High School Guidance Counselor

El Paso-Gridley CUSD 11•El Paso, IL

About The Position

El Paso-Gridley High School is seeking a dedicated and compassionate High School Guidance Counselor for the 2027–2028 school year. This full-time position supports students’ academic progress, social-emotional well-being, personal growth, and postsecondary development. The counselor helps students navigate high school, explore future opportunities, and build skills for success beyond graduation. The counselor provides individual and small-group counseling; supports course selection, academic planning, and graduation requirements; and works with students, families, and staff to address concerns affecting student success. The role also includes coordinating college and career guidance, serving as the school’s ACT Testing Coordinator and AP Coordinator, contributing to student support meetings and crisis response, maintaining confidential student records, and using data to plan and evaluate counseling services. The counselor collaborates with school staff and community providers and contributes to an inclusive school culture.

Requirements

Master’s degree or higher in school counseling or a related school counseling field from an accredited institution.
Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with a School Counselor endorsement, or eligibility to obtain the required credential before the position begins.
Strong understanding of adolescent development, school counseling practices, and college and career readiness.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
Ability to support students with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and needs.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
Sound professional judgment and a commitment to ethical practice and confidentiality.
Proficiency with student information systems, educational technology, and college and career planning resources.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a high school counseling setting is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide individual and small-group counseling to support students’ academic progress, social-emotional well-being, and personal growth.
Guide students through course selection, academic planning, and graduation requirements.
Monitor student progress and collaborate with staff and families to address academic, attendance, and other concerns affecting student success.
Assist students with college and career exploration, college applications, scholarships, financial aid, and other postsecondary pathways.
Coordinate opportunities for students and families to learn about college, careers, financial aid, and educational programs.
Support student transitions into high school and from high school to college, training programs, military service, or employment.
Serve as the school’s ACT Testing Coordinator, overseeing test scheduling, student registration, accommodations, staff training, test administration, and test security.
Serve as the school’s AP Coordinator, managing exam registration and ordering, coordinating testing accommodations, communicating with students and families, and overseeing exam administration in collaboration with AP teachers.
Collaborate with administrators, teachers, the school social worker, school psychologist, and community providers to coordinate student support and referrals.
Participate in Student Success Team, IEP, and Section 504 meetings as appropriate.
Assist with crisis response and connect students and families with appropriate school and community resources.
Maintain accurate student records and protect confidentiality in accordance with applicable requirements and professional standards.
Use student data to identify needs, plan interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of counseling services.
Contribute to a positive, inclusive school culture through school events, committees, and professional development.