Job Description
Job Description
Position: High School Guidance Counselor
Location: High School
Reports To: High School Principal, in partnership with the Director of Guidance
Subordinates: None
Employment Status: Full-time, Salary
School Year: 2026-2027
Salary: School Year Instructional Salary Scale
Position Summary:
The High School Guidance Counselor is responsible for supporting students in their academic, social-emotional, and career development. The counselor provides guidance in course selection, college and career readiness, and personal growth, ensuring all students have access to resources that help them succeed. This role requires collaboration with administrators, teachers, parents, and external organizations to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
This job description outlines the core duties and responsibilities for the position. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be required in this role. The ideal candidate should be flexible and adaptable in meeting the evolving needs of the District.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide individual and group counseling to support students' academic, social-emotional, and career development.
Assist students with course selection, academic planning, and graduation requirements.
Develop and implement college and career readiness programs, including workshops, application support, and financial aid guidance.
Monitor student progress and intervene with appropriate strategies to support struggling students.
Conduct crisis intervention and provide support for students dealing with personal challenges.
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families to create individualized student support plans.
Coordinate standardized testing programs and assist in interpreting results for students and parents.
Maintain accurate and confidential student records in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Advocate for student needs and work to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities.
Facilitate communication between students, families, and school staff to address academic and personal concerns.
Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in school counseling.
Qualifications:
Master's degree in School Counseling or a related field.
Valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) certification as a School Counselor and SEI Endorsement.
Minimum of two years of counseling experience in a school setting preferred.
Knowledge of counseling best practices, college admissions processes, and career readiness programs.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations.
Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.
Additional Requirements:
Background check and fingerprinting as required by Massachusetts state regulations.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Must be able to lift, move, or assist students when necessary.
Completion of any required professional development or certifications as mandated by the District.
Work Environment:
This position operates in a school and office setting.
Some travel between schools may be required.
Occasional evening and weekend events for parent meetings, college nights, or professional development may be necessary.
Important Note:
Applicants who are hired for this position and are found to have provided falsified or inaccurate information during the application process are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Compensation and Benefits:
Full-Time Exempt Salary Position in accordance with the established Teacher's Salary Scale. AKFCS also provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS): TBD
Medical/Dental/Vision
Life Insurance
403(b) & ROTH403(b) with Match
Stipend for Professional/Personal Development
Dash Pass (DoorDash)
YMCA Discounts
Comprehensive Private Leave of Absence Program (PFML)
Sick Time with Sick Bank
Personal Days
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Abby Kelley Foster Public Charter School is an affirmative action employer, ensuring that its programs and facilities are accessible to the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, disability, gender identity, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, national origin, homelessness, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status or class protected by state or federal law.
Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School Mission
The mission of the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is to assist families in their role as primary educators of their students by providing a liberal arts education representative of diverse works and global perspectives and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence, and character formation, Western Civilization and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence, and character formation.
Welcome to ATX Learning
OUR HISTORY
Located in Worcester, Massachusetts and founded in 1998, Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is named in honor of Abby Kelley Foster, a 19th century Worcester resident who was a leader in the abolitionist and women's rights movements.
Charter schools are independent public schools that operate under five-year charters granted by the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and governed by a Board of Directors/Trustees. Abby Kelley has had its Charter renewed consistently, without conditions, since 2003. Currently, the school is in the second year of its most recent five-year Charter term.
Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is named in honor of Abby Kelley Foster, a 19th century Worcester resident who was a leader in the abolitionist and women's rights movements.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing a classical liberal arts education grounded in the great works of Western Civilization and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence and character formation.
In support of this mission Abby Kelley each month (September -June) emphasizes a Character Virtue all students are encouraged to keep in mind in their day to day lives. The Abby Kelley Character Virtues are; Responsibility, Truth, Citizenship, Fairness, Respect, True Friendship, Kindness, Perseverance, Self Discipline and Courage.
OUR PARENTS
Abby Kelley views parents as the primary educators of their children and encourages them to actively participate in our school's community. To foster positive parental relationships, Abby Kelley offers frequent information sessions and encourages participation through parent/teacher groups, classroom volunteer opportunities and other school activities. Abby Kelley faculty develops positive relationships and communication with parents, as strong parent communication ensures progress toward academic and behavioral standards.
OUR STUDENTS
Abby Kelley is a K-12 district with 1,424 and 250 staff. The AKFCS students body is reflective of the diverse population in Worcester as 92% of our students are Worcester residents. Our students body is 86% BiPOC with 55% identifying as African American, 22% identifying as Hispanic, 14% identifying as White and 8.7% identifying as other ethnicities. At AKFCS 71% of our students are High Needs and 18% are English Language Learners (ELL).
Currently, in our eleventh year of offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) for our High School students, the IB Programme develops inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better world through intercultural understanding and respect. The Programme encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners.
Students have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, team sports, clubs, and musical activities ranging from electives to full orchestra.
