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Job Title: Counselor
Education: BA in Sociology, Masters in Counseling and Development
Previous Experience: I worked as a substitute teacher for years, gaining experience in the schools/classroom, working with students of many ages and backgrounds.
Job Tasks: I work for the public schools system where I am employed as a school counselor. I advise students with their personal and academic needs, making sure that they can succeed academically and emotionally at school. I work with high school seniors with registering them for colleges or helping them find other options in the armed services or work force. I work with students who have personal and family struggles, listening to them and making sure they have all the resources that they need. I work with all students to make sure that they are in the right classes and have a schedule/transcript that will enable them to succeed. I run groups with students for various causes including students who are grieving from a loss of a loved one, providing them with a chance to be with others who have experienced a similar loss and can comfort one another. I also work with teachers and faculty, as we are all a part of team, ensuring the students needs are met!
Many times, I run conferences with students, parents and administrators to address various concerns. Having everybody at the table for an intervention is often necessary to help the student. Counselors also work closely with parent liasons who are often needed because of the language barrier present between students/parents/teachers and counselors. It is very important that counselors are still able to reach the non-English speaking parents with oral and written translations. School counselors are an intricate part of the educational setting. The profession is very rewarding.
Best and Worst Parts of the Job: The best part of the job is working with students on a daily basis, helping them succeed and work through various problems.
The worst part of the job can be proctoring the many tests that are administered in the school. However, everybody in the building must help out with various tasks that are not always in the description of your job.
Job Tips: Get in the schools as much as possible. Substitute teach if you aren't currently a teacher. You will greatly benefit from the experience.
Always have an open door for students and faculty to see you. Make yourself visible on the job!
Meet with students as much as possible! It is easy to get caught up in the paperwork aspect of the job.
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