Guidance Counselor 2026-2027

Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools•Phoenix, AZ

21h

About The Position

Saint Mary’s offers its student body of 500 young men and women a rigorous Catholic liberal arts and sciences curriculum, a developed fine arts program, a diversity of athletics and extracurricular activities, regular access to the sacraments, and a strong retreat program. As a diocesan Catholic school, Saint Mary’s takes great pride in striving to form virtuous young men and women who know the Truth and love the Good. In all areas of campus life, Saint Mary’s strives to create an encounter with Christ. General Description: Saint Mary’s Catholic High School, Arizona’s oldest Catholic school, is seeking a Guidance Counselor to begin in the fall of the 2025-2026 school year. The preferred candidate promotes and enhances the educational experience for students through an integration of academic, personal/social, and post-secondary support and advisement. Candidates must be a team player and adept at working with students and families. Candidate possesses a graduate degree in relevant area. Candidates should have a passion for Catholic education and the formation of young men and women in virtue. Purpose and Scope Under the supervision of the principal: The Guidance Counselor plans, coordinates, and implements programs and services directed toward the spiritual, academic, and personal growth of each student.

Requirements

Completes Ministry Formation Certification and/or re-certification as required by Diocesan policy
Completes required Safe Environment Training and Code of Ethics
Promotes awareness and adherence to appropriate guidelines regarding confidentiality, the distinction between public and private information and staff consultation.
Recognizes when a student’s condition indicates a clear and imminent danger to the student or others and is knowledgeable on informing the appropriate person/s
Demonstrates personal self-discipline, be adaptable and flexible in routine and unexpected situations
Uses good judgment in daily encounters
Uses verbal and written language correctly
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of good adolescent psychology
Maintains appropriate grooming and dress at all times as stated in the faculty Handbook
Demonstrates knowledge of applicable computer software
Holds a Master’s Degree and is certified by the Arizona State Department of Education as a Guidance Counselor and meets applicable accreditation requirements
Current FBI Fingerprint clearance card

Nice To Haves

Preference given to Catholic guidance counselor
Experience in high school counseling preferred
If Catholic, willing to make a public Profession of Faith; If Non-Catholic willing to support Catholic teachings and philosophy

Responsibilities

Strives to achieve the philosophy and goals of Catholic education as well as the Mission of the School
Promotes and upholds Gospel values and Catholic moral teaching
Provides opportunities for the students to be prepared for life in today’s Church and society
Works towards the creation of a Catholic community within the classroom, school environment, and the entire school community
Advises and coordinates the course of study for each student to secure appropriate placement and/or meet their graduation and college requirements
Schedules individual meetings with each student to evaluate his/her academic progress
Provides guidance to students, parents, and staff on request
Monitors student’s records for the purpose of developing plans and/or providing information regarding student goals
Monitors student academic progress and refers students for additional assistance as needed
Maintains and facilitates communication with students, parents, teachers, and administrators
Provides a variety of resources for academic growth and development
Coordinates and/or implements all school testing programs
Interprets and communicates test results for students, parents, and teachers
Provides students with general information regarding college admission
Conducts college planning seminars for students and parents
Provides opportunities for students and parents to meet with college and university representatives
Communicates to students and parents information regarding financial aid and availability of scholarships
Communicates to students and parents information regarding educational opportunities beyond the local school community
Writes recommendations and prepares documentation for college applications
Assists students in matching career goals with skills and interests
Provides opportunities for career exploration
Collaborates with teachers to present guidance curriculum to students in a classroom setting
Provides speakers, material and resources for guidance presentations
Identifies interpersonal skills that will help students understand and respect self and others
Advocates for the student with parents and school personnel
Schedules meetings with individual student to evaluate his/her personal growth and progress
Coordinates and facilitates parent, student, and teacher conference
Provides for personal counseling and referral as needed
Assists students and parents in developing plans to address behavioral or attendance issues
Refers students and their parents to community agencies, programs, or specialists as appropriate
Facilitates any conflicts between interested parties
Continues professional development to remain current with religious and academic certifications
Keeps informed of current practices through professional reading and educational opportunities
Participates in professional activities and joins appropriate professional organizations
Attends Diocesan sponsored in-services
Attends and actively participates in school faculty meetings and in-services
Actively participates in the process of continuous school improvement
Maintains personal professional development records
Performs any other job-related tasks deemed necessary and/or assigned by the principal or designated supervisor