School Counselor Roles and Preparation

Abstract

Two fundamental questions are posed in this article, that of "What are the present day roles and tasks of school counselors?", and "What are academic preparation considerations with respect school counselor trainees?" A review of the literature pertaining to the role and preparation of school counselors is shared, as well as research pertaining to populations served by these professionals. The results of an exploratory study are shared. This study involved members of the New York State School Counselor Association who responded to a survey relating to on-site tasks, and academic preparation. Recommendations for future research that will continue to enhance clarity of school counselor roles, and training preparation are offered.

Examining the Relationship Between the Multicultural Self-Efficacy, Empathy, and Training of School Counselors and Their Knowledge and Skills Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness

“…The results from this study present several implications for current practices of counselor educators and school counselors, and for future research. School counselor educators are responsible for equipping and preparing future generations of school counselors to be leaders, advocates, and change agents (ASCA, 2012; Dahir & Stone, 2009; McMahon, Mason, & Paisley, 2009; Ockerman & Mason, 2012; Ratts, Singh, Nassar-McMillan, Butler, & McCullough, 2016; Trolley, 2011). Our findings indicate that training had the strongest relationship to KSHS.…”

“Today, I Say It’s Mine!”: Professional Identity Construction among Jewish and Arab School Counselors Coping with CSA Disclosure in Israel

“…Counselors are key leadership figures [33,34] in addressing the crisis that CSA incidents can cause in school systems, which may affect student victims, their classmates, teachers, and parents, as well as the school's organizational culture [35]. Counselors may be expected to act as case managers [9,36]; to provide individual and group interventions; to consult with authorities, parents, and professionals; to coordinate services with the school and community [36]; and to conduct follow-up over time [37].…”

All Hands On Deck: A Comprehensive, Results-Driven Counseling Model

“…The role of the school counselor has long been clouded in ambiguity (Lambie, 2007;Lieberman, 2004;Trolley, 2011), as the position's duties and standards have been unspecified (Gysbers & Henderson, 1994, pp. 4-6).…”