Student Support Counselor
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Meet with students one to one to discuss concerns and goals
- Provide short term counseling and coping strategies
- Support academic planning and study habits
- Identify students who need additional support and make referrals
- Coordinate with teachers to create student support plans
- Communicate with families about student progress and needs
- Respond to urgent student wellbeing concerns and follow safety procedures
- Track interventions, notes, and follow ups in student records
- Support attendance improvement efforts
- Connect students to community resources such as healthcare and housing support
- Run small group sessions on topics like stress and peer relationships
- Contribute to school wide programs that improve school climate and belonging
Top Skills for Success
Active Listening
Empathy
Clear Communication
Conflict De-escalation
Time Management
Problem Solving
Student Counseling
Crisis Response
Case Management
Behavior Support Planning
Family Engagement
Resource Navigation
Documentation
Confidentiality
Mandatory Reporting
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Student Support Counselor
School Counselor
College and Career Counselor
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Student Success Coach
Transition Opportunities
School Social Worker
Mental Health Counselor
Program Coordinator
Special Education Coordinator
Assistant Principal
Student Services Director
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Crisis ResponseCase ManagementData TrackingFamily EngagementResource NavigationDocumentation
Development SuggestionsBuild a repeatable support process. Learn your local referral options, practice crisis protocols, and strengthen documentation habits. Use simple tracking to monitor attendance, behavior, and intervention outcomes.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry Level$40,000 to $55,000
Mid Level$55,000 to $75,000
Senior Level$75,000 to $95,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand, driven by increased focus on student mental health, attendance recovery, and school based support services. Hiring levels vary by district budgets and local need.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
Public School DistrictsCharter School NetworksPrivate SchoolsCommunity CollegesUniversitiesYouth Service NonprofitsCommunity Mental Health Agencies
Industry Sectors
K to 12 EducationHigher EducationNonprofit ServicesPublic SectorHealthcare Services
Recommended Next Steps
1
Review your state requirements for school counseling or related roles2
Earn relevant credentials such as school counseling certification if needed3
Take training in crisis response and safety planning4
Build a resource list of community supports and referral pathways5
Practice structured documentation and consistent follow up routines6
Seek supervised experience through internships or school based placements7
Prepare interview examples that show confidentiality, collaboration, and student impact8
Join professional associations focused on school counseling and student services