Counselor Eligibility Application 2025-26

Minimum Requirements

For both School Counselor and Behavioral Health Counselors

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in school counseling, mental health counseling, human services with the school counseling specialization, psychology, or a related field

For Behavioral Health Counselors only

• Two (2) years of full-time, paid, professional post-Master’s experience working with children and youth in the behavioral health field, which could include behavioral health work performed as a school counselor

Certificates/Licenses

• Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania instructional specialist certificate endorsed for Elementary Counselor or Secondary Counselor (or Guidance Counselor Certificate issued prior to July 1, 1969) OR;
• Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Elementary and Secondary School Counselor (PK-12) certification OR;
• Meets requirements to obtain an emergency permit and ability to consistently meet emergency permit requirements until certificate can be issued

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• The principles, practices, and theories of individual/group counseling and behavioral intervention;
• The principles, practices, and theories or developmental/educational guidance; 
• The current techniques and trends in counseling and guidance at the elementary, middle, and/or secondary level; 
• Theories and principles of adolescent development, individual/group behavior, group dynamics, and interpersonal interactions; 
• Communication skills and techniques; 
• The current health, economic, and social problems experienced by urban families; 
• The functions and resources of community/governmental agencies that provide support services for students and their families.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Provide counseling and guidance on an individual/group basis, and to conduct group support/guidance sessions;
• Employ tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment in dealing with sensitive or personal problems and hostile attitudes; 
• Work effectively with students and their families and aid them in the constructive use of their capacities to address their specific problems; 
• Identify the signs of substance abuse and students at risk for suicide; 
• Understand and interpret standardized test scores, making guidelines and promotional policies; 
• Participate in crisis intervention; 
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; 
• Prepare and maintain student-counseling records, reports, correspondence, and statistical summaries; 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships; 
  • For Behavioral Health Counselors: identify and address needs of students transitioning from psychiatric treatment.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Nondiscrimination

The School District of Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity, or genetic information.  Please refer to Board Policy 348 for further information regarding the District’s commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.