POSITION TITLE: Academic & College Counselor

REPORTS TO: Dean of Academic & College Counseling

PURPOSE OF POSITION: The Academic & College Counselor serves as a pivotal figure in guiding students towards academic success and college readiness. This role involves providing comprehensive support to a designated cohort of students, ensuring their holistic development from 9th to 12th grade.

SUPERVISES: N/A

Full-Time

FSLA Status: Exempt

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Academic Counseling:

Provide expert guidance and support to students across grades 9-12, aiding in the formulation of strategic academic plans and thoughtful course selections.
Understand and enforce academic policies.
Conduct biannual individual meetings with students to craft a comprehensive four-year academic plan and address any academic challenges.
Implement targeted academic support plans for those who are struggling.
Foster collaborative relationships with faculty, parents/guardians, and students to optimize academic support and student success.
Collaborate with the Wellness Center and/or Learning Specialist to develop tailored academic and/or personal interventions for students, as needed.
Assume responsibility for maintaining meticulous student academic records, including tracking students with academic deficiencies, updating graduation progress reports, and coordinating summer school enrollment.

College Counseling:

Provide personalized support to students, assisting with college list development, application essay review, application submission, and resume refinement.
Conduct individual and group counseling presentations to students and parents/guardians to address various aspects of the college application process.
Craft compelling letters of recommendation for each student in the caseload, showcasing their academic achievements and personal attributes to prospective colleges.
Actively participate in professional development activities such as admission representative visits to campus, national conferences, and/or regional workshops, to stay abreast of best practices in college admissions counseling.
Cultivate relationships with college admissions representatives to advocate for students and stay informed about evolving admissions criteria.
Develop and deliver workshops and webinars addressing topics the college admission process, such as college essay writing, UC/CSU applications, Financial Aid and Common Applications.

Additional Responsibilities:

Offer compassionate social-emotional support to students as needed, connecting them with the Wellness Center for referrals and additional assistance.
Collaborate with the Counseling Department to design and implement parent education programs and presentations.
Assist in coordinating counseling events, including grade level meetings and honor award ceremonies.

Counselor hours vary from the regular teaching day. There may be a need to fulfill added duties after school and on the occasional weekend.

Fulfill additional duties as assigned by Administration.

REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a Master’s Degree in School Counseling or a related field, with a preference for candidates holding a PPS Credential.
Prior experience in guiding students through the college application process is required.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with a diverse student population and collaborate with parents and guardians in support of student success.
Previous experience in a high school setting.
Proficiency in delivering engaging presentations to both small and large groups.
Availability to attend evening meetings, professional development sessions, and off-campus activities as required.
Thorough understanding and adherence to ethical and legal guidelines established by professional counseling associations such as the American School Counselor Association and NACAC.

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