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 campus college and career readiness and transition programs. This role involves maintaining a sustainable college-going atmosphere and acting as a mentor to 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 4-year colleges or universities.

Responsibilities

• Understand and support the mission, vision, and values of Harmony Public Schools.
• Provide college and career counseling through planned activities in small group or classroom settings, workshops, and seminars for parents.
• Create access to college resources and opportunities via 1-1 and small group meetings.
• Provide individual student planning and responsive services regarding academic matters.
• Assist in scheduling and providing information about curriculum offerings to staff, students, and parents.
• Develop and implement curriculum supporting career exploration and the college application process.
• Assist students with the college and financial aid application process within district timelines.
• Advise and coach students through the financial aid process.
• Provide feedback and recommend solutions for students' academic and educational needs.
• Guide students in using SchooLinks, the college admission data management system.
• Teach tools and provide resources for navigating the college search and application process.
• Implement and maintain college transition services, including orientation, early alert strategies, data collection, and transition programming.
• Support alumni during their first two years of postsecondary education, including maintaining contact, providing guidance, and assisting with data tracking.
• Prevent summer-melt by supporting seniors during summer via text messages, phone calls, home visits, and events.
• Track and support alumni financial aid applications during their first two years of postsecondary education.
• Create mentoring and networking opportunities connecting students with alumni.
• Support campus college and career partnership efforts to create career development opportunities.
• Organize transitional programs, workshops, and alumni-led panels for seniors.
• Prepare and disseminate materials regarding college transition and matriculation.
• Work effectively as a member of the College and Career team and attend required meetings.
• Maintain collaborative communication with key stakeholders and teammates.
• Participate in regular one-on-one check-ins with the Dean of College and Career (DCC).
• Assist students and parents in understanding the school’s mission and vision regarding postsecondary education.
• Support and attend college and career activities and events organized by the campus or district.
• Maintain positive alumni relations through events such as social gatherings, reunions, and campus visits.
• Provide college success coaching to campus graduates during their first two years of college to prevent dropout.
• Educate families about college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship possibilities.
• Teach students interviewing techniques, self-assessment tools, and application essay writing.
• Complete Texas OnCourse training during the first year.
• Coordinate school college trips.
• Attend ARD and LPAC meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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).

Skills

• Working familiarity with college, career, and military readiness indicators, including evaluating and interpreting standardized test results.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral forms with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work with students of varied backgrounds and abilities to accomplish educational goals.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to meet varied deadlines.
• Ability to discuss sensitive topics with students, parents, and staff.
• Proficiency in using computers, district software, databases, spreadsheets, word processing, calculators, and telephones.
• Data analysis skills.
• Effective interview techniques, public speaking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships internally and externally.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Light work: may require occasional light lifting.
• Nights and weekend activities may occasionally be required.
• Office setting with prolonged desk work in one location.
• Moderate travel is required.