2026-27 Counselor, Lead

McAllen Independent School District•McAllen, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Counselor is responsible for supervising, managing, and leading a comprehensive program of guidance and counseling. This includes planning, implementation, and evaluation of counseling services for assigned schools. The role involves defining the needs and priorities of the student population, providing a developmental guidance program to maximize personal growth, and coordinating post-secondary education, college admissions, financial aid, and scholarships. A key aspect is promoting positive working relationships among staff through open communication and productive collaboration.

Requirements

Master's Degree, required
Texas Counselor’s Certificate, required
Texas Teaching Certificate, required
Knowledge of counseling procedures
Effective communication (verbal and written)
Effective interpersonal skills
Effective organizational and presentation skills
Ability to work collaboratively with other building department leaders and district guidance staff members
Ability to interpret data, federal and state laws and policies
Three (3) years of experience as a classroom teacher
High school experience and counseling experience, required

Responsibilities

Plan and implement the school’s developmental guidance and counseling program consistent with the district and campus goals and objectives.
Provide guidance and counseling to individuals and groups of students related to their personal needs.
Provide crisis counseling and/or consultation services.
Teach the school developmental guidance curriculum in conjunction with teachers or through individual and/or classroom group activities.
Provide academic and career counseling through course advisement and selection.
Monitor and evaluate student progress to assess placement; coordinate with school staff in the selection and/or development of appropriate college admissions, financial aid, scholarship and career guidance materials to provide career/occupational and post-secondary opportunities.
Coordinate and participate in special events/projects/programs designed to enhance student success.
Consult with parents, administrators, school personnel or students about educational, personal and social needs of students through conferences, phone calls and home visits.
Use an effective referral process to work cooperatively with school, community and resource persons to assist students.
Assist administrators, teachers, students and parents in the resolution of conflicts.
Advocate for the guidance and counseling program and staff members with the school, district and community.
Accomplish tasks to help staff members organize for program delivery and define staff member roles.
Collaborate with other school and district staff to interpret testing programs for students.
Plan for and provide professional development for staff when appropriate.
Promote equal access to all career/technical programs and activities based on student career interest and aptitude assessment and ability to succeed in such programs for all students, including students who are members of special populations.
Work cooperatively with students, parents and school staff to achieve a positive school climate and community relations.
Foster collaborative educational efforts among staff by supporting the district’s philosophy and mission and its commitment to site-based shared decision-making.
Keep the principal informed regarding the status of all projects or initiatives undertaken and of directives or requests received internally or externally.
Obtain, manage and distribute all college, scholarship and information in a timely manner.
Compile and maintain all reports, records and other required documents in a timely and efficient manner.
Prepare the department budget request and recommend the purchase of supplies materials and equipment for the counseling and guidance program.
Pursue professional growth by participating in appropriate in-service opportunities and keeping abreast of changes and developments in education as reflected in research, literature and best practices.
Use accepted theories and techniques appropriate to school counseling.
Adhere to ethical and legal standards.
Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.
Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).