Education Officer

• Work with students to develop skills, such as organization, time management, and effective study habits
• Refer students and parents to resources outside the school for additional support
• Help students set realistic academic and career goals and develop a plan to achieve them
• Evaluate students’ abilities and interests through aptitude assessments, interviews, and individual planning
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to help students succeed
• Deliver classroom guidance lessons on topics, such as bullying, drug abuse, and planning for college or careers after graduation
• Identify and report possible cases of neglect or abuse
• Help students understand and overcome social or behavioral problems through individual and group counseling
• Provide individual and small group counseling based on student needs

The specific duties of school counselors vary with the ages of the students they work with.

Elementary school counselors focus on helping students develop skills, such as decision-making and study skills, that they need to be successful in their social and academic lives. They meet with parents or guardians to discuss their child’s strengths, weaknesses, and any possible special needs and behavioral issues. School counselors also work with teachers and administrators to ensure the curriculum addresses both the developmental and academic needs of students.

Middle school counselors work with students and parents to help students develop and achieve career and academic goals. They help students develop the skills and strategies necessary to succeed academically and socially.

High school counselors advise students in making academic and career plans. Many help students with personal problems that interfere with their education. They help students choose classes and plan for their lives after graduation. Counselors provide information about choosing and applying for colleges, training programs, financial aid, and apprenticeships. They may present career workshops to help students search and apply for jobs, write résumés, and improve interviewing skills.

Career counselors typically do the following:

• Use aptitude and achievement assessments, to help clients evaluate their interests, skills, and abilities
• Evaluate clients’ background, education, and training, to help them develop realistic goals
• Guide clients through making decisions about their careers, such as choosing a new profession and the type of degree to pursue
• Help clients learn job search skills, such as interviewing and networking
• Assist clients in locating and applying for jobs, by teaching them strategies to find openings and how to write a résumé
• Advise clients on how to resolve problems in the workplace, such as conflicts with bosses or coworkers
• Help clients select and apply for educational programs, to obtain the necessary degrees, credentials, and skills

Career counselors work with clients at various stages in their careers. Some work in colleges to help students choose a major. They also help students determine what jobs they are qualified for with their degrees. These counselors also work with people who have already entered the workforce. Career counselors develop plans to improve their client’s current career and provide advice about entering a new profession. Some career counselors work in outplacement firms and assist laid-off workers with transitioning into new jobs or careers. Others work in corporate career centers to assist employees in making decisions about their career path within the company.

Some career counselors work in private practice. These counselors must spend time marketing their practice to prospective clients and working with clients to receive payments for their services.