Hiring School Counselors in Faith-Based Schools

Although school counseling candidates in faith-based schools may possess an extraordinary résumé, it is essential that their beliefs and behaviors be compatible with the mission and philosophy of the school for which they are interviewing. If hiring practices are not addressed in faith-based schools, these schools run the risk of losing their identity. This article offers a pastoral model for interviewing and hiring Catholic school counselors. It is a model that assists school leaders and those responsible for hiring school counselors in faith-based schools to transform what would otherwise be a functional job into a pastoral ministry, thereby advancing the religious identity and unique mission of their schools.