Application Process for Guidance Counselors

Application Timeframe     

Counselors are considered as administrative employees on the salary scale. From December to February ads appear in our online JOBLIST

Typically, by early February candidates apply by submitting a letter of interest, resume, list of six references, and copy of the Kentucky counselor certification. Additionally, candidates complete a JCPS online application.

Required briefings are held to explain the screening process to applicants. These dates occur in December through January and are posted on the JOBLIST ad. Candidates may apply outside of the traditional application period. Applicants will be contacted when our next counselor screening activity is held.

Hiring requirements

Additionally, candidates need to provide (a) a copy of a Kentucky certificate in counseling K-8 or 7-12 and (b) official transcripts from all universities where credits/degrees are held. Candidates also will complete a TB test, criminal records check, and the JCPS screening process prior to being hired.

What if a candidate is not Kentucky certified?

Out-of-state applicants who hold a valid counselor certificate should contact the Kentucky Educational Professional Standards Board at 1-888-598-7667. Applicants will need to have transcripts sent to EPSB and will need to complete a "TC-1 Form" from EPSB to apply for certification. Additional information is available from the EPSB.

How does a candidate’s prior experience count in salary calculations?

Once hired, counselors will need to get an "Experience Verification Form" from the HR Department to be filled out by the prior district. Salary calculation would be based on up to 20 years experience for a teacher and up to 10 years' experience for an administrator or counselor.

What is involved in the counselor applicant screening?

Near the beginning of March, applicants complete a half-day of problem-solving exercises using in-basket materials along with a writing and technology assessment. Scores are generated and are mailed to candidates in April. Individual conferences are held, as requested, to discuss growth areas.

How does a counselor get hired?

Candidates are notified via letter by mid-May if they are slated for counselor positions, meaning that they are eligible to be interviewed and hired by principals. When openings occur at local schools, the principal will review the files of slated candidates and will contact candidates to schedule interviews and to proceed with the school-based hiring process.

Once offered a position, what happens?

The Director of Administrator Recruitment notifies candidates of job offers. New hires set a time to meet with Denise Perry, Secretary, to complete paperwork. New hires need to bring two forms of identification, a Social Security card, official copies of transcripts, and the "Experience Verification Form" (if available at the time of hiring), any missing documents must be delivered to the office within two weeks of hiring. Once hired, the candidate will receive paperwork in the mail to verify hiring and salary.

What support is available to new counselors? 

Counselors participate in a required three hour employee Orientation to learn district procedures and employment information. Further, new counselors participate in the New Counselor Induction Program and monthly counselor meetings.

What is the contract length for counselors?

Typically, middle and high school counselors work 215-day contracts and elementary counselors work 195-day contracts.