Middle School Counselor

About the position

The Payette School District is seeking a McCAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELOR for the 2025-2026 school year. The counselor will be responsible for providing direct assistance to students, managing office operations, and serving as a resource for the community. The position requires a strong commitment to student development and the ability to work collaboratively with staff, parents, and community organizations.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with education planning, course selection, and adding and dropping courses.
• Register new students, provide orientation and information about school policies, schedules, curriculum, and extracurricular opportunities.
• Interpret grades and test scores for parents and students.
• Assist with follow-up on students who are below grade level or failing with weekly progress reports.
• Maintain a close relationship with the child study team, following directives and recommendations as needed.
• Assist in the resolution of school-related problems.
• Provide responsive services including consultation, personal counseling, crisis counseling, and referral.
• Arrange for summer work and/or enrollment in summer school programs to address noted deficiencies.
• Facilitate a smooth transition between elementary and middle/junior high, including orientation programs for students and parents.
• Provide a guidance curriculum consisting of structured developmental experiences through classroom and group activities for all students.
• Assist with teacher/student/parent conferences.
• Help students evaluate their aptitudes and abilities through teacher comments and interpretation of standardized test scores.
• Provide counseling to assist students in developing personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.
• Maintain a professional office environment.
• Provide interim assistance to students or parents with urgent needs.
• Maintain student records and ensure their confidentiality.
• Consult with teachers and staff regularly to provide information and support.
• Deal with confusion and emergencies in a friendly, supportive, and calm manner.
• Assist agitated or confused students in re-composing themselves during personal setbacks.
• Screen and coordinate new student records.
• Help build the master schedule and decide on courses for each grade level.
• Serve as a resource person to local community organizations.
• Network and consult with local businesses, industries, and social service agencies.
• Provide information to the community regarding guidance services or relevant programs.
• Attend state-sponsored district test coordinator meetings as needed.
• Participate in building meetings, such as special education meetings and class meetings.
• Assist in arranging education services for hospitalized or homebound students.
• Assist with teacher/student and teacher/parent conflicts.
• Provide letters to parents informing them of students' academic status.
• Keep the immediate supervisor informed of activities and any issues that may arise.
• Assume responsibility for continuing professional growth and development.
• Adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Idaho Teaching Profession.
• Seek assistance should emergencies arise.
• Represent the school district positively.
• Know and follow the school district policy and chain of command.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Holds a Pupil Personnel Services Certificate with a Counselor Endorsement (K-12) or is a certified social worker.
• Minimum experience as determined by the Board.
• Strong knowledge and experience of computerized master schedule development and the use of student information systems (SIS) and learning management systems (LMS).
• A broad understanding of theories of individual and group guidance techniques, and elementary school guidance program design.
• Knowledge of state and federal testing procedures and requirements.
• Strong background in the use of technology.
• Ability to relate extremely well to students.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with students, parents, staff, and community groups.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of staff and students.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• PERSI retirement
• Access to optional ancillary insurance and retirement products