Educational, Guidance, School and Vocational Counselor
Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.
Annual openings
703
BLS median wage
$64,780
Typical education
Master's degree
10-year growth
+10%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
Master's degree
Credential requirement
Credentials required depend on the job setting. For instance, a School Counselor requires a Special Services Provider license (or interim authorization) with a School Counselor endorsement.
Work experience
No previous work experience is required; however, a person could work in a lower-level Counselor role first. Work experience required varies by job setting. For instance, for a School Counselor with a Master’s degree in school counseling, the following work experience is required to obtain an initial license: • Completion of a 100 clock-hour practicum and 600 clock-hour internship, with multiple grade levels of students under the supervision of a Licensed School Counselor With a Master’s degree in a clinical counseling domain, the following is required to obtain an interim authorization: • A valid Colorado Dept. of Regulatory Agencies-issued Licensed Professional Counselor license • Three or more years' experience as a Licensed Clinical Counselor • Be employed by a school district as a school counselor
Employer competency information
Feedback from employers identifies the following critical competencies and how they apply for this job: ● Therapy & Counseling - Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance
- Communication — Able to communicate with multiple parties, including students, Teachers, and families, to discuss a student's behavior or academic performance ● Problem Solving & Decision Making - The ability to look at multiple aspects of a student objectively and subjectively and assessing, implementing and adjusting recommendations ● Psychology - Understand behavior, performance, and psychological development from infancy to adolescence, and apply these concepts to help students ● Critical & Analytical Thinking - Able to analyze learning needs and disorders and identify support and coping strategies
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Work style
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
Interests it draws on
- Education
- Teaching
Automation exposure
Low exposure
Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.
A typical day
- Counsel individuals or groups to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their educational or vocational situations.
- 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.
- Teach classes and present self-help or information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning.
- Address community groups, faculty, and staff members to explain available counseling services.
- Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.