HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR SKILLS, EXPERIENCES, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS
Updated: Jan 23, 2026 - The High School Counselor supports student well-being through effective counseling strategies and the use of assessment tools. This role requires strong communication, organizational skills, and a results-driven approach. The counselor ensures compliance with regulations while handling sensitive matters with professionalism.
Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a High School Counselor Resume
- Academic Planning
- Test Preparation
- Data Interpretation
- Record Management
- Course Selection
- Test Interpretation
- Recommendation Writing
- Curriculum Delivery
- Data Analysis
- Test Administration
- Student Counseling
- Career Guidance
- Parent Support
- Crisis Intervention
- Individual Counseling
- Faculty Collaboration
- Advising Skills
- College Counseling
- Team Collaboration
- Public Speaking
Summary of High School Counselor Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume
1. BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with 2 years of Experience
- Demonstrable fluency in written English
- Fundamental and comprehensive understanding of admissions criteria
- Familiarity with High school software such as CIALFU / Parchment Assessment / MAIA as well as Mac and other platforms
- Understanding and empathy with High School students and their parents' aspirations
- Ability to offer practical tips towards personal statements, letters of recommendation from teachers, and beneficial methods on approaching prospective referees
- Awareness of the changing nature of CollegeBoard (SAT, ACT, AP exams)
- Previous working in a small school environment (i.e., 20 graduates annually)
- Experience working with complex student behaviors
- Experience working in a high school setting
- Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the general public and others having business with the school district
2. BA in Educational Leadership with 3 years of Experience
- Working experience as a College Counselor
- Must have School Counseling Certification
- Strong technology skills, especially with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
- Customer-focused approach and a high degree of flexibility
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
- Team player with demonstrated leadership skills
- Knowledge of American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success
- Knowledge of college and career readiness and career development
- Ability to develop positive and meaningful relationships with students and families
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Knowledge of theories of intellectual, social, and emotional development
3. BA in Mental Health Counseling with 5 years of Experience
- Must have certification as a School Counselor by the Massachusetts Department of Education
- Familiarity with philosophy, principles, and practices in school guidance counseling
- Familiarity with mental health and emotional impairments including learning disorders affecting student achievement
- Familiarity with the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in students
- Experience in crisis management and intervention
- Experience with a comprehensive school counseling program
- Familiarity with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks
- Familiarity with the American School Counselor Association Framework for School Counseling Programs
- Successful teaching experience in secondary schools
- Previous employment experience in a counseling position in a school, community agency or social service organization
- Teaching experience in the secondary schools with the approval of the Superintendent of Schools
- Skill in communication, organization, problem-solving, critical thinking and flexibility
- Ability to present information accurately, manage multiple priorities and projects, and counsel students towards expected results
4. BA in Counseling Psychology with 4 years of Experience
- Experience in school counseling
- Familiarity with Disabilities Act and its interactive process
- Ability to maintain high levels of confidentiality
- Strong professional collaborative skills
- Ability to work well with students and colleagues
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Clear understanding of adolescent development (cognitive and psychosocial)
- Bilingual- ability to read, write and speak (English / Spanish, Mandarin, or Vietnamese)
- Experience providing school counseling at the high school level
- Familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act and its interactive process
- Prior experience working in an independent/Catholic school environment
- Have a holistic mindset willing to consider a student’s school and home life
- Knowledge of applicable Peoria Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures
5. BA in Criminology with 2 years of Experience
- Experience in institutional counselling
- Experienced in using assessment tools for determining and structuring individual and group counselling
- Passionate about student welfare and want to help them tackle life’s different challenges
- Able to provide a clear and persuasive pitch to anyone
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Results driven, goal oriented, move fast, and take ownership of work
- Strong knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county and city statutes, rules, policies and procedures
- Knowledge of appropriate personal and vocational counseling strategies
- Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Understanding of test construction and ability to interpret educational test data
- Ability to exercise discretion in handling sensitive matters
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