Guidance Counselor

WESTERN COLLEGES INC.
Job Description: College Guidance Counselor

Department: Guidance and Counseling / Student Affairs
Proposed reporting line: Head of Student Affairs, with coordination with the Vice President for Academic Affairs
Employment status: Full-time

Position purpose

Provide professional guidance and counseling services that support college students’ personal well-being, academic adjustment, career development, and successful completion of their studies.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Student counseling

● Conduct individual and group counseling for students experiencing personal, social, family, or academic difficulties.

● Develop appropriate counseling plans and conduct follow-up sessions.

● Explain confidentiality, informed consent, and the limits of confidentiality before providing services.

2. Academic adjustment and retention

● Coordinate with faculty and deans to identify students experiencing frequent absences, academic difficulties, or adjustment concerns.

● Help referred students develop practical study, attendance, and personal support plans.

● Conduct exit interviews when appropriate and recommend improvements based on common reasons for withdrawal.

3. Mental health support and referrals

● Provide initial support and assess urgent concerns within professional competence.

● Follow school protocols for crisis intervention and emergency referral.

● Coordinate referrals to qualified psychologists, psychiatrists, hospitals, or community services when necessary.

4. Career guidance

● Help students explore career interests, strengths, program choices, and employment goals.

● Organize career seminars, career planning activities, and workplace readiness sessions.

● Coordinate with academic departments and placement personnel on students’ transition to employment or further study.

5. Student development programs

● Prepare and implement an annual guidance program and activity calendar.

● Conduct sessions on college adjustment, stress management, study habits, healthy relationships, and help-seeking.

● Support freshman orientation and programs for students requiring additional assistance.

6. Assessment services

● Administer and interpret appropriate guidance assessments only within the counselor’s qualifications, training, and authorized scope.

● Explain assessment results responsibly and use them to support student development.

● Refer students for specialized assessment when needed.

7. Records and confidentiality

● Maintain accurate, secure counseling records, referral logs, and follow-up documentation.

● Restrict access to sensitive information and follow applicable privacy requirements and professional standards.

● Submit aggregate reports to management without unnecessary disclosure of students’ identities or counseling details.

8. Coordination and quality improvement

● Establish clear referral procedures with faculty, deans, the school clinic, and Student Affairs.

● Involve parents or guardians when appropriate, with consent or another applicable basis for disclosure.

● Prepare program evaluations, budget proposals, and documentation for institutional quality assurance and accreditation.

Required qualifications

● Registered Guidance Counselor with a valid PRC Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card.

● Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling or an appropriately equivalent qualification recognized for professional registration.

● Strong counseling, communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.

● Knowledge of professional ethics, confidentiality, crisis response, and referral procedures.

● Ability to work respectfully with students from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred qualifications

● At least two years of guidance and counseling experience, preferably in a college or university.

● Training in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and student mental health support.

● Experience developing guidance programs and supporting quality assurance or accreditation activities.

Expected deliverables

● Annual guidance and counseling program and proposed budget.

● Documented student referral and emergency response procedures.

● Secure counseling and follow-up records.

● Monthly aggregate service and activity reports.

● Semester program evaluation and improvement recommendations.

Performance measures

● Timely response to referrals according to urgency.

● Completion of appropriate follow-ups and referrals.

● Student access to and satisfaction with guidance services.

● Implementation and evaluation of planned activities.

● Accurate documentation and compliance with confidentiality standards.

Professional boundaries

The counselor provides student support and professional counseling. Disciplinary decisions remain with the designated disciplinary authority. Cases requiring specialized care must be referred to appropriately qualified professionals.

Pay: Php15,000.00 - Php45,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person