School Guidance Counselor Onboarding Checklist

School Guidance Counselor Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new School Guidance Counselor starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Education onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new School Guidance Counselor, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample School Guidance Counselor onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

School Guidance Counselor Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the school: The new school guidance counselor should be given a comprehensive introduction to the school, including its mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the principal or a designated staff member.

2. Familiarization with policies and procedures: The counselor should be provided with a detailed overview of the school’s policies and procedures, such as student discipline, confidentiality, and reporting protocols. This task is usually performed by the school administrator or a senior counselor.

3. Review of student records: The new counselor should be given access to student records and guided through the process of reviewing them. This task is typically performed by the school registrar or a senior counselor.

4. Introduction to the counseling team: The new counselor should be introduced to the existing counseling team, including other counselors, social workers, and psychologists. This task is usually performed by the head counselor or the counseling department supervisor.

5. Orientation to the school’s counseling program: The new counselor should receive an orientation to the school’s counseling program, including its goals, objectives, and available resources. This task is typically performed by the head counselor or the counseling department supervisor.

6. Training on counseling techniques and interventions: The new counselor should receive training on various counseling techniques and interventions that are commonly used in the field. This task is usually performed by the head counselor or a senior counselor.

7. Introduction to the school’s student support services: The new counselor should be introduced to the various student support services available in the school, such as special education, English language learner programs, and academic support services. This task is typically performed by the head counselor or a designated staff member.

8. Familiarization with community resources: The new counselor should be provided with information about local community resources that can support students and their families, such as mental health agencies, youth organizations, and counseling centers. This task is usually performed by the head counselor or a senior counselor.

9. Shadowing experienced counselors: The new counselor should have the opportunity to shadow experienced counselors to observe their counseling sessions and gain practical insights into the role. This task is typically arranged by the head counselor or the counseling department supervisor.

10. Introduction to the school’s technology systems: The new counselor should receive training on the school’s technology systems, such as student information systems, scheduling software, and online counseling platforms. This task is typically performed by the school’s IT department or a designated staff member.

11. Collaboration with teachers and administrators: The new counselor should be encouraged to collaborate with teachers and administrators to understand their roles and build relationships. This task is typically facilitated by the head counselor or the counseling department supervisor.

12. Attendance at staff meetings and professional development sessions: The new counselor should be included in staff meetings and professional development sessions to stay updated on school-wide initiatives and professional growth opportunities. This task is typically coordinated by the head counselor or the counseling department supervisor.

13. Introduction to the school’s crisis response plan: The new counselor should be familiarized with the school’s crisis response plan, including protocols for handling emergencies and providing support to students and staff. This task is typically performed by the head counselor or a designated staff member.

14. Review of legal and ethical guidelines: The new counselor should receive training on legal and ethical guidelines specific to the counseling profession, such as confidentiality, informed consent, and mandated reporting. This task is usually performed by the head counselor or a senior counselor.

15. Introduction to the school’s parent and community engagement initiatives: The new counselor should be introduced to the school’s parent and community engagement initiatives, such as parent-teacher associations, community events, and workshops. This task is typically performed by the head counselor or a designated staff member.

16. Development of a professional development plan: The new counselor should work with the head counselor or the counseling department supervisor to develop a professional development plan that aligns with their career goals and the needs of the school

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example School Guidance Counselor checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new School Guidance Counselor up to speed and working well in your Education team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.