Guidance Counselor 2026-2027

About our School: Saint Mary’s offers its student body of 500 young men and women a

rigorous Catholic liberal arts and sciences curriculum, a developed fine arts program, a diversity of athletics and extracurricular activities, regular access to the sacraments, and a strong retreat program. As a diocesan Catholic school, Saint Mary’s takes great pride in striving to form virtuous young men and women who know the Truth and love the Good. In all areas of campus life, Saint Mary’s strives to create an encounter with Christ.

General Description: Saint Mary’s Catholic High School, Arizona’s oldest Catholic school, is

seeking a Guidance Counselor to begin immediately for the 2026-2027 school year. The preferred candidate promotes and enhances the educational experience for students through an integration of academic, personal/social, and post-secondary support and advisement. Candidates must be a team player and adept at working with students and families. Candidate possesses a graduate degree in relevant area. Candidates should have a passion for Catholic education and the formation of young men and women in virtue.

Purpose and Scope

Under the supervision of the principal: The Guidance Counselor plans, coordinates, and implements programs and services directed toward the spiritual, academic, and personal growth of each student.

Essential Job Functions:

Spiritual

Strives to achieve the philosophy and goals of Catholic education as well as the Mission of the School

Promotes and upholds Gospel values and Catholic moral teaching

Provides opportunities for the students to be prepared for life in today’s Church and society

Works towards the creation of a Catholic community within the classroom, school environment, and the entire school community

Academic

Advises and coordinates the course of study for each student to secure appropriate placement and/or meet their graduation and college requirements

Schedules individual meetings with each student to evaluate his/her academic progress

Provides guidance to students, parents, and staff on request

Monitors student’s records for the purpose of developing plans and/or providing information regarding student goals

Monitors student academic progress and refers students for additional assistance as needed

Maintains and facilitates communication with students, parents, teachers, and administrators

Provides a variety of resources for academic growth and development

Testing

Coordinates and/or implements all school testing programs

Interprets and communicates test results for students, parents, and teachers

College and Career

Provides students with general information regarding college admission

Conducts college planning seminars for students and parents

Provides opportunities for students and parents to meet with college and university representatives

Communicates to students and parents information regarding financial aid and availability of scholarships

Communicates to students and parents information regarding educational opportunities beyond the local school community

Writes recommendations and prepares documentation for college applications

Assists students in matching career goals with skills and interests

Provides opportunities for career exploration

Guidance and Curriculum

Collaborates with teachers to present guidance curriculum to students in a classroom setting

Provides speakers, material and resources for guidance presentations

Personal Growth

Identifies interpersonal skills that will help students understand and respect self and others

Advocates for the student with parents and school personnel

Schedules meetings with individual student to evaluate his/her personal growth and progress

Coordinates and facilitates parent, student, and teacher conference

Provides for personal counseling and referral as needed

Assists students and parents in developing plans to address behavioral or attendance issues

Refers students and their parents to community agencies, programs, or specialists as appropriate

Facilitates any conflicts between interested parties

Professional Growth

Continues professional development to remain current with religious and academic certifications

Keeps informed of current practices through professional reading and educational opportunities

Participates in professional activities and joins appropriate professional organizations

Attends Diocesan sponsored in-services

Attends and actively participates in school faculty meetings and in-services

Actively participates in the process of continuous school improvement

Maintains personal professional development records

Performs any other job-related tasks deemed necessary and/or assigned by the principal or designated supervisor

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Completes Ministry Formation Certification and/or re-certification as required by Diocesan policy

Completes required Safe Environment Training and Code of Ethics

Promotes awareness and adherence to appropriate guidelines regarding confidentiality, the distinction between public and private information and staff consultation.

Recognizes when a student’s condition indicates a clear and imminent danger to the student or others and is knowledgeable on informing the appropriate person/s

Demonstrates personal self-discipline, be adaptable and flexible in routine and unexpected situations

Uses good judgment in daily encounters

Uses verbal and written language correctly

Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of good adolescent psychology

Maintains appropriate grooming and dress at all times as stated in the faculty Handbook

Demonstrates knowledge of applicable computer software

Minimum Qualification

Preference given to Catholic guidance counselor

Experience in high school counseling preferred

If Catholic, willing to make a public Profession of Faith; If Non-Catholic willing to support Catholic teachings and philosophy

Holds a Master’s Degree and is certified by the Arizona State Department of Education as a Guidance Counselor and meets applicable accreditation requirements

Current FBI Fingerprint clearance card

Terms of Employment

10 and a half month employee (paid on a 12-month contract); Diocesan salary and benefits package