What Is a Counselor Aide?
The word “paraprofessional” is relatively new in the terminology of education and other fields of social and human services. From a literal interpretation, the paraprofessional is one who works with a professional. More specifically, a paraprofessional counselor or counselor aide is a person who performs specific duties, aids, assists or supports for a professional pupil personnel worker. Ideally, the aide works directly under the supervision of a certified professional. Where the aide is in need of advisement or consultation it should be possible to go directly to a professional supervisor for assistance. The use of counselor aides as well as aides in other fields began about 30 to 40 years ago. With increased demands for their services, professional persons found it necessary to employ competent and trainable assistants. With increased federal and special funding in education, particularly in regard to serving economically and culturally different groups, the hiring of paraprofession