Abby Kelley's graduation rate is consistently at or above 96% and since 2019 the High School has consistently been ranked among the top 10% in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Position: High School Guidance Counselor
Location: High School
Reports To: High School Principal, in partnership with the Director of Guidance
Subordinates: None
Employment Status: Full-time, Salary
School Year: 2026-2027
Salary: School Year Instructional Salary Scale
Position Summary:
The High School Guidance Counselor is responsible for supporting students in their academic, social-emotional, and career development. The counselor provides guidance in course selection, college and career readiness, and personal growth, ensuring all students have access to resources that help them succeed. This role requires collaboration with administrators, teachers, parents, and external organizations to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
This job description outlines the core duties and responsibilities for the position. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be required in this role. The ideal candidate should be flexible and adaptable in meeting the evolving needs of the District.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide individual and group counseling to support students' academic, social-emotional, and career development.
Assist students with course selection, academic planning, and graduation requirements.
Develop and implement college and career readiness programs, including workshops, application support, and financial aid guidance.
Monitor student progress and intervene with appropriate strategies to support struggling students.
Conduct crisis intervention and provide support for students dealing with personal challenges.
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families to create individualized student support plans.
Coordinate standardized testing programs and assist in interpreting results for students and parents.
Maintain accurate and confidential student records in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Advocate for student needs and work to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities.
Facilitate communication between students, families, and school staff to address academic and personal concerns.
Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in school counseling.
Qualifications:
Master's degree in School Counseling or a related field.
Valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) certification as a School Counselor and SEI Endorsement.
Minimum of two years of counseling experience in a school setting preferred.
Knowledge of counseling best practices, college admissions processes, and career readiness programs.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations.
Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.
Additional Requirements:
Background check and fingerprinting as required by Massachusetts state regulations.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Must be able to lift, move, or assist students when necessary.
Completion of any required professional development or certifications as mandated by the District.
Work Environment:
This position operates in a school and office setting.
Some travel between schools may be required.
Occasional evening and weekend events for parent meetings, college nights, or professional development may be necessary.
Important Note:
Applicants who are hired for this position and are found to have provided falsified or inaccurate information during the application process are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Compensation and Benefits:
Full-Time Exempt Salary Position in accordance with the established Teacher's Salary Scale. AKFCS also provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS): TBD
Medical/Dental/Vision
Life Insurance
403(b) & ROTH403(b) with Match
Stipend for Professional/Personal Development
Dash Pass (DoorDash)
YMCA Discounts
Comprehensive Private Leave of Absence Program (PFML)
Sick Time with Sick Bank
Personal Days
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Abby Kelley Foster Public Charter School is an affirmative action employer, ensuring that its programs and facilities are accessible to the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, disability, gender identity, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, national origin, homelessness, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status or class protected by state or federal law.
Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School Mission
The mission of the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is to assist families in their role as primary educators of their students by providing a liberal arts education representative of diverse works and global perspectives and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence, and character formation, Western Civilization and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence, and character formation.
Welcome to ATX Learning
OUR HISTORY
Located in Worcester, Massachusetts and founded in 1998, Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is named in honor of Abby Kelley Foster, a 19th century Worcester resident who was a leader in the abolitionist and women's rights movements.
Charter schools are independent public schools that operate under five-year charters granted by the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and governed by a Board of Directors/Trustees. Abby Kelley has had its Charter renewed consistently, without conditions, since 2003. Currently, the school is in the second year of its most recent five-year Charter term.
Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is named in honor of Abby Kelley Foster, a 19th century Worcester resident who was a leader in the abolitionist and women's rights movements.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing a classical liberal arts education grounded in the great works of Western Civilization and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence and character formation.
In support of this mission Abby Kelley each month (September -June) emphasizes a Character Virtue all students are encouraged to keep in mind in their day to day lives. The Abby Kelley Character Virtues are; Responsibility, Truth, Citizenship, Fairness, Respect, True Friendship, Kindness, Perseverance, Self Discipline and Courage.
OUR PARENTS
Abby Kelley views parents as the primary educators of their children and encourages them to actively participate in our school's community. To foster positive parental relationships, Abby Kelley offers frequent information sessions and encourages participation through parent/teacher groups, classroom volunteer opportunities and other school activities. Abby Kelley faculty develops positive relationships and communication with parents, as strong parent communication ensures progress toward academic and behavioral standards.
OUR STUDENTS
Abby Kelley is a K-12 district with 1,424 and 250 staff. The AKFCS students body is reflective of the diverse population in Worcester as 92% of our students are Worcester residents. Our students body is 86% BiPOC with 55% identifying as African American, 22% identifying as Hispanic, 14% identifying as White and 8.7% identifying as other ethnicities. At AKFCS 71% of our students are High Needs and 18% are English Language Learners (ELL).
Currently, in our eleventh year of offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) for our High School students, the IB Programme develops inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better world through intercultural understanding and respect. The Programme encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners.
Students have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, team sports, clubs, and musical activities ranging from electives to full orchestra.
Abby Kelley's graduation rate is consistently at or above 96% and since 2019 the High School has consistently been ranked among the top 10% in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
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