High School School Counselor (2026-2027)

High School School Counselor

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1600 students from PreK12 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 $1600 annually)
• Comprehensive health dental and vision coverage

Reports To: Building Principal

Summary:

The High School Counselor is responsible for fully implementing the Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program (MSCP) to support the academic social/emotional and postsecondary success of all students. Counselors deliver classroom curriculum individual student planning responsive services and system support activities as outlined by DESE School Counseling standards. As the primary school-based mental health provider the Counselor collaborates with families teachers administrators and community partners to ensure students receive timely developmentally appropriate support.

Counselors play a key role in the MTSS framework providing prevention early intervention and crisis-response services while supporting equity inclusion and the overall well-being of a diverse high school population.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Guidance Curriculum & Instruction (DESE/MSCP Core Component)
• Develop and deliver high-quality counseling lessons addressing academic skills social-emotional learning and career readiness for grades 912.
• Integrate state-required ICAP (Individual Career and Academic Plan) components ensuring all students complete annual updates.
• Individual Student Planning
• Guide students through the development of academic postsecondary and career goals.
• Support students with scheduling transcript reviews graduation progress monitoring dual credit/dual enrollment options and scholarship planning.
• Assist students with ACT/college readiness financial aid and other postsecondary processes.
• Responsive Services
• Provide short-term individual and group counseling to support students facing social emotional behavioral or academic challenges.
• Respond to crises using trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
• Make referrals to social workers school psychologists or outside agencies as appropriate.
• Collaboration & Consultation
• Consult regularly with teachers administrators and families regarding student needs classroom strategies and intervention supports.
• Partner with Social Work and Psychological Services as the point-of-contact for mental health coordination.
• Participate in Love & Logic workshops parent engagement events and staff training as needed.
• Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
• Contribute to data-driven processes for identifying and supporting students in need of Tier I II or III interventions.
• Participate in student success meetings attendance interventions and behavioral support plans.
• College & Career Readiness
• Lead implementation of the Missouri Career Education Benchmarks.
• Support students in developing postsecondary plans aligned with ICAP requirements.
• Organize college and career exploration activities including college visits career fairs and FAFSA/financial aid workshops.
• System Support & Compliance
• Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with DESE requirements district policies and ethical standards.
• Support building-wide initiatives that promote well-being school culture mental health and safety.
• Serve as a mandatory reporter for hotline issues and ensure compliance with state law.
• Serve as a key member of the 504 team contributing to the review development and implementation of plans.
• Professionalism
• Engage in continuous professional growth aligned with DESE Counselor Standards.
• Uphold ethical guidelines from ASCA DESE and district policy.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and high schoollevel academic and career planning.
• Ability to analyze and interpret assessments achievement data aptitude tests and related tools.
• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse cultural and linguistic populations.
• High emotional intelligence; able to remain calm in crises.
• Commitment to serving under-resourced and multilingual student communities.

Education and Experience:

• Masters Degree in School Counseling (required).
• Valid Missouri School Counselor Certification for grades 712 or K12 per DESE requirements.
• Bilingual ability English required; Spanish preferred.
• Experience in an urban school setting preferred.
• Knowledge of ASCA and MSCP frameworks strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting standing and moving throughout the building.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Must be able to adjust posture kneel or bend to communicate with students.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should apply via our website at 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.