School Counselor (2026-2027)

School Counselor

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1,600 students from PreK–12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school system located in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 97% of our students identify as Latinx, and many are bilingual or English learners. Our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers High School.

GCCS grew out of Guadalupe Centers’ educational programs — part of the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the United States since 1919. Our deep community roots shape our mission: to prepare all students academically, socially, and emotionally for college, career, and life success.

Why Work at GCCS

Students & Families:
Our teachers form strong relationships with students and families through a community-driven approach. The connection between our schools and Guadalupe Centers’ historic mission fosters trust and collaboration that support student success.

Staff Autonomy:
GCCS teachers are empowered to innovate. We value professional judgment and encourage creative, research-based classroom practices that meet the needs of diverse learners.

Coaching & Development:
Each staff member collaborates with their instructional coach and building leadership to set annual professional growth goals aligned to district priorities. Our development model focuses on reflection, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Competitive Benefits:

• Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level
• Relocation stipend (for qualifying hires)
• Bilingual stipend (Spanish-speaking staff)
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education (up to lifetime cap per GCCS policy)
• Mental health and well-being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs
• 403(b) retirement match up to 5% (for eligible staff)
• Perfect attendance incentive program (up to $1,600 annually)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

Reports To: Building Principal

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Implement the elementary guidance curriculum.
• Guide individuals and groups of students through the development of educational, personal and social goals.
• Counsel individuals and small groups of children toward social and emotional growth.
• Consult with and train teachers, parents to include Love and Logic classes, and staff regarding children’s needs.
• Refer children with problems and their parents to special programs, specialists and outside agencies.
• Participate in, coordinate and conduct activities that contribute to the effective operation of the counseling program and school.
• Plan and evaluate the counseling program needs of the school.
• Pursue continuous professional growth.
• Serve as the resource for all hotline issues.
• Serve as part of the 504 team.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Thorough understanding of developmental expectations for students of different ages.
• Thorough understanding of assessments and aptitude tests and ability to properly interpret the results.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to details.
• Superior interpersonal skills with persons of all ages and across diverse backgrounds.
• Committed to working with under-served students.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Counseling.
• Missouri State Certification in Counseling.
• Bilingual ability, English required and Spanish preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to traverse the classroom and adjust one’s tone and height, by bending or leaning, in order to communicate with each child.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should apply via our website at https://www.gck12.org/o/gc/page/work-for-gccs. Where degrees are required, applicants must upload transcripts or degree certification. A résumé and cover letter are strongly encouraged.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools conforms to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, who fully and actively supports equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.