High School Guidance Counselor (Anticipated for 2026-2027 School Year)

Position Type: School Counselor/ Guidance Counselor

Date Posted: 4/16/2026

Location: Derry Area High School

Closing Date: 05/13/2026

Certification Requirement: Secondary School Counselor 7-12

TITLE: Secondary School Counselor
SERVICE RANGE: Secondary level - Middle School/High School
NOTE:

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions, or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable or necessary.

BASIC FUNCTION:
The school counselor plans and monitors the social, academic, and emotional programs in compliance with guidelines and regulations determined by the administration, Board of Directors, state and federal agencies. He/she will create an environment that encourages learning, motivates students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to establish and continue a firm foundation to perpetuate the learning experience through the post secondary education and/or career opportunities. The school counselor will utilize all resources available to establish a cooperative relationship with parents, staff members and administrators to support each student's opportunity to learn and grow in educational and life experiences. The position of School Counselor shall include active participation in the school's operation to support a positive learning environment. This position reports to and is evaluated annually by the Director of Special Services in coordination with the Building Principal and/or his/her designee.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
The requirements for this position are a minimum of a bachelor's degree and appropriate Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certification and qualifications prescribed by law, to include No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Master's Degree in Counseling/Guidance, Education, or Social Work.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Desire and ability to work with students at the specified age level with diverse backgrounds and levels of ability toward accomplishing their educational goals.

Ability to organize tasks and manage time to meet many and varied deadlines and communicate effectively with students, parents, school administrators and other staff, including the ability to discuss topics which may be sensitive.

Working familiarity with student assessment tools, especially in evaluating and interpreting standardized test results.

Knowledge of educational software for master scheduling.

AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES ((E) Designates Essential Functions):
School Counselor Job Responsibilities:

Advises and counsels students regarding academic, educational, and short-term social and emotional problems. (E)

Remains universally accessible and makes an effort to know every student for whom they are responsible.

Provides individual student planning and responsive services to support students and their families regarding academic matters. (E)

Teaches guidance classes and provides guidance counseling to students through planned activities in small group or classroom settings to convey educational, social, and important school information, and offers workshops/seminars for parents.

Consults, facilitates, and maintains communication with parents, teachers, administrators, and pertinent agents on specific student and parent academic and educational matters including academic modifications and/or accommodations. (E)

Provides feedback and recommends appropriate action and solutions to individual student's academic and educational needs and abilities. (E)

Participates on a Student Assistance Program (SAP) Team, identifies students who may need targeted or intensive services, and coordinates with behavioral health specialists. (E)

Assists students/parents in understanding school policies and procedures. (E)

Provides brief counseling to address social and emotional concerns and appropriately refers students to behavioral health specialists. (E)

Communicates, coordinates, and collaborates with behavioral health specialists on developing and implementing student supports. (E)

Supports and attends appropriate student activities and events.

Establishes and maintains standards of behavior in the classroom and throughout the school to achieve a positive and functional learning atmosphere for students. (E)

Evaluates students' academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records, prepares student progress reports, and provides accurate and constructive feedback to students and parents (as necessary). (E)

Assists with the organization of Advanced Placement Programs.

Assists with the communication of student scholarships.

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