Which is a task outside the role of the school counselor?

Which is a task outside the role of the school counselor?

• A. May create dual relationships, complicating the role
• B. Develop school-wide counseling curriculum
• C. Delivering individual counseling sessions
• D. Coordinating parent-teacher conferences

Answer: (A)

Professional boundaries guide what school counselors do. Engaging in dual relationships—having multiple roles with the same student or their family (for example, being a personal friend or taking on a role that creates a personal obligation alongside counseling)—is outside the appropriate scope because it creates conflicts of interest and can undermine confidentiality and professional judgment. Developing a school-wide counseling curriculum, delivering individual counseling sessions, and coordinating parent-teacher conferences are all within the counselor’s role: the former focuses on systemic, preventive supports for all students, while the latter two provide direct student support and collaborative communication to support student success.

Professional boundaries guide what school counselors do. Engaging in dual relationships—having multiple roles with the same student or their family (for example, being a personal friend or taking on a role that creates a personal obligation alongside counseling)—is outside the appropriate scope because it creates conflicts of interest and can undermine confidentiality and professional judgment. Developing a school-wide counseling curriculum, delivering individual counseling sessions, and coordinating parent-teacher conferences are all within the counselor’s role: the former focuses on systemic, preventive supports for all students, while the latter two provide direct student support and collaborative communication to support student success.