It is a very common scenario that most of the school and college students are often seen under stress and this is where the significance of guidance counselors can be realized. Guidance counselor responsibilities help in guiding and developing the students to realize the importance of education as well as their social and civic skills, thus nurturing a future generation which has productive citizens. The guidance counselor is often seen working in coordination with students, administrators, counselors, parents, etc., and helps in resolving the problems that would ultimately lead to student welfare. Thus, a guidance counselor will help in recognizing the students or clients' needs with a special emphasis on addressing the psychological and social needs.
Key Responsibilities of a Guidance Counselor
The guidance counselor plays a crucial role by assisting the students who need academic, emotional, and social help. He helps in enhancing the quality of the students by actively participating in various activities and developing various measures and services that will help in developing the students. To understand the role and significance of a guidance counselor in a better way, here is a detailed description that will explicitly throw light on the key responsibilities that need to be carried out by a guidance counselor:
In addition to the above responsibilities, a guidance counselor basically helps the students or clients in resolving their issues and pursuing their education further so that their careers are back on the track. He intervenes immediately in crisis situations to correct and provide appropriate solutions for the problems. He helps students in resolving their conflicts, teaches them to respect others, helps in developing a positive attitude, and assists in making better and effective decisions in their future lives. He tries to match the interests, skills, and qualifications and designs programs that would be best help in career advancement.
Essential Skills
Any individual aspiring to become a guidance counselor should have the right combination of skills, knowledge, and abilities. He should be well versed with different areas and should be able to demonstrate intellectual competence by chalking out appropriate plans. He should possess excellent human relation skills and should be able to strike a chord with the students or clients and give them a sense of confidence and reassurance by interacting with them in a positive manner, and should be able to maintain complete confidentiality. He should be able to understand their feelings for which he should possess good listening skills. He should be open minded, compassionate and should be able to empathize with the students or clients' emotions.
Educational Requirements
The individuals who have a master's degree in counseling along with an exposure in career development can easily become guidance counselors. A license or certification with completion of clinical experience or a previous internship experience have definitely got more chances for advancement. Additional coursework in communication, psychology, and social studies would also prove to be an advantage. Those who have a doctoral degree would definitely get more preference.
Work Schedule
Guidance counselors are mostly employed in private schools or public schools. They may also be employed in colleges, universities, rehabilitation centers, corporate organizations, etc. They generally work full time and their duty hours mostly extend for about thirty to forty hours per week.
Salary Details
The minimum salary offered for guidance counselor is in the range of $20,000 to $23,000. Those with demonstrated track record of success can get a salary in the range of $90,000 to $115,000. The average salary earned by a guidance counselor is close in the range of $55,000.
Career Prospects
The employment opportunities are expected to rise in the coming years by about 18 percent. As more and more students enroll in schools and colleges, the demand for guidance counselors is definitely going to increase.
Thus, effective implementation of guidance counselor responsibilities will help the students or clients in discovering their potential abilities that will eventually lead in building better lives.