High School Counselor
Certified
Berrien Springs Public Schools
Berrien Springs High School Counselor
Berrien Springs, MI
We Inspire:
Berrien Springs Public Schools is a premier district that seeks to inspire students to become self-directed learners in an environment that promotes collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills. We strive to provide students with real-world problem solving and experiential learning with individualized options. We believe students are inspired to learn when they have opportunities to be involved in their learning process.
Who We Are:
Together, inspire each student to think, learn, achieve, and care in a global community. At Berrien Springs Public Schools, we strive to serve the needs of all student learners while seeking ways for students to reach their full potential. Our mission is to involve all stakeholders in the educational process. We have a strong focus on what we call "The Shamrock Way." The Shamrock Way is offering personalized learning opportunities where students can learn and grow in a caring environment. BSPS services a highly diverse student population that makes our district environment rich with culture, talents, interests, abilities, skills, and needs. Our highly qualified staff develops students to be self-directed and lifelong learners, who demonstrate personal competencies in academic achievement, technology, and citizenship.
The Role:
We continue to have big aspirations and expectations as we grow our team. We need to add the right people to help us reach our goals. As the High School Counselor, you will play a vital role in supporting students' academic success, social-emotional well-being, and career readiness. This position requires a commitment to working directly with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to ensure students receive the necessary guidance to navigate their educational journey. The counselor is responsible for academic planning, behavioral intervention, and post-secondary preparation, fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive.
Competencies for Student Support and Academic Success:
Student Academic Guidance & Support – A strong understanding of academic planning and student success strategies is crucial. The ability to develop, implement, and maintain Educational Development Plans (EDPs) ensures students stay on track for graduation. This role requires expertise in evaluating and monitoring student progress, advising on course selection, and providing academic recommendations when students face challenges. Familiarity with the Michigan Merit Curriculum, Career Pathways, and NCAA eligibility requirements is essential. Additionally, interpreting results will support students in meeting academic benchmarks. Interpret results, but we don’t coordinate the testing.
College & Career Readiness – Guiding students toward their post-secondary goals is a key component of this role. This includes instructing students and parents on college entrance requirements, the financial aid process, and available scholarships. The ability to organize and facilitate career exploration opportunities such as Career Pathway Days, dual enrollment, and career academies will enhance student preparedness.
Behavioral & Social-Emotional Support – Students often require additional support beyond academics. The ability to deliver a comprehensive guidance curriculum in various settings – individual, small group, and classroom – is critical. Teaching life skills, implementing behavioral interventions, and providing Tier II and Tier III crisis intervention are essential aspects of this role. Developing and monitoring behavior plans, addressing bullying concerns, and support students with emotional or behavioral challenges will help create a positive learning environment. Additionally, serving as a consultant for teachers on classroom management strategies and acting as a liaison between home and school will strengthen the overall support system for students.
Student Records & Confidentiality – Maintaining accurate and confidential academic records is a fundamental responsibility. This includes registering new students, guiding them through orientation, and ensuring their academic progress is documented and monitored appropriately. The ability to analyze academic performance data and suggest interventions will help students stay on track. Strong proficiency in utilizing technology for student records management and scheduling will further enhance efficiency in supporting student needs.
Collaboration & Communication – This position requires working closely with teachers, administrators, student advocates, and external agencies to provide comprehensive student support. Effective communication skills are essential for advising students, parents, and faculty. Establishing positive relationships will all stakeholders will contribute to a supportive academic environment. Additionally, the ability to coordinate with community agencies will ensure students have access to necessary resources outside the school setting.
Organization & Professionalism – A high level of organization is necessary to manage multiple responsibilities, student needs, and school-wide initiatives. Maintaining professional awareness of developments in school counseling and educational trends will ensure best practices are implemented. Flexibility in scheduling is important to maximize student and parent engagement. A commitment to student success, coupled with a willingness to take on additional duties as assigned by the administration will demonstrate dedication to the overall success of the school community.
These competencies serve as the foundation for effectively supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavors.
Why You Will Love This Role:
As a member of our growing professional learning team, you’ll not only drive the change in our district but you will be part of an innovative team of committed colleagues. You will always focus on improving services to our clients - our students and their families. Your role requires cross-functional collaboration at all levels with other departments, districts, and support agencies. Your efforts will result in meaningful educational opportunities for all students. Exciting opportunities lie ahead, not only for our students but for your own personal and professional growth, too.
What We’ll Love About You
You have 5+ years of counseling experience. A Michigan School Counselor Certificate is required, or candidates must demonstrate the ability to obtain the certification. You have had the opportunity to work with diverse departments and leaders to attain quality educational environments for students. You are a data-oriented person that loves to prototype or refine programs, always seeking efficiency and effectiveness. You connect and build relationships in an authentic and personalized way with all stakeholders to come to the best solution; not necessarily yours. You are excited to collaborate with your team, as well as others to create a rich environment and meaningful experience for all students.
What You’ll Get Out of This Role:
- A varied and challenging role in an innovative hybrid organization
- A robust benefits package including the ability to earn longevity pay after five years of employment, option to earn merit pay as well as health insurance and life insurance
- Development and further training opportunities for shaping and realizing your professional goals
- Exceptional colleagues who challenge each other, care about you and support your efforts
- You are signing up for a complex job. Leading in education is not easy, but you will be working with a top-notch team that is leading in innovation and is following a mission to add value to all students through a student-centered learning approach.
- Berrien Springs Public Schools – Ranked #1 in Michigan for a 212% increase in student enrollment.
Position Title: Berrien Springs High School Counselor
Reports To: High School Principal
Salary: MA Scale $48,593 - $86,106 based on experience
Length of Contract: 185 days
Location: High School
Start Date: August, 2025 New staff orientation tbd
Deadline to apply: April 11, 2025 at 3 p.m.
Interested candidates may apply online at: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/1005
Alternatively, applications may be submitted to:
Jennifer Thies, Director of Human Resources
Berrien Springs Public Schools
P.O. Box 130
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Email: jthies@homeoftheshamrocks.org
The Berrien Springs Public Schools Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic, (collectively, "Protected Classes") in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.