Summary:
The Middle School Guidance Counselor supports the academic, social‑emotional, and developmental needs of students in grades 5‑6. The counselor collaborates with staff, families, and community partners to promote student well‑being, build foundational skills, and ensure a successful transition into adolescence and middle school. This role requires strong communication skills, the ability to interpret student data, and a commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Provide academic counseling, including course planning, scheduling support, progress monitoring, and development of organizational and study skills.
Deliver short‑term social‑emotional support and crisis intervention, referring students to outside services as appropriate.
Implement developmentally appropriate lessons and activities focused on social‑emotional learning, peer relationships, and decision‑making.
Support students in building self‑awareness, goal‑setting skills, and positive behavior habits.
Maintain accurate student records, documentation, and data in accordance with district, state, and federal guidelines.
Interpret assessment and student data to support instructional and intervention decisions.
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families to address student needs and remove barriers to learning.
Facilitate school-wide programs that support attendance, behavior, mental health, and school connectedness.
Participate in student support teams, IEP and 504 meetings, MTSS processes, and other multidisciplinary planning groups.
Provide counseling services in alignment with ethical standards and confidentiality requirements.
Support student transitions from elementary to middle school and between grade levels.
Assist with crisis response protocols, safety planning, mandated reporting, and emergency procedures.
Promote positive school climate, student engagement, and inclusive practices.
Participate in professional development, district trainings, and ongoing learning related to counseling practices.
Promote and follow Board of Education policies, district procedures, and professional codes of conduct.
Education & Related Work Experience
Master’s degree in School Counseling, Counseling, or a related field required.
Experience working with upper elementary or middle school students preferred.
Experience with academic support, social‑emotional learning, or behavioral interventions preferred.
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
Criminal background check required.
Valid State of Iowa School Counselor license required.
Additional training in crisis intervention, trauma‑informed care, or mental health support preferred.
Technical Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Knowledge of counseling practices, child and early adolescent development, and crisis intervention strategies.
Ability to interpret student records, assessment data, and behavioral or academic indicators.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills for working with diverse students, families, and staff.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and follow ethical and legal guidelines.
Ability to use school information systems, data platforms, and student support tools.
Ability to maintain a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive school environment.
Ability to stay current with district standards, data privacy practices, and cybersecurity policies related to student information.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All employers submitting a job opening for posting on the Teach Iowa system will not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, or status as a veteran. A bona fide religious institution may choose to exercise the allowances in Iowa Code section 216.6.(6)d. Employers may have additional developed specific equal employment opportunity policies and procedures; please check with employers.
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