PLEASE POST
RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
INTERNAL / EXTERNAL POSTING
Position: High School Guidance / Academic Counselor
Location: River Valley Middle High School
Work Schedule: 190 work days (aligned to teacher contract with additional summer
responsibilities)
Reports To: Building Principal
FLSA Status: Exempt
High School Guidance / Academic Counselor
The High School Guidance / Academic Counselor provides comprehensive support to students in the areas of academic planning, college and career readiness, social-emotional development, and assessment coordination. This position serves students in grades 6-12 and plays a key leadership role in scheduling, testing, and data reporting.
Working in partnership with students, staff, families, and community organizations, the counselor ensures students remain on track for graduation and are well-prepared for postsecondary success. In alignment with the River Valley Strategic Plan, this role promotes student-centered decision-making, fosters a culture of continuous improvement, and upholds the district's belief in collaboration and high expectations for all learners.
As the 6-12 District Assessment Coordinator, the counselor oversees all aspects of required state and local assessments, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strategic use of data to support student learning. This position embodies the River Valley Strategic Plan's values of integrity, responsibility, kindness, respect, innovation and determination by coordinating systems that drive student achievement and growth.
Furthermore, the counselor demonstrates the district's commitment to proactive, two-way communication and to engaging the broader school community in supporting student success. By nurturing strong relationships and advocating for student well-being, this role helps actualize the mission to engage, empower, and elevate the potential of every student.
It is mutually understood that this is a salaried, professional position. As such, the responsibilities of the role may require time beyond the regular workday to plan, prepare, and respond to the needs of students and staff. This may include, but is not limited to, communication outside of school hours and critical incident response when necessary.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Academic Planning and Support

• Guide students in developing and monitoring four-year educational plans (EDP) aligned with graduation requirements and individual goals
• Support students in updating these plans annually based on academic progress, interests, and postsecondary aspirations
• Collaborate with the assistant principal and scheduler on course planning, balancing student needs with staffing and curriculum offerings
• Monitor academic progress and intervene when students fall behind in credits or core coursework
• Assist with credit recovery, dual enrollment, and virtual learning options
• Provide consultation on 504 plans and general education academic accommodations
• Maintain consistent and proactive communication with families and staff to support student academic growth
• Support the implementation of the Youth Solutions Foundation initiative and integrate its strategies into daily counseling and engagement efforts

Scheduling

• Assist in the development of the master schedule in consultation with the principal and assistant principal
• Review the course records of all students in grades 6-12 and schedule all students using PowerSchool
• Prepare yearly credit audits for all high school students
• Schedule and enroll students in credit recovery courses as needed
• Manage and monitor the district's credit recovery program through Edgenuity
• Coordinate virtual courses, assign supervising teachers in consultation with the MHS principal, monitor student progress, and meet with students and staff as necessary
• Coordinate special student enrollments through programs such as dual enrollment, CTE, the Math and Science Center, Early Middle College, and work-based learning opportunities
• Responsible for organizing personal curriculums for students along with the personal curriculum process that has been laid out by the River Valley School District and in cooperation with the general education department and the special education department

Assessment and Data Coordination

• Serve as the Assessment Coordinator for grades 6-12, responsible for planning, organizing, administering, reporting, and monitoring all local and state assessments
• Manage testing logistics for the following assessments:
• • NWEA (Reading and Math)
  • M-STEP
  • PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10
  • SAT
  • ACT WorkKeys
  • Additional state or local assessments as required
• Train and support staff in proper test administration procedures
• Ensure compliance with test security, timing protocols, and accommodations
• Submit required reports to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and maintain organized testing records
• Collaborate with technology staff and test vendors to ensure secure and functional digital testing environments
• Maintain transparent and timely communication regarding testing schedules and outcomes with relevant stakeholders

College and Career Readiness

• Provide individual and group counseling sessions on college exploration, admissions, and financial aid
• Assist students with the completion of college applications, FAFSA, and scholarships
• Coordinate visits from college representatives, military recruiters, and industry professionals
• Guide students in developing career interests through assessments, Xello or other career platforms, and personal inventories
• Help students explore skilled trades, apprenticeships, and alternative postsecondary options
• Collaborate with the CTE director, dual enrollment, early middle college, and local employers to support work-based learning opportunities
• Promote two-way engagement with students and families to ensure informed postsecondary decision-making

Personal and Social-Emotional Support

• Provide short-term counseling and crisis support for students dealing with stress, family concerns, interpersonal conflict, or mental health needs
• Refer students to school-based or external mental health resources when appropriate
• Support school employees who are mandated reporters and collaborate with school leadership in supporting student emotional and physical safety.
• Support positive behavioral interventions and school-wide SEL initiatives that align with the district's commitment to continuous improvement

Family and Staff Collaboration

• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about student progress, academic standing, and postsecondary planning through multiple accessible formats
• Attend and assist IEPs, 504 meetings, and student support team meetings when academic or postsecondary concerns are discussed
• Provide training and resources to staff on topics related to graduation requirements, mental health, and career exploration
• Collaborate with the MTSS team to identify and support at-risk students using consistent, two-way communication strategies

Schoolwide Leadership

• Assist in the development and implementation of school counseling goals in alignment with the Michigan Model Guidance Curriculum and River Valley's Strategic Plan
• Serve as the school liaison to local scholarship foundations, community partners, and dual enrollment institutions
• Lead initiatives that promote a positive school culture, such as student recognition programs or career fairs
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate ethical behavior consistent with ASCA and MACAC standards
• Model engagement practices that foster strong, trusting relationships throughout the school community

Qualifications
Required:

• Master's Degree in School Counseling or related field
• Valid Michigan School Counselor License or Temporary Authorization
• Demonstrated knowledge of Michigan Merit Curriculum, NCAA eligibility, and state graduation requirements
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Proficiency in using student information systems (PowerSchool, MiStar, etc.) and college planning tools (e.g., Xello, Naviance)
• Ability to work with diverse learners and adapt to individual student needs

Preferred:

• Prior experience in a 9-12 school setting
• Familiarity with MiSSG/FAFSA, CLEP/AP credit systems, and local workforce development resources
• Training in trauma-informed care, Restorative Practices, and mental health first aid

Terms of Employment

• Salary in accordance with the district teacher salary schedule and applicable counselor stipends
• Full benefits package including retirement, medical, dental, and vision
• Reports to work consistent with the teacher calendar plus additional summer hours for student scheduling and postsecondary support

Application Procedure
All applicants must apply through the Red Rover Online Application System