School counseling specialist

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Education (DOE):

The Indiana Department of Education provides innovative support to Indiana schools, teachers, students, and parents. We proactively work with educators, policymakers, business leaders, and community-based organizations to build student success. Our strategic priorities include:

• Delivering quality, purposeful educational opportunities for each student.
• Elevating and supporting Indiana’s educators.
• Increasing partnerships and delivering aligned, effective, and efficient support.

Role Overview:

The Indiana Department of Education is seeking a School Counseling Specialist to support the statewide rollout of Indiana's new diploma and its readiness seals (Enrollment, Employment, Enlistment). This role will serve as a key liaison between IDOE and district counselors as schools transition from Core 40 to the new diploma ahead of full implementation for the class of 2029, helping counselors navigate course eligibility, credential-of-value pathways, and work-based learning requirements.

The Specialist will support district and school counselors in strengthening academic advising practices that connect students to more relevant, personalized learning experiences - helping ensure coursework and career pathways feel meaningful rather than mandatory, and are designed with student wellness and engagement in mind. This includes helping counselors translate diploma flexibility into individualized plans that reflect each student's interests and goals, while supporting the whole-student focus that underlies Indiana's diploma redesign.

The ideal candidate brings direct school counseling experience, familiarity with Indiana's Graduation Pathways and CTE/CSA landscape, and the ability to translate policy changes into practical guidance for school-level practitioners.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Monitor education program/initiative objectives, outcomes, and actions to achieve agency goals.
• Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to constituents within educational institutions.
• Implement strategic action plans to address program gaps and opportunities.
• Prepare and disseminate reports on program effectiveness.
• Ensure program requirements adhere to federal and state policies and grants compliance.
• Assist in the training and development of education system employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.
• Serve as a liaison between agency and other state and federal agencies.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Specialized knowledge in educational systems obtained through experience and/or education.
• Specialized knowledge of education programs and services including pertinent rules and regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing the programs.
• Ability to develop and implement new processes and approaches and discern any far-reaching implications.
• Ability to communicate effectively both internal and external customers, the public, government officials, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.

A degree is not required. However, at least 6+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards.
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution.
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match.
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options.
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off.
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years.
• Education Reimbursement Program.
• Group life insurance.
• Referral Bonus program.
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits.
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Free Parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.