Secondary School Counselor - 2026/2027
Topeka Public Schools USD 501•Topeka, KS
8h
About The Position
The counselor provides a comprehensive guidance and counseling program for students; consults and collaborates with teachers, parents, and staff; and provides support to school and district educational programs.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree in counseling from an accredited college/university
- Current Kansas teaching license with an endorsement to functionas a school counselor is required
Responsibilities
- Modifies counseling to meet individual student needs
- Develops and presents structured classroom guidance sessions
- Assists with the orientation of pupils new to the district or school
- Assists in the registration and enrollment of students
- Assists in the implementation of the district assessment program
- Interprets test data to faculty and administration
- Works with students on an individual and small group basis
- Demonstrates an understanding of how students develop and learn
- Communicates high expectations to all students
- Possesses effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
- Collaborates with all stakeholders
- Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability when dealing with all stakeholders
- Clearly and effectively conveys ideas and thoughts to others
- Uses a variety of verbal, nonverbal, and media techniques
- Seeks, listens, and responds appropriately to suggestions, requests, and concerns
- Demonstrates an up-to-date and extensive knowledge of counseling and effectively communicates this understanding to students
- Effectively implements the district-adopted curriculum
- Models and facilitates higher-order thinking, problem solving, creativity, and flexibility
- Makes students aware of assessment standards and learner expectations
- Assists students in developing self-assessment skills
- Maintains up-to-date records
- Creates a positive, inviting, and safe environment
- Communicates realistic and consistent expectations for student behavior
- Recognizes and appreciates diversity and individual differences
- Demonstrates conflict resolutions skills
- Continuously improves professional skills
- Recognizes and provides for individual differences and adjusts practices accordingly
- Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day
- Supports the District’s educational mission for all students and implements all Board regulations and policies in a fair and equitable manner
- Performs other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as the superintendent or designee may assign
