Career and College Readiness Counselor chez Chester-Upland School District

Career and College Readiness Counselor

Position Purpose

 Ensures coordination of school-based advisory and resources to support and ensure 100% of students graduate ready for college and career. Oversees and directs the activities of school-based partners who ensure that programmatic outcomes are consistent with stated goals and objectives.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Works with faculty, staff, students, and parents to develop and implement formal and informal events and activities that enhance a college and career school culture.
• Provides all students with the support aligned to post-secondary opportunities.
• Provides college and career readiness information to parents through printed materials, workshops, meetings, and other appropriate forms of communication.
• Refers students to the appropriate specialized staff for such issues as comprehensive counseling, financial assistance, etc.
• Serves as a liaison and fosters intentional relationships with school staff, other advisors, colleges, and departments.
• Creates a calendar and schedule of college and career workshops and information sessions including Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) workshops, college/career visits, essay writing workshops, and scholarship information sessions.
• Provides student programming in the acquisition of personal exploration, decision making and goal setting skills needed to facilitate their educational development.
• Organizes and executes career events including, but not limited to, resume clinics, mock interviews, career conversations, career expo, and career-focused field trips
• Collaborates with school counselors to promote comprehensive student support and to ensure students have clear understanding of college and career pathways, aligned course offerings, and completion requirements.
• Leads school efforts towards career inventories and skills assessments of students.
• Facilitates mechanisms to constantly evaluate programs, identify student needs, and develop new programs when needed.
• Assists educationally underserved students and their families navigate application processes, particularly applications for college enrichment programs, summer employment opportunities, and outside-of-school opportunities.
• Supports in the coordination of School District initiatives focused on post-secondary initiatives including registration and preparation for the Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test (PSAT) and the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT).
• Provides academic advising services to students.
• Participates in the planning of summer activities.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note:    The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of pre/post high school program eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge of college/university admissions processes, scholarship programs and other educational opportunities.
• Knowledge of current developments in business and industry regarding career opportunities and employment.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Works in standard office and school building environments.
                Note:    Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Job Duties for this position.

Qualifications Profile

• Certification/License:
• PA State Certification as a Guidance Counselor 
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
•  Three years of full-time, paid, professional experience in providing career readiness programming, which has included planning large events and evaluating programmatic activities, managing budgets and subcontracted services.

Education

• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Masters Degree preferred.

Experience
Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.

FLSA Status:       Exempt