High School School Counselor (2026-2027)

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools • Kansas City, MO

4d

About The Position

High School School Counselor Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1,600 students from PreK–12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school system located in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 97% of our students identify as Latinx, and many are bilingual or English learners. Our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers High School. GCCS grew out of Guadalupe Centers’ educational programs — part of the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the United States since 1919. Our deep community roots shape our mission: to prepare all students academically, socially, and emotionally for college, career, and life success. Why Work at GCCS Students & Families: Our teachers form strong relationships with students and families through a community-driven approach. The connection between our schools and Guadalupe Centers’ historic mission fosters trust and collaboration that support student success. Staff Autonomy: GCCS teachers are empowered to innovate. We value professional judgment and encourage creative, research-based classroom practices that meet the needs of diverse learners. Coaching & Development: Each staff member collaborates with their instructional coach and building leadership to set annual professional growth goals aligned to district priorities. Our development model focuses on reflection, collaboration, and continuous learning. Competitive Benefits: Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level Relocation stipend (for qualifying hires) Bilingual stipend (Spanish-speaking staff) Tuition reimbursement for continued education (up to lifetime cap per GCCS policy) Mental health and well-being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs 403(b) retirement match up to 5% (for eligible staff) Perfect attendance incentive program (up to $1,600 annually) Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage Reports To: Building Principal Summary: The High School Counselor is responsible for fully implementing the Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program (MSCP) to support the academic, social/emotional, and postsecondary success of all students. Counselors deliver classroom curriculum, individual student planning, responsive services, and system support activities as outlined by DESE School Counseling standards. As the primary school-based mental health provider, the Counselor collaborates with families, teachers, administrators, and community partners to ensure students receive timely, developmentally appropriate support. Counselors play a key role in the MTSS framework, providing prevention, early intervention, and crisis-response services while supporting equity, inclusion, and the overall well-being of a diverse high school population.

Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and high school–level academic and career planning.
• Ability to analyze and interpret assessments, achievement data, aptitude tests, and related tools.
• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse cultural and linguistic populations.
• High emotional intelligence; able to remain calm in crises.
• Commitment to serving under-resourced and multilingual student communities.
• Master’s Degree in School Counseling (required).
• Valid Missouri School Counselor Certification for grades 7–12 or K–12, per DESE requirements.
• Bilingual ability — English required; Spanish preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in an urban school setting preferred.
• Knowledge of ASCA and MSCP frameworks strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver high-quality counseling lessons addressing academic skills, social-emotional learning, and career readiness for grades 9–12.
• Integrate state-required ICAP (Individual Career and Academic Plan) components, ensuring all students complete annual updates.
• Guide students through the development of academic, postsecondary, and career goals.
• Support students with scheduling, transcript reviews, graduation progress monitoring, dual credit/dual enrollment options, and scholarship planning.
• Assist students with ACT/college readiness, financial aid, and other postsecondary processes.
• Provide short-term individual and group counseling to support students facing social, emotional, behavioral, or academic challenges.
• Respond to crises using trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
• Make referrals to social workers, school psychologists, or outside agencies as appropriate.
• Consult regularly with teachers, administrators, and families regarding student needs, classroom strategies, and intervention supports.
• Partner with Social Work and Psychological Services as the point-of-contact for mental health coordination.
• Participate in Love & Logic workshops, parent engagement events, and staff training as needed.
• Contribute to data-driven processes for identifying and supporting students in need of Tier I, II, or III interventions.
• Participate in student success meetings, attendance interventions, and behavioral support plans.
• Lead implementation of the Missouri Career Education Benchmarks.
• Support students in developing postsecondary plans aligned with ICAP requirements.
• Organize college and career exploration activities, including college visits, career fairs, and FAFSA/financial aid workshops.
• Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with DESE requirements, district policies, and ethical standards.
• Support building-wide initiatives that promote well-being, school culture, mental health, and safety.
• Serve as a mandatory reporter for hotline issues and ensure compliance with state law.
• Serve as a key member of the 504 team, contributing to the review, development, and implementation of plans.
• Engage in continuous professional growth aligned with DESE Counselor Standards.
• Uphold ethical guidelines from ASCA, DESE, and district policy.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level
• Relocation stipend (for qualifying hires)
• Bilingual stipend (Spanish-speaking staff)
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education (up to lifetime cap per GCCS policy)
• Mental health and well-being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs
• 403(b) retirement match up to 5% (for eligible staff)
• Perfect attendance incentive program (up to $1,600 annually)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level