Counselor

The Academic & College Counselor serves as a pivotal figure in guiding students towards academic success and college readiness, providing comprehensive support to a designated cohort of students from 9th to 12th grade.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert academic guidance and support to students across grades 9-12, aiding in strategic academic planning and course selection.
• Enforce academic policies and conduct biannual individual meetings to craft four-year academic plans and address challenges.
• Implement targeted academic support plans for struggling students.
• Foster collaborative relationships with faculty, parents/guardians, and students to optimize academic support.
• Collaborate with the Wellness Center and/or Learning Specialist to develop tailored academic and personal interventions.
• Maintain meticulous student academic records, including tracking deficiencies, updating graduation progress, and coordinating summer school enrollment.
• Provide personalized college counseling, assisting with college list development, application essays, submissions, and resume refinement.
• Conduct individual and group counseling presentations for students and parents on the college application process.
• Write compelling letters of recommendation showcasing students’ academic achievements and personal attributes.
• Participate in professional development activities (e.g., admission representative visits, conferences, workshops) to stay current on college admissions best practices.
• Cultivate relationships with college admissions representatives to advocate for students and stay informed on evolving criteria.
• Develop and deliver workshops/webinars on college admission topics (e.g., essay writing, UC/CSU applications, financial aid, Common Applications).
• Offer social-emotional support and connect students with the Wellness Center for referrals as needed.
• Collaborate with the Counseling Department to design and implement parent education programs.
• Assist in coordinating counseling events, including grade-level meetings and honor award ceremonies.
• Fulfill additional duties as assigned, including occasional after-school and weekend responsibilities.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in School Counseling or a related field; PPS Credential preferred.
• Prior experience guiding students through the college application process.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse student populations and collaborate with parents/guardians.
• Previous experience in a high school setting.
• Proficiency in delivering presentations to small and large groups.
• Availability to attend evening meetings, professional development sessions, and off-campus activities.
• Thorough understanding and adherence to ethical and legal guidelines from professional counseling associations (e.g., ASCA, NACAC).