2026-2027 SY: School Counselor

Santa Fe Public Schools•Santa Fe, NM

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Elementary School Counselor implements a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program supporting students’ academic achievement, career readiness, and social/emotional development. The program is grounded in the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and aligned with district policies. The counselor collaborates with educators, families, and community stakeholders to promote student success and well-being. The counselor supports academic planning and progress, introduces students to career exploration, provides classroom lessons and individual or group counseling, and responds to student crises and mental health concerns. The role includes coordinating referrals, participating in school-wide teams and relevant IEP, SAT, and 504 meetings, maintaining confidential records, and advocating for inclusion, equity, and access. The counselor must maintain a current New Mexico School Counselor license and follow applicable ethical standards, laws, regulations, and district policies. This is a 9-month position with a schedule of 7 hours per day. The role is based at a school site and may occasionally require travel to other district facilities. The noise level is usually moderate, with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Minimal lifting is required; a student at immediate risk of harm may require physical restraint by an employee with Crisis Intervention/Prevention training. Salary is based on education, experience, and New Mexico license level: Tier 2 license, $65,000+; Tier 3 license, $75,000+.

Requirements

Current School Counselor License from the New Mexico Public Education Department.
Strong ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with students, families, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds, in person and through digital platforms.
Interpersonal skills that foster trust, confidentiality, and positive relationships with students and adults.
Ability to organize and adapt, manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines in a school environment.
Decision-making and problem-solving skills to support student needs, mediate conflicts, and guide academic and career planning.
Ability to interpret and apply educational research, legal guidelines, professional standards, and district policies relevant to school counseling.
Proficiency using technology to analyze and present student data, develop reports, maintain communication, and support counseling program objectives.
Ability to deliver presentations and facilitate discussions with students, parents, school teams, and community groups.
Ability to maintain confidentiality while fulfilling mandatory reporting obligations and comply with applicable ethical, legal, and district requirements.
Maintain a current New Mexico School Counselor license.
All positions require a post-offer/pre-employment background check; some positions may have additional requirements under federal or state rules and regulations.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Assist students in developing academic goals and educational plans; monitor progress and provide interventions as needed.
Collaborate with teachers and administrators to promote academic success, including students’ study skills, time management, and self-advocacy.
Provide age-appropriate career exploration activities, facilitate career-awareness lessons and events, and help students identify potential high school and postsecondary pathways.
Guide students in developing and annually reviewing Next Step Plans.
Deliver developmentally appropriate classroom lessons that foster social and emotional skills, and provide individual and group counseling.
Respond to student mental health concerns, support conflict resolution and peer relationships, provide crisis intervention, and connect families with community-based services.
Engage students in activities that build self-awareness, personal goals, and foundational academic and social skills; collaborate with families and staff to support transition to middle school.
Provide immediate support to students in crisis or experiencing personal issues and facilitate referrals to internal and external mental health resources.
Serve on school crisis response and/or threat assessment teams, maintaining confidentiality while meeting mandatory reporting obligations.
Develop and manage a comprehensive 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; attend relevant IEP, SAT, and 504 meetings as appropriate.
Advocate for student inclusion, equity, and access to educational opportunities and resources.
Collaborate with educators, administrators, families, and community agencies; consult with staff on student development and behavior strategies and liaise with external support systems.
Follow ASCA ethical standards and applicable state laws and regulations, district policies, directives, and codes of conduct; maintain appropriate confidentiality and consult district personnel when necessary.
Model and encourage respect for cultural diversity and demonstrate cultural competence and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Maintain accurate and confidential student records, participate in professional development and district meetings and trainings, stay current with counseling practices, and maintain a current New Mexico School Counselor license.
Perform other related duties as assigned.