CAMPUS COUNSELOR-COLLEGE & CAREER

About the Role

The counselor will work with school faculty, staff, students, parents, and the community to plan, develop, and provide support in advancing the campus college and career readiness and transition programs. This role involves maintaining a sustainable college-going atmosphere and acting as a mentor to establish strong relationships with students and parents, supporting students from freshman year in high school through their first two years of postsecondary education (grades 9-14). The counselor will provide year-round individualized support, including during summer, to prepare students for a 4-year college or university.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum 2 years of teaching or counseling experience (Preferred).
• High School Teaching experience (Preferred).
• Valid Texas Counseling Certification (Preferred).

Responsibilities

• Understands and supports the mission, vision, and values of Harmony Public Schools.
• Provides college and career counseling through planned activities in small group or classroom settings, workshops, and seminars for parents.
• Creates access to college resources and opportunities via 1-1 and small group meetings.
• Provides individual student planning and responsive services regarding academic matters.
• Assists in scheduling and providing information about curriculum offerings to staff, students, and parents.
• Develops and implements curriculum supporting career exploration and the college application process.
• Assists students with the college and financial aid application process within district timelines.
• Advises and coaches students through the financial aid process.
• Provides feedback and recommends solutions for individual student academic needs.
• Guides students in using SchooLinks, the college admission data management system.
• Teaches tools and provides resources for navigating the college search and application process.
• Implements and maintains college transition services, including orientation, early alert strategies, data collection, and transition programming.
• Supports alumni during their first two years of postsecondary education, including maintaining contact, providing guidance, and assisting with data tracking.
• Prevents summer-melt by supporting seniors during summer via text messages, phone calls, home visits, and events.
• Tracks and supports alumni financial aid applications during their first two years at the postsecondary level.
• Creates mentoring and networking opportunities connecting students with alumni.
• Supports campus college and career partnership efforts to create career development opportunities.
• Organizes transitional programs, activities, and workshops for seniors.
• Organizes campus alumni-led college and career panels and talks.
• Prepares and disseminates materials regarding college transition and matriculation.
• Works effectively as a member of the College and Career team and attends required meetings.
• Maintains collaborative communication with key stakeholders and teammates.
• Participates in regular one-on-one check-ins with the Dean of College and Career (DCC).
• Assists students and parents in understanding the school’s mission and vision regarding postsecondary education.
• Supports and attends college and career activities and events organized by the campus or district.
• Supports the campus in maintaining positive alumni relations through events such as reunions and visits.
• Provides college success coaching to campus graduates during their first two years in college to prevent dropout.
• Educates families about college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship possibilities.
• Educates students on interviewing techniques, self-assessment tools, and application essay writing.
• Completes Texas OnCourse training during their first year.
• Coordinates school college trips.
• Attends ARD and LPAC meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Working familiarity with college, career, and military readiness indicators, including evaluating and interpreting standardized test results.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management, internally and externally.
• Ability to work with students of diverse backgrounds and levels of ability to accomplish their educational goals.
• Ability to organize tasks, manage time, and meet varied deadlines while communicating effectively with students, parents, administrators, and staff, including discussing sensitive topics.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both internal and external to the district.
• Proficiency in using computers, including software, databases, spreadsheets, word processing, calculators, copiers, and telephones.
• Ability to analyze data.
• Effective interview techniques, public speaking skills, and problem-solving skills.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Light work: may require occasional light lifting.
• Nights and weekend activities will occasionally be required.
• Position is primarily office-based and may involve prolonged work at a desk in one location.
• Moderate travel is required.