Upper School Guidance Counselor - 2026-27

Job Details: Job Location: Plano Campus - PLANO, TX, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Job Category: Education, Mission: To assist Christian parents by helping equip students to embrace biblical truth, strive for academic excellence, and model Christ-like leadership to influence their homes, churches and communities for Christ. Employee Profile:Spiritually, the employee shall possess characteristics that reflect: Acceptance without reservation of the PCA doctrinal beliefs A strong clear Christian testimony A mature, godly spirit A person of faith and prayer Personally, the employees life shall reflect: A lifestyle of biblical integrity A spirit of dedication, commitment, flexibility, and responsiveness The ability to listen and respond to counsel The stewardship of God given gifts A strong commitment to team The ability to work independently with limited direct supervision Duties and Responsibilities: Assists Director in the implementation and planning of all departmental services and programs Counsel students individually in support of academic, social, spiritual and emotional wellness Counsel parents/guardians as a partnership in the academic, social, emotional and spiritual growth of their student Provide academic advising, including the development of a 4-year academic plan for students in grades 9-12 and incoming students Review incoming student files and work with admissions throughout the on-boarding process Guide students in searching for and identifying best fit colleges and post-secondary experiences, including gap year and vocational options Help students successfully complete applications for colleges, financial aid and scholarships. Review with family scholarship/financial aid offers as needed Write recommendations on behalf of students for colleges, technical schools, scholarships, special awards, summer enrichment programs, military service or academies, gap year experiences or missions and other post-secondary pursuits Coordinate student use of Scoir and YouScience college and career tools Serve as a resource person for the career and gifts exploration Test Coordinator for AP, PSAT, PreACT, as assigned. Assist in the development and presentation of corporate meetings with parents, students and faculty in partnership with the Director on a semester and annual basis Support the goals and implementation of the Life Calling curriculum including presenting in the class Coordinate Upperclassmen (grades 11 and 12) Internship program Assist Department Administrator with overseeing minimester opportunities coordinated by the Upper School Guidance Office Coordinate individual student counseling needs and strategies in partnership with the Upper School Counselor Assist with Middle to Upper School transitional and new student orientation programming Keep the Upper School Counselor informed of students when interactions with them cause concern as to emotional and mental wellness Serve on individualized education program (IEP) or success teams when deemed appropriate Develop intentional partnerships with faculty as co-laborers in the growth of students Support the goals of institutional colleagues, including admissions and curriculum in particular Maintain relevant professional and technical expertise by attending workshops/events, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional organizations (NACCAP, ACSI, TACAC, etc) Stay abreast of changes/updates in the college admissions process Attend College updates in DFW area Visit college campuses/counselor fly-ins (travel is nominal) Serve as primary liaison with college representatives. Both recruit college representatives to campus and serve as their on-site host Guidance website oversight; maintain updated information in myPCA Guidance resources Maintain a communication system with students using social media Assist Director with other duties as assigned in support of the Guidance Team, Upper School Administration and PCA Leadership Participate and present in Award presentations and graduation ceremony Qualifications: Qualifications: Bachelors Degree required; Masters Degree preferred A minimum of 2-4 years of direct or related experience preferred Demonstrated strong communication skills both written and oral in communications with students, parents, faculty, staff, and college admission and other guidance professionals Strong organizational skills, details orientation, and self-initiative Ability to multi-task and respond to immediate needs of students as top priority Patience in working with a variety of people to service a variety of needs An orientation of strict confidentiality Ability to nurture and guide students in their faith journey Prestonwood Baptist Church member preferred Physical, Environmental and Mental Requirements Regularly standing and walking around the classroom lecturing and monitoring students Regularly sitting at the computer requiring repetitive finger motion and manual dexterity Close visual acuity required for viewing a computer monitor, preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing and reading Hearing ability to perceive sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction Talking expressing ideas by means of the spoken word to convey instructions to students, parents and other workers Ability to communicate effectively, even in stressful situations Primarily inside, classroom environment Occasional lifting of 5 to 20 poundsSubject to frequent interruptions and frequent deadlines