Student Support Counselor

Career Guide

A Student Support Counselor helps students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. They provide guidance, connect students to resources, coordinate with families and staff, and support student wellbeing and attendance.

Browse All Roles

Key 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

Review your state requirements for school counseling or related roles

Earn relevant credentials such as school counseling certification if needed

Take training in crisis response and safety planning

Build a resource list of community supports and referral pathways

Practice structured documentation and consistent follow up routines

Seek supervised experience through internships or school based placements

Prepare interview examples that show confidentiality, collaboration, and student impact

Join professional associations focused on school counseling and student services