SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Portage Northern High School

1.0 FTE

2025/2026 School Year

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Hold certification in school counseling (NT) or a School Counselor License (SCL) from the State of Michigan

· Have a minimum of three (3) years of successful secondary teaching experience or three (3) years of successful secondary counseling experience

· Possess M.A. degree in secondary school counseling

Expectations:

● Provide individual and group counseling to students with identified concerns.

● Be familiar with community resources for students and families.

● Manage a caseload of 300, or more, high school students.

● Be a strong team player who works, collaboratively, with colleagues.

● Understand and effectively communicate the college application process, financial aid information, and scholarship opportunities.

● Be well versed in career and technical education, career testing, and career planning.

● Be able to prepare and facilitate large-group and small-group presentations.

● Assist in the development and implementation of school-improvement plans.

● Communicate effectively with: teachers, special-education consultants, parents, administrators, community mental-health agencies, and other resources.

● Coordinate homebound services, team meetings, and 504 Plans.

● Participate in the development and updating of special education Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) and 504 accommodations.

● Be familiar with the wide variety of high school programs (IB, CTE, EFA, Co-op, ATYP, KAMSC, EMC, dual enrollment, online courses, etc.) available to Portage students.

● Enroll new students.

● Work additional days during the summer in order to: enroll new students, finalize college applications, complete student audits, and make summer school recommendations.

● Be flexible and be able to attend to and address multiple needs, daily.

● Take a lead role with the building’s Crisis Response Team.

● Assume the role of Back-Up Test Coordinator and the Assistant Coordinator for standardized tests.

● Write letters of recommendation and process college and scholarship applications.

● Be familiar with FERPA regulations and other issues of confidentiality.

● Proctor multiple tests (SAT, PSAT, M-Step, etc.), and interpret the results for students and families.

● Be an active participant in implementing all facets of the counseling curriculum, including parent programs and other initiated programs outlined in the counseling calendar.

● Remain current in the counseling profession through appropriate conferences, workshops, periodicals, etc.

PPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply online at: https://www.portageps.org/page/employment-at-pps

Who is PPS? View our Strategic Commitments

Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The following positions at Portage Public Schools have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Human Resources Director Brad Galin and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Tuyls. Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002