Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for After School Counselor Roles – 2025

Preparing for an after school counselor job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your counseling experience and knowledge. Whether you’re applying for a role at a school, community center, or program, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about yourself and your experience working as an after school counselor.
  

  My name is [Name], and I have been working as an after school counselor for [Number] years. I have a bachelor's degree in [Major/Field], and I am passionate about helping children and teenagers navigate their academic, social, and emotional challenges. I have experience working at various after school programs, and I have also held leadership roles in organizing and coordinating activities, as well as providing individual and group counseling sessions.

• 2. Why do you want to work as an after school counselor?
  

  I have always been interested in working with children and teenagers, and the after school hours can be a critical time for their development. As an after school counselor, I believe I can make a positive impact on their lives by providing them with support, guidance, and a safe space to explore their interests and challenges.

• 3. What do you consider to be the most important skill for an after school counselor?
  

  I believe empathy is the most important skill for an after school counselor. It allows us to understand and connect with children and teenagers, and it creates a foundation of trust for effective counseling. Empathy also allows us to support and guide students in a way that meets their individual needs and helps them develop the necessary skills for their future success.

• 4. How do you handle and maintain confidentiality when working with students?
  

  I understand the importance of confidentiality in counseling and have experience implementing it in my work. I always explain to my students that their conversations with me are private, and I ensure that I do not disclose any information without their consent. In cases where I am required to report information to relevant authorities, I follow proper protocols and inform the students beforehand.

• 5. How do you handle difficult or challenging student behavior?
  

  I believe it is important to address challenging behavior with a calm and understanding approach. I first try to understand the root cause of the behavior and then work with the student to find solutions and positive coping strategies. I also involve parents or guardians in the process, as their support and involvement can greatly contribute to behavior management.

Experience & Qualifications

• 6. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult parent or family situation?
  

  In my previous role, I worked with a student who had behavioral issues and struggled academically. After working closely with him, he showed significant improvement, but his parents refused to acknowledge this progress and blamed me for their son's difficulties. I remained calm and professional, and I invited them to observe their son's progress in our sessions. Eventually, they recognized the positive impact of counseling on their son and apologized for their behavior.

• 7. How do you stay updated on the latest counseling techniques and methods?
  

  I attend workshops and conferences for counselors, as well as read relevant literature and research. I am also a member of professional counseling organizations, which provides me with opportunities for continued education and allows me to network and learn from other counselors.

• 8. Have you worked with children and teenagers with specific needs or disabilities?
  

  Yes, I have experience working with children and teenagers with various needs and disabilities, such as ADHD, autism, and learning differences. I ensure that I have a thorough understanding of their individual needs and provide them with the necessary support and accommodations to help them thrive in our program.

• 9. What experience do you have in creating and implementing curriculum and activities for after school programs?
  

  I have experience in creating and implementing age-appropriate and engaging activities for after school programs. I understand the importance of incorporating educational and recreational components in our activities, and I always strive to make them fun and relatable for our students.

• 10. Do you have experience with crisis intervention and counseling?
  

  Yes, I have received training in crisis intervention and have experience dealing with emergency situations. I understand the importance of staying calm and acting quickly to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you describe a time when you had to solve a problem creatively as an after school counselor?
  

  In my previous role, we were faced with a budget cut that significantly impacted our after school program. I worked with my colleagues to come up with creative solutions, such as reaching out to community organizations for donations and partnering with local businesses for sponsorships. We were able to continue providing quality services to our students despite the financial challenges.

• 12. How do you build rapport and establish trust with students as an after school counselor?
  

  I believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment for students, being genuine and empathetic, and actively listening to their concerns and interests. This allows me to build positive relationships with my students, and they know they can come to me for support and guidance without fear of judgment or criticism.

• 13. Tell us about a time when you had to work with a difficult colleague or team member.
  

  In my experience, conflicts can arise within any team, and I have learned how to manage them effectively through open communication and collaboration. One time, a colleague and I had different opinions on how to handle a disciplinary issue with a student. We discussed our perspectives and found a middle ground that ended up benefiting the student and our program.

• 14. How do you handle multitasking and managing your time efficiently as an after school counselor?
  

  In after school programs, we often have multiple tasks and responsibilities to manage in a limited amount of time. To handle this, I prioritize my tasks, set realistic deadlines, and communicate effectively with my team to ensure smooth operations. I also make sure to take breaks and practice self-care to avoid burnout.

• 15. Can you describe a time when you had to handle a challenging conflict between students?
  

  In one of our after school sessions, two students got into an argument that escalated into a physical altercation. I remained calm and separated them, and then we had a restorative circle where they were able to express their feelings and come to a resolution. We also followed up with individual counseling sessions to address any underlying issues and prevent future conflicts.

Situational Questions

• 16. If a student comes to you for help with a personal issue, how would you handle it?
  

  I would first make sure the student feels safe and heard, and then I would provide them with support and resources. I would adhere to confidentiality and involve the necessary authorities if necessary. I would also follow up with the student to ensure they feel supported and connected to appropriate services.

• 17. If a parent expresses concern about their child's academic performance, how do you handle it?
  

  I would first listen to the parent's concerns and validate them. I would then gather relevant information about the student's academic progress and any challenges they may be facing. I would work with the parent and the student to come up with a plan to address the concerns and provide them with necessary resources and support.

• 18. How do you handle a situation where a student is constantly disruptive in the after school program?
  

  I would first try to understand the root cause of their behavior and address it through counseling and positive reinforcement. I would also involve their parents or guardians and work together to come up with a plan for behavior management. If the behavior continues to be disruptive, I would involve the necessary authorities and follow proper protocols.

• 19. If a student does not want to participate in the after school program activities, how do you handle it?
  

  I would first talk to the student and try to understand why they do not want to participate. If it is due to a personal issue, I would provide support and resources. If it is due to a lack of interest, I would work with the student to find alternative activities they would enjoy. I would also encourage them to give the program a try and involve parents or guardians in the process.

• 20. How would you handle a situation where a student or group of students is bullying another student?
  

  I would first address the behavior and make it clear that bullying will not be tolerated. I would then work with the students involved to understand their motivations and address any underlying issues through counseling or other interventions. I would also involve parents or guardians, and follow up to ensure the bullying behavior has stopped.