COUNSELOR - HIGH SCHOOL

SUMMARY: The High School Counselor plays a vital role in advancing the mission of Allegan Public Schools—providing pathways to a quality education for all—while helping bring to life a community where all belong and thrive. This position supports the academic, social-emotional, and post-secondary development of all students through a comprehensive, equitable, and data-informed school counseling program.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This position works as part of a collaborative counseling team, with responsibilities primarily focused on an assigned student caseload while sharing school-wide duties and initiatives with other counseling staff.

Student support and counseling
- Provide individual and group counseling to support students’ academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs
- Respond to crisis situations, including risk assessments and coordination of appropriate interventions and supports
- Monitor student progress and implement targeted interventions for students at risk of failure, disengagement, or dropout
Academic planning and progress monitoring
- Guide students in course selection and long-term academic planning aligned with graduation requirements and post-secondary goals
- Analyze student data (grades, attendance, behavior) to identify trends and develop responsive support plans
- Collaborate with teachers and administrators to address academic barriers and promote student success
- Assist the administration with creating the master schedule
College, career, and post-secondary readiness
- Support students in exploring post-secondary options, including college, career pathways, and skilled trades
- Coordinate work-based learning opportunities
- Assist with college applications, scholarships, and financial aid processes (e.g., FAFSA)
- Coordinate college and career events such as college visits, career fairs, and informational sessions
Section 504 coordination
- Serve as the building-level Section 504 Coordinator, ensuring compliance with federal regulations
- Facilitate the identification, evaluation, and eligibility determination of students for 504 plans
State testing coordination
- Coordinate all aspects of state and standardized testing within the building
Systems and program implementation
- Design and deliver a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with best practices
- Use data to evaluate program effectiveness and adjust services to better meet student needs
- Support school-wide initiatives related to student well-being, engagement, and achievement
Collaboration and communication
- Partner with families to support student success and communicate academic and social-emotional progress
- Collaborate with school staff, including administrators, teachers, and support personnel, to develop and implement intervention plans
- Connect students and families with community resources and external support services
Other duties as assigned by the building principal

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

Valid Michigan teaching certificate with a School Counselor NT endorsement
Knowledge of adolescent development, mental health, and educational systems
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
Willingness to collaborate with colleagues, community partners, and other stakeholders
Ability to analyze and use data to inform decision-making and interventions

Preferred:

Experience working at the high school level
Familiarity with college admissions, career pathways, and financial aid processes
Experience implementing a comprehensive school counseling program
Background in trauma-informed practices and/or restorative approaches
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with diverse student populations
Experience with the processes and procedures involved for personal curriculum development, IEPs, and 504s

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently walking and standing while performing the duties of this job. In addition, the employee may frequently bend or twist at the neck and back while performing the duties of this job. Specific vision abilities required by this job include peripheral vision and close vision such as to read typewritten material. The employee may occasionally lift up to 25 pounds such as student equipment.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Position starts with the 2026-2027 school year. Wages, benefits, and work year as defined in the Teachers’ Master Agreement

SALARY: Commensurate with experience and background based upon Salary Schedule in the AEA Master Agreement

LOCATION: Allegan High School

REPORTS TO: Building Principal

For questions about this position, please contact:

Melanie Cassar, Principal

Allegan High School

mcassar@alleganps.org

Allegan Public Schools complies with all federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, political belief, disability, handicap, or any other legally protected characteristic - in all of its programs and in employment. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the Superintendent, 550 Fifth St, Allegan, MI 49010 or by phone at (269) 673-5431.

Counselor - High School