What do high school counselors typically do?

I'm interested in becoming a high school counselor, but I'm not totally sure what the job entails. Can anyone break down the general job description for a high school counselor? Any insights on day-to-day tasks would be super helpful!

High school counselors wear multiple hats, fulfilling the role of guide, mentor, and resource facilitator for students. They're instrumental in fostering a supportive learning environment and helping students navigate their academic, personal, and career-related challenges.

On any given day, a high school counselor could be involved in a variety of tasks. Here's a broad outline of what their responsibilities might include:

- Academic Guidance: Counselors work closely with students to help them achieve academic success. This might involve helping students set goals, develop study habits, or address any academic difficulties. They also collaborate with teachers and parents to help students with special learning needs.

- College and Career Counseling: Counselors play a crucial role in guiding students through the college application process, helping with everything from selecting suitable universities to filling out applications and seeking financial aid. They also help students explore career paths and may coordinate career fairs or facilitate internships.

- Personal Counseling: Students often face a variety of personal challenges. Counselors can provide emotional and mental health support, intervening when students are in crisis and helping them navigate social or emotional challenges.

- Program Coordination: Counselors often create, implement and oversee schoolwide programs that meet students' personal and academic needs. This could be anything from a character education program to college readiness initiatives.

- Community Liaison: Counselors serve as a link between the school, parents, and the community. They facilitate parent-teacher meetings, connect families with outside resources when needed, and may collaborate with local organizations.

These are just a few of the many duties that a high school counselor might tackle. The specifics could vary greatly depending on the school's size, location, and specific needs. It can be a challenging role, but it's one that can have a significant impact on students' lives.