Director of Counseling

Primary Purpose:

Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the district’s comprehensive school counseling program. Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of high-quality counseling services, academic guidance, and social-emotional support to promote on-time graduation, postsecondary readiness, and overall well-being. Build capacity among campus counselors, guide program alignment with state and federal requirements, and foster collaborative systems that promote student wellness, equity, and success across all campuses.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• Master’s degree in counseling from an accredited college or university
• Texas school counselor certification
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) (preferred)
• Texas administrative certification (preferred)

Experience

• Three (3) years of successful classroom teaching experience
• Five (5) years of successful experience as a school counselor
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience overseeing counseling programs, staff, or student support initiatives at the campus or district level

Knowledge and Skills

• Expert knowledge of comprehensive school counseling programs, including academic, College Career and Military Readiness (CCMR), and social-emotional development frameworks
• Thorough understanding of state and federal laws governing counseling services, student records, accountability, course planning, crisis response, and special populations
• Knowledge of curriculum design, assessment practices, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) as they relate to student support services
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop counseling and student services personnel across multiple campuses
• Ability to manage departmental budgets, staffing allocations, and resources strategically
• Capacity to navigate complex situations with discretion, cultural sensitivity, and sound professional judgment
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to foster positive relationships with staff, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to design and deliver professional learning in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations to students, parents, and district staff

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership and Development

• Provide strategic leadership in the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate district counseling program that serves all students.
• Establish and articulate a districtwide philosophy of counseling aligned with TEA model guidance standards and best practices.
• Lead the design and implementation of counseling frameworks that support academic achievement, postsecondary readiness, social–emotional learning, and behavioral wellness.
• Identify program needs and support budget planning to ensure resources effectively address student, staff, and departmental priorities.
• Oversee the district process for selecting, implementing, and evaluating counseling curricula, districtwide assessments, and student screening tools.

Support for Counselors and Campus Leaders

• Provide coaching, guidance, and technical assistance to campus counselors to strengthen counseling practices, program delivery, and compliance.
• Facilitate professional learning for counselors, including training on mental health supports, SEL practices, crisis response, academic planning, legal/ethical standards, and data-driven decision-making.
• Monitor program implementation across campuses and provide actionable feedback to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with district expectations.
• Build collaborative partnerships with campus principals and support services leaders to ensure coordinated support for academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Lead and coordinate campus crisis response and recovery efforts following critical incidents, including support related to loss and traumatic events.

Student Support Systems

• Oversee development, implementation, and monitoring of interventions for students identified as at risk for dropping out or struggling due to academic, behavioral, or personal factors.
• Promote district systems that strengthen students’ problem-solving, coping, decision-making, and self-advocacy skills.
• Support the alignment of counseling services with MTSS, Section 504, and special education programs as appropriate.

Compliance, Accountability, and Data

• Ensure districtwide adherence to all SBOE rules, TEA requirements, federal and state regulations, and local board policy related to counseling, guidance, and student services.
• Lead data collection, program evaluation, and reporting processes to assess the effectiveness of counseling programs and initiatives.
• Use student performance, attendance, behavioral, and postsecondary readiness data to inform program decisions, identify needs, and drive improvement efforts.
• Ensure required documentation, counselor caseload reports, and program audits are completed accurately and in accordance with legal and ethical standards.

Family, Community, and Interagency Collaboration

• Develop and support parent education programs to strengthen school–home partnerships and increase family engagement in student support systems.
• Establish and maintain a network of community agencies and mental health providers to expand resources available to students and families.
• Coordinate referrals and collaborate with community professionals to address student needs.
• Represent the district in community, interagency, and regional initiatives related to counseling and student wellness.

Leadership, Personnel, and Culture

• Provide leadership that promotes a culture of equity, respect, professionalism, and high expectations across counseling services.
• Anticipate, manage, and resolve conflicts effectively and equitably.
• Support the selection, placement, onboarding, coaching, and evaluation of counseling personnel, making sound recommendations related to hiring, transfer, retention, and dismissal when appropriate.
• Ensure all personnel are supported in delivering ethical, culturally responsive counseling services that meet the needs of a diverse student population.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all district policies, procedures, and expectations as outlined in the employee handbook and administrative regulations.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Engage in strategic planning, leadership collaboration, and continuous professional growth aligned with the goals of the department and district.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the district and department.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise, evaluate, and recommend employment actions (hiring, placement, renewal, and nonrenewal) for assigned personnel.
• Make recommendations regarding the selection, assignment, evaluation, and continued employment of counseling personnel in collaboration with Human Resources and campus administrators.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools and Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Frequent districtwide and occasional statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Appointment:
The Superintendent of Schools will recommend the appointment of this position to the Board of Trustees based on the applicant’s training, experience, and expertise. The Board of Trustees must give final approval.