School Counselor / Student Support Specialist

Career Guide

School Counselors/Student Support Specialists help students with academic planning, social-emotional wellbeing, and postsecondary readiness. They provide individual and group counseling, respond to crises, coordinate supports with families and staff, and connect students to community resources.

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Key Responsibilities

Provide individual and group counseling to address academic, social, and emotional needs
Develop student academic and career plans and deliver classroom guidance lessons
Conduct risk assessments and crisis intervention; make mandated reports when required
Coordinate student support plans and interventions with teachers, families, and administrators
Refer students to community mental health, social services, and tutoring resources
Track outcomes and maintain confidential records in student information systems
Lead schoolwide initiatives for attendance, behavior, and college/career readiness

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Lead School Counselor / Department Chair

School Counseling Program Director

Director of Student Services (District)

Transition Opportunities

Academic Advisor (Higher Education)

Career Counselor

Mental Health Counselor (Community/Private Practice)

Student Success Coach / Retention Specialist

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Crisis assessment and school-based intervention protocolsData-informed planning for attendance, behavior, and achievementSchool law compliance (FERPA, 504 planning, mandated reporting)Designing and delivering classroom guidance and group counseling

Development SuggestionsComplete a supervised K–12 practicum/internship focused on crisis response and group work; take short courses on ASCA model, FERPA/504 compliance, and data use in MTSS.

Market Intelligence Report

School Counselor / Student Support Specialist is part of the Education, Instruction & Training Roles - Other category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$48,000-$58,000

Mid Level$60,000-$72,000

Senior Level$75,000-$90,000

Growth Trend

growing: Enrollment growth and expanded mental health needs in K–12 and colleges

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Public K–12 School DistrictsCharter School NetworksColleges and Universities

Industry Sectors

EducationGovernment (Local/State)Non-Profit & Social Services

Recommended Next Steps

Enroll in a CACREP-accredited M.Ed./M.A. in School Counseling and pursue your state’s school counselor certification.

Secure a practicum/internship in a K–12 setting; log hours in individual counseling, small groups, classroom lessons, and crisis response.

Complete MHFA and CPI training; study the ASCA National Model and practice building data-driven student support plans with a mentor counselor.