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.

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.

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

1
Enroll in a CACREP-accredited M.Ed./M.A. in School Counseling and pursue your state’s school counselor certification.
2
Secure a practicum/internship in a K–12 setting; log hours in individual counseling, small groups, classroom lessons, and crisis response.
3
Complete MHFA and CPI training; study the ASCA National Model and practice building data-driven student support plans with a mentor counselor.