Guidance and Outreach Counselor

Department: Lab School

About WCU:

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary:

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The Guidance and Outreach Counselor oversees daily school support services, facilitates enhanced student learning opportunities, and promotes family and community engagement at The Catamount School. Reporting directly to the schools principal, this position serves as a key collaborative partner with faculty and staff at Western Carolina University, external community partners, and families to advance the schools mission and programs.

The counselor is responsible for developing and managing the enrichment and family engagement schedule, maintaining school calendars, and coordinating logistics for all outreach communications and campus visitors. This role provides comprehensive individual and group support to students through counseling, classroom guidance lessons, and crisis intervention, while collaborating with teachers to integrate guidance curriculum and special learning opportunities into core academic classes.

The Guidance and Outreach Counselor manages volunteer recruitment, background checks, and records; serves as the primary point of contact for all volunteers and community-based projects; and implements research-based practices focused on academic, social-emotional, and career development. Additionally, the position coordinates school communications including newsletters and social media; plans and executes school events such as orientation, Visit the Village night, and school dances; leads campus tours for prospective students, families, and community members; participates on the recruitment team; and assists in student supervision to support overall student success and transition to high school.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance
• NC Guidance Counselor Licensure or licensure eligibility (e.g., guidance counselor licensure in NC requires a masters degree or higher in school counseling from a regionally accredited institution and a passing score on Praxis II: Professional School Counselor Exam #5422)

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3 years of experience as a school-based guidance counselor; experience coordinating volunteer and community-based projects

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Please include cover letter, resume, and a list professional references with their complete contact information.

For questions or additional information please contact lbutton@email.wcu.edu