Educational, Vocational, & School Counselor Career Description

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Educational, vocational, and school counselors are responsible for providing individuals and groups with career and educational counseling. They assist students, from elementary school to postsecondary education. They advocate for students and promote academic, career, personal, and social development of the youth. Additionally, these counselors are responsible for helping students evaluate and understand their abilities, interests, talents, and personalities in order to further realistic academic and career goals. This is done through interviews, counseling sessions, interest and aptitude tests, etc.

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Work Environment

The work environment for these counselors is usually an office or classroom in a school. They typically work throughout the school year and have vacations coinciding with the school vacation schedules. Their hours are normally the same as teachers, but they may be required to travel frequently in order to attend conferences.

Employment Outlook and Opportunities

This occupation is found primarily in elementary schools, secondary schools, and colleges and universities.

This occupation is expected to grow by 13% by 2016 as student enrollments increase and more States require the employment of counselors at elementary schools. Also, school counselors may become increasingly needed as their responsibilities expand.

How Much Does an Educational, Vocational, and School Counselor make - Educational, Vocational, and School Counselor Salaries and Wages

The base salary range for educational, vocational, and school counselors is from $37,119 to $63,744. The average hourly wage for this job, according to 2007 national averages, is $23.77. There are little or no bonuses on average in this occupation. The benefits for the average educational, vocational, and school counselor are as follows: base salary is $49,648 (70.7%), bonus is $0 (0.0%), Social Security is $3,798 (5.4%), 401k/403b is $1,787 (2.5%), Disability is $496 (0.7%), healthcare is $5,722 (8.1%), pension is $2,284 (3.3%), and time off is $6,492 (9.2%).

How to Become an Educational, Vocational, and School Counselor

Education for Educational, Vocational, and School Counselors

Many states require school counselors to be certified by the State and complete some graduate course work (i.e. completion of a Master's degree). Some states require counselors to be licensed and maintain continuing education credits. Other states require school counselors to have both counseling and teaching certificates with teaching experience.

Other Qualifications

If someone is interested in becoming an educational, vocational, and school counselor, they must have a strong desire to help others and should inspire respect, trust, and confidence. They must be able to work independently or in a team. They must have physical and emotional energy to handle various problems that they may encounter and be able to deal with stress.

Career Advancement

To advance in this career, school counselors can become directors or supervisors of counseling, guidance, or pupil personnel services. With continued graduate education, school counselors may have the opportunity to advance to become counselor educators, counseling psychologists, or school administrators. Advancement may also be possible through work in the State's department of education.