West Middle School School Counselor (2641)

Rochester Community Schools•Rochester, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

West Middle School is seeking a School Counselor for the 2026-27 school year. This is a 1.0 FTE position. The school counselor is a vital member of the school leadership team, working to maximize student success, promote access and equity for all students, and create a school culture of success. The role involves advising students on graduation requirements, monitoring academic performance, consulting with students and parents, delivering curriculum lessons, participating in support teams, and assisting with scheduling and transitions. The position also includes administering state and AP testing, attending IEP meetings, supporting students' social and emotional development, connecting families with community resources, and collaborating with administration and teachers. Responsibilities specific to a middle school counselor include providing guidance on academic performance, career exploration, social skills, self-esteem, bullying, conflict resolution, and mental health, as well as developing and implementing programs to support student needs and providing crisis intervention.

Requirements

Valid Michigan teaching certificate with an NT endorsement or a School Counselor License.
Masters degree in counseling or school counseling
Three years of successful teaching experience.
Ability and skills necessary to organize, maintain and evaluate programs for students.
Knowledge of child development and learning theories.

Nice To Haves

Internal applications will be given first consideration

Responsibilities

Advising students on credits required to successfully complete district graduation requirements.
Monitoring students’ overall academic performance and collaborating with staff members to develop necessary academic supports for students.
Consulting with individual students/parents to discuss academic gaps and explore potential supports or interventions.
Delivering core curriculum lessons or supporting individual students with ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors standards that equip students with the necessary test-taking, time management and/or organization tools to be successful.
Participating as an active member of the school’s building support team to support student success.
Delivering course survey options and information and supporting students in the course selection process based on their academic goals, after high school plans and to promote maximizing their opportunities.
Performing schedule adjustments as needed and graduation credit checks.
Meeting with new students to the district, creating a schedule, supporting them in the transition and transferring their previous high school credits into the district student information system.
Administering state testing, e.g. SAT and PSAT.
Administering Advanced Placement testing.
Attending Individual Educational Planning meetings for students with Special Education services and supports.
Supporting the IEP scheduling process.
Assisting students in developing positive relationships with peers and adults, along with developing interpersonal communication skills.
Assisting students who may be experiencing difficult life circumstances and aiding in the development of healthy coping strategies for successful school and life transitions.
Connecting students and families with community resources through referrals.
Communicating and collaborating with administration and teachers to support the emotional and mental health of students.
Helping with the coordination of the transition programming of incoming 6th graders to middle school.
Delivering core curriculum lessons or individual support aligned to the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors that equip students to become positive members of their school and community.
Arranging parental conferences, as needed and serving as liaison between parents, administration and teachers.
Through classroom, small group, and individual student planning, assisting students in developing a post-secondary plan, also known as an Educational Development Plan, that is required for all students starting seventh grade.
Delivering career assessments and core curriculum lessons aligned to the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors that assist students in identifying personal characteristics that lead to potential career opportunities.
Assisting students in post-secondary research to identify training/educational opportunities that lead to the necessary skills/certifications/licensure to pursue a career.
Meeting with administration on a regular basis and supporting administration with scheduling, special projects and by serving on committees.
Participating in professional organizations and serving in leadership roles.
Networking and collaborating with community agencies as needed to support students’ wellbeing and academic success, as needed.
Supporting and contributing to building family communication with updates from the counseling office.
Performing other duties as assigned by building administration.
Support students in the college application process which includes writing letters of recommendation for students for college admission or scholarship purposes.
Facilitating college representative visits, military exploration opportunities and financial aid workshops/assistance for students and parents, as well as organizing and delivering college fairs.
Advising students on potential Career and Technical Education opportunities that provide them with career exploration, work-based learning experiences and opportunities to earn certifications and credentials leading to entry-level employment.
Advising students on dual enrollment opportunities and/or early/middle college opportunities.
Provide counseling and guidance to students individually or in groups on a range of issues such as academic performance, career exploration, social skills, self-esteem, bullying, conflict resolution, and mental health.
Works with students and staff on mindfulness and positive behavioral strategies.
Collaborate with teachers and other school staff to identify and address student needs and develop strategies to support their success.
Develop and implement programs and services that support the social, emotional, and academic needs of middle school students.
Provide crisis intervention services to students who are experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties.