Guidance Counselor Jobs in Des Moines, IA

A Guidance Counselor, also known as a School Counselor, plays a crucial role in school administration. They provide support to students, helping them with their academic, career, and emotional development. They often work closely with teachers, administrators, and parents to ensure that students are getting the help they need. Guidance Counselors also play a role in crisis intervention, working with students who are struggling with issues such as bullying, family problems, or mental health concerns. They may also help with college and career planning, providing information and resources to students as they prepare for life after high school.

A Guidance Counselor should be a good listener and communicator, and should have strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. They must also be compassionate and empathetic, with a deep understanding of child psychology and development. A master's degree in school counseling or a related field is typically required, and most states require school counselors to be certified or licensed. Prior to becoming a Guidance Counselor, a person may have roles such as a Teacher, a Social Worker, or a School Psychologist, all of which can provide valuable experience and skills for the counseling role.

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Middle School Professional School Counselor (8th & 9th Grade) - Northview Middle School (School Year 2025-2026)

  • Ankeny, IA (8 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 2 days ago
  • Ankeny, IA (8 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 2 days ago

to support the school improvement plan....

K-8 School Counselor

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 2 days ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 2 days ago

Professional Development : Stay updated with best practices in school counseling, mental health resources, and relevant educational laws and regulations....

MS Guidance Counselor - Timberline (25/26)

  • Waukee, IA (13 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 7 days ago
  • Waukee, IA (13 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 7 days ago

MS Guidance Counselor - Timberline (25/26) Waukee Community School District Timberline - Waukee, Iowa This job is also posted in TeachIowa, Iowa's Marketplace for education jobs, and Waukee Community...

Admissions Counselor - MCHS

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 14 days ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 14 days ago

Employment Type: Full time Shift: Description: The purpose of this position is to coordinate student recruitment and admission activities for applicants. The position will serve as a resource,...

Professional School Counselor - Valerius Elementary [2025-26 School Year]

  • Urbandale, IA (1 mile from Des Moines, IA)
  • 16 days ago
  • Urbandale, IA (1 mile from Des Moines, IA)
  • 16 days ago

Initiate and administer 504 plans in collaboration with the Dean of Students....

Work From Home- School Social Worker in Iowa

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 24 days ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 24 days ago

Sunbelt is working with a school in Iowa to bring on a School Social Worker to deliver virtual services for a small student caseload. This job requires a tech-savvy self-starter that holds a...

Remote Work

starting 2025-36 High School Counselor

  • West Des Moines, IA (12 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 30+ days ago
  • West Des Moines, IA (12 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 30+ days ago

starting 2025-36* High School Counselor West Des Moines Community Schools VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL - West Des Moines, Iowa This job is also posted in TeachIowa, Iowa's Marketplace for education jobs,...

Demographic Data for Des Moines, IA

Moving to Des Moines, IA? Find some basic demographic data about Des Moines, IA below.


Local
National
221,891
5,491
Large

Guidance Counselor Online Courses and Training Opportunities

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Virtual School Guidance Counselor
Guidance lessons to go is an opportunity to arm parents and adult mentors with resources to support students' socio-emotional needs while at home or on the go. In keeping with the American School...
PRIDE at Home - Platinum Rainbow Guidance for Home Care
Discover the transformative power of inclusive care with Dublin City Universitys specialised course tailored for older LGBTI+ individuals. Equip yourself with essential skills to foster equality,...

Title Synonyms

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Salary for Guidance Counselor Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireSchoolAdministrators research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Guidance Counselor positions.



Highest Education Level

Guidance Counselors in Des Moines, IA offer the following education background
Master's Degree
63.2%
Bachelor's Degree
19.8%
Doctorate Degree
11.1%
Associate's Degree
2.2%
High School or GED
1.9%
Vocational Degree or Certification
1.3%
Some College
0.3%
Some High School
0.2%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Guidance Counselors in Des Moines, IA
None
27.5%
1-2 years
24.5%
Less than 1 year
24.0%
2-4 years
24.0%



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