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 establish strong relationships with students and parents, supporting them from freshman year in high school through the 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.

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

• 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 college application processes
• Assist students with college and financial aid applications within district timelines
• Advise and coach students through the financial aid process
• Provide feedback and recommend solutions for individual student academic 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 via text messages, phone calls, home visits, and events
• Track and support alumni financial aid applications during their first two years at the postsecondary level
• 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 reunions and campus visits
• Provide college success coaching to prevent dropout during the first two years of college
• 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

Skills

• Familiarity with college, career, and military readiness indicators, including 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 achieve educational goals
• Strong organizational and time management skills to meet deadlines
• Ability to discuss sensitive topics with students, parents, and staff
• Proficiency in using computers, software, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing tools
• Analytical skills for data interpretation
• Effective interview techniques, public speaking, and problem-solving skills

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

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