School and Career Counselors and Advisors

School and Career Counselors and Advisors typically perform the following tasks: • Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations. • Counsel students regarding educational issues, such as course and program selection, class scheduling and registration, school adjustment, truancy, study habits, and career planning. • Provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools. • Counsel individuals or groups to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their educational or vocational situations. • Review transcripts to ensure that students meet graduation or college entrance requirements, and write letters of recommendation. • Prepare students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks. • Refer students to outside counseling services. • Refer students to degree programs based on interests, aptitudes, or educational assessments. • Evaluate students' or individuals' abilities, interests, and personality characteristics, using tests, records, interviews, or professional sources. • Provide students with information on topics such as college degree programs and admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, trade and technical schools, and apprenticeship programs. • Conduct follow-up interviews with counselees to determine if their needs have been met. • Instruct individuals in career development techniques, such as job search and application strategies, resume writing, and interview skills. • Assess needs for assistance, such as rehabilitation, financial aid, or additional vocational training, and refer clients to the appropriate services. • Plan and promote career and employment-related programs and events, such as career planning presentations, work experience programs, job fairs, and career workshops. • Attend meetings, educational conferences, and training workshops, and serve on committees. • Teach classes and present self-help or information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning. • Plan and conduct orientation programs and group conferences to promote the adjustment of individuals to new life experiences, such as starting college. • Address community groups, faculty, and staff members to explain available counseling services. • Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration. • Provide information for teachers and staff members involved in helping students or graduates identify and pursue employment opportunities.