2025-2026 SY: School Counselor - Elementary School

Santa Fe Public Schools • Santa Fe, NM

157d • $65,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The Elementary School Counselor is responsible for implementing a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program that supports students' academic achievement, career readiness, and social/emotional development. Grounded in the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and aligned with district policies, this position requires strong collaboration with educators, families, and community stakeholders to promote student success and well-being.

Requirements

• Current School Counselor License from the New Mexico Public Education Department.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience as elementary school counselor.
• Previous experience working with the ASCA National Model.
• Ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in developing and achieving academic goals and educational plans.
• Monitor and support student academic progress, including interventions as needed.
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators to promote academic success.
• Support students in developing study skills, time management, and self-advocacy.
• Introduce students to a wide range of career options through engaging and age-appropriate exploration activities.
• Facilitate lessons and events that build awareness of personal interests, strengths, and the connection between school and future careers.
• Support students in beginning to identify potential high school and postsecondary pathways.
• Guide students through the development and annual review of Next Step Plans (academic and career plans).
• Deliver developmentally appropriate classroom lessons to foster social and emotional skills.
• Provide individual and group counseling to support students' social and emotional well-being.
• Respond to student mental health concerns and connect families to community-based services.
• Support conflict resolution, peer relationships, and crisis intervention as needed.
• Engage students in age-appropriate activities that help them build self-awareness, set personal goals, and develop foundational academic and social skills.
• Collaborate with families and staff to support students' growth and readiness for the transition to middle school.
• Provide guidance to help students understand the value of learning and develop a positive outlook on their future.
• Provide immediate support to students in crisis or experiencing personal issues.
• Facilitate referrals to internal and external mental health resources.
• Serve on school crisis response and/or threat assessment teams.
• Maintain confidentiality while fulfilling mandatory reporting obligations.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model.
• Use student data to identify needs, measure outcomes, and adjust programming.
• Participate in the School Wellness Team and other school-wide leadership teams and initiatives.
• Advocate for student inclusion, equity, and access to educational opportunities and resources.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, families, and community agencies.
• Provide consultation to staff regarding student development and behavior strategies.
• Act as a liaison between the school and external support systems.
• Abide by ethical standards as outlined by ASCA and relevant state laws and regulations.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records.
• Engage in professional development, attend district meetings and trainings, and stay current with best practices in school counseling.

Benefits

• Salary based on education, experience, and level of NM License.
• Tier 2 License: $65,000+
• Tier 3 License: $75,000+

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees