High School Counselor – Learning Differences

High School Counselor – Learning Differences (Full-time 2025 – 2026 School Year)

Bishop O’Dowd Mission/Charism

Mission: Bishop O’Dowd High School is a Catholic college-preparatory community, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, that educates its diverse student body to build a more just, joyful, and sustainable world.Charism:

Finding God In All Things Calls Us to:

Community in Diversity

Strength of Character

Academic Excellence

Kinship With Creation

Social Justice

Joy

Job Summary:

Bishop O’Dowd High School seeks a compassionate, knowledgeable, and student-centered High School Counselor – Learning Differences (LD Counselor) to join our High School Counseling team. This role is dedicated to supporting neurodiverse students with diagnosed or suspected learning differences, including ADHD, specific learning disabilities, and executive functioning challenges. The LD counselor will work with students on personal, academic and college counseling. The LD Counselor works collaboratively with students, families, faculty, and external providers to ensure equitable access to academic success and overall well-being.

High School Counselor – Learning Differences Essential Responsibilities:

Enact the Catholic mission and charism of the school.
Exercise good judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action(s).
Act as a role model to students and peers.
Provide comprehensive counseling services (academic, personal, and college counseling) to students with diagnosed learning differences and ADHD with a focus on fostering independence, resilience, and self-advocacy.
Participate actively in student scheduling to ensure appropriate course placement, graduation planning, and post-secondary readiness.
Draft and disseminate school-based accommodation plans that align with each student’s learning profile.
Arrange meetings and check-ins in response to referrals from teachers, administrators, parents or self-referrals from students seeking support.
Maintain detailed and confidential records and log notes in accordance with professional standards and school policy, while communicating the scope and limits of confidentiality.
Help students understand and embrace their learning profiles, and develop strategies to manage challenges and leverage strengths.
Coach students on problem-solving, organization, time management, and executive functioning skills.
Help students establish a specific study program, and access academic support and/or tutoring, when needed.
Support SAT/ ACT testing accommodations and serve as a testing proctor for AP exams.
Attend and support evening events, such as College Nights and Course Information Nights, particularly with a lens toward accessibility and support for diverse learners.
Communicate regularly with the Director of Counseling, Associate Director of College Counseling and Lead LD Counselor to ensure consistent student support.
Notify the Director of Counseling of significant student concerns or interventions, as outlined in the Counseling Department Handbook.
Help students and families connect with outside support services (e.g., educational therapists, tutors, mental health professionals, etc.) when additional support is needed.
Stay informed on college admissions policies and scholarship opportunities.
Participate in admissions events, serving as a resource for families with questions about learning support.
Coordinate specialized programs (e.g., Executive Function Coaching, Transition Planning, or College Support Readiness) in collaboration with the Director of Counseling and the Associate Principal.
Participate in evening events (e.g., College Nights, Course Information and AP Night, etc.).
Maintain professional standards and competence by attending workshops, seminars, and membership in organizations related to the counseling field.
Maintain familiarity with current college admissions requirements & scholarship information for academic and college advisement purposes.
Coordinate specific program(s) (i.e. Career, Testing) with department members at the discretion of the Director of Counseling and Associate Principal.

High School Counselor – Learning Differences Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field required
Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Special Education or other relevant field preferred
A California Pupil Personnel Services Credential preferred
High school counseling experience preferred
Ability to successfully provide comprehensive support and guidance to a caseload of approximately 140 students
Ability to work collaboratively as a member of the counseling team
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated understanding of and passion for high school education and adolescent development.
Evidenced knowledge of and experience in required job area
Proven ability to differentiate access and provide experiences for diverse community needs
Ability to foster a safe, inclusive, equitable, and joyful working environment
Nuanced understanding of DEI from a personal and/or professional perspective
Experience authentically engaging with diverse working environments
Proven success collaborating with colleagues and innovating practices

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. Additionally, all personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit your cover letter, resume, and salary requirements through our recruitment portal at:
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=a3be2c9a-b3f4-4b3e-aa40-d11a3fd3f9d6&jobId=568585&lang=en_US

Pre-employment background screening is required for all positions.

For more information on Bishop O’Dowd High School, please see our website at: http://bishopodowd.org.

Bishop O’Dowd High School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment policies and procedures. It follows the Diocese of Oakland’s policies prohibiting illegal harassment, retaliation or discrimination. However, as a Roman Catholic high school with a stated mission, goals and objectives that clearly reflect the teachings and educational philosophy of the Diocese of Oakland, Bishop O’Dowd High School reserves the right to require all current and prospective employees to commit to carry out their duties and responsibilities in a manner that clearly and unconditionally demonstrates support of and respect for the school’s mission and Catholic identity. Persons who in good conscience are unable to agree to this commitment should not seek or accept employment at Bishop O’Dowd High School.

Tagged as: High School