Defining the School Counselor Role: A Training for Clarifying Responsibilities in Schools

Abstract

School counselors have important roles in the school building. However, many administrators, parents, and even students do not fully understand what a school counselor does. This can lead to burnout, job dissatisfaction, and intentions to leave the career (Blake, 2020; Lane, Bohner, Hinck, & Kircher, 2020). Not understanding what a school counselor needs results in a lack of resources for students, frustration, and role conflict (Hann-Morrison, 2011). Relationships also play a part in job duties and advocacy for school counselors. Better relationships often lead to more advocacy and collaboration, while poor relationships can lead to inappropriate duties and distrust (Blake, 2020; Lane et al., 2020). Based on the literature review, a training module was created to inform future and current administrators and teachers of the appropriate and inappropriate tasks for school counselors, as well as the influence their relationship with their counselor has on student success and position advocacy