Tips to secure a school counselor position will require you to be involved in character education and evaluation of students and violence prevention, career planning, and much more.
School counselors assist students in making decisions that will affect their personal and academic development. They are often required to assist in drug- and alcohol abuse rehabilitation and conflict-resolution sessions.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a school counselor, the following ten tips will help you secure employment in this field. Communicate in your resume and interview that you can do the following.
1. Show examples you are capable of program planning. A school counselor must establish the counseling program and develop the activities necessary to implement and evaluate it.
2. Skill to articulate and demonstrate an understanding of the education system’s organizational structure and the social and political influences on the current educational practices.
3. Demonstrate leadership skills through the coordinated efforts of community projects that support the success of students.
4. Provide counseling services to meet the developmental, preventive, and remedial needs of the students.
5. Ability to consult with the students, their parents, and teachers to meet their needs.
6. Interpret the student’s test scores accurately. A precise assessment will assist the teacher in student placement and the guidance curriculum. This curriculum consists of structured lessons designed to help students achieve the desired competencies and provide all students with the knowledge and skills appropriate for their developmental level.
The school guidance curriculum is distributed throughout the school’s overall curriculum and is presented methodically by the school counselor.
7. Adhere to the ethical standards of the counseling profession. Maintain a file of relevant ethical guidelines.
8. Hold confidentiality and privileged communication with students in the higher form. Showcase an understanding of your professional limitations.
9. Produce your necessary certifications for the profession. Each state requires relevant documents. Research to find out if you meet these requirements.
10. Use school newsletters or handouts to link to the teachers and parents about the students’ developmental stages and needs.
In elementary schools, counselors work mainly with students with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, or physical handicaps. Counselors who work in junior and senior high schools must help students choose courses that will affect their later career choices.
For example, students seeking to learn specific trades may be advised to take on the technical classes offered in the school. If a student wishes to attend college, you will advise them on academic and extracurricular activities as a counselor. Provide students with scholarship information, training manuals, and college catalogs as required.
Being a school counselor can be a very demanding yet satisfying profession, as you will daily assist students in their learning and social development.
If you are a school counselor, what advice can you give to those just beginning their careers?
