Middle School Guidance Counselor

Middle School Guidance Counselor JobID: 3997

Position Type:

District and School Support - Certified/School Guidance Counselor

Date Posted:

6/20/2024

Location:

Lincoln Middle School

(High-Needs School)

Date Available:

08/07/2024

Closing Date:

Until filled

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TITLE: Career Pathways Counselor CLASSIFICATION: Certified FLSA Exempt (Teacher) DEPARTMENT: District

SALARY: Teacher Salary Schedule WORK YEAR: 180 Days REPORTS TO: High School Principal

DESCRIPTION:

Under the general direction of the High School Principal, the Career Pathways Counselor supports secondary students by guiding their exploration of college and career options, helping students and families understand the college application process, and assisting students to establish their career pathways. Provides group and individual counseling to students and parents regarding all areas of college guidance, including, but not limited to, college entrance exams and preparation, college search and selection, college research, financial aid application, scholarship searches, testing recommendations, and transition to college services.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities Required):

• Current Illinois Counseling certification

• Three years counseling experience, five years preferred

• Proficient or Excellent evaluation ratings for the past three consecutive years. At least one Excellent rating is preferred

• Experience working with high poverty students and families

• Experience in student transitions with emphasis on college readiness and attainment of scholarships

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• College and Career Pathways

• Naviance or other career assessment platforms

• Student transitions to new schools and/or academic levels

• Family support strategies

• Graduation requirements and best practices in supporting student access to college and career-ready education

• College admission requirements, FAFSA, and scholarship attainment

Ability to:

• Support testing programs (PSAT, SAT ACT, AP and aptitude instruments) and provides prep courses as applicable.

• Analyzes data and uses results to inform stakeholders regarding school improvement; interprets cognitive/aptitude/achievement tests; analyzes grade point average in relationship to achievement.

• Tracks trends in admissions and college counseling fields.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (Abilities Continued):

• Successfully relate to students and families

• Motivate students

• Coordinate efforts between students and post-secondary institutions

• Work in a team environment with teachers and other stakeholders

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Essential Job Functions):

• Work with colleges and other post-secondary institutions to increase acceptance and financial aid for high school students

• Collaborate with AVID teachers to increase college acceptance for enrolled students

• Assist with transitions into and out of high school including appropriate course placement

• Collaborate with 9th grade team to facilitate transitional programs/orientations for incoming 9th grade students

• Coordinate college and career support with counselors, social workers and other appropriate personnel

• Assist with college fairs and other student recruitment efforts including field trips

• Support the college application process by sending transcripts ensuring accurate completion of the application, supporting essay writing, and maintaining college application log

• Collect and compile acceptance letters and scholarship information

• Assist and monitor progress of cohort seniors to ensure that all are meeting deadlines and goals

• Maintain student folders and information sheets that include a scholarship log with criteria and deadlines, as well as copies of completed applications

• Hold quarterly meetings with students and parents

• Provide workshops pertaining to financial aid, scholarships, careers, resumes, personal statements, etc.

• Enter cohort information such as college applications, community service, acceptance, and scholarships into Google Drive-Assist students with finding schools that are responsive to the student's academic level

• Assist with SAT and ACT registration and provide waivers if applicable

• Manage college recruiting visits by notification to students and teachers, advertising visits, and assisting recruiters onsite

• Deliver comprehensive pathway services into middle and high schools and provide pathway support through Naviance, SchooLinks,

• Review Learning Plans with high school students

• Directs communication via newsletters, information packets, phone and

• e-mail with students and families.

• Support in the planning, organizing, developing, and implementing of college and career events

• Prepare letters, flyers, mailers, and other materials to publicize college/career services, resources, and speaker programs

• Maintain data and contact with former students for college persistence tracking

• Participate and support in senior graduation events and ceremonies

• May perform other projects and duties as directed by the Director of College Access and Persistence.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Continued):

• Generate letters for students who are considering enlisting in the military and coordinate with the military recruiter regarding graduation status, etc.

• Develop and initiate parent engagement activities related to college and career readiness that target families

• Develop and initiate parent engagement activities that target families

• Support students in leadership activities, honors, and awards

• Provide positive recognition information about staff and students (approved by the principal) to the Director of Strategic Partnerships for internal and external release

• Provide letters of recommendation as appropriate

• Work with families to see that any necessary summer school or other intervention takes place to ensure readiness for the next academic level and college attendance

• Work with the Title I Parent Support Counselor to engage and support parents

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Inside/outside standard office and school building environment

• Some travel within the district and professional meetings as required

HAZARDS/UNUSUAL DEMANDS:

• Frequent standing, sitting, walking, and lifting up to approximately 24 pounds. Possible contact with dissatisfied or angry individuals.

Physical Requirements of Job Functions:

Standing 0-4 hours per day 1-7 hours per day

Walking 0-2 hours at a time 1-2 hours per day

Sitting 0-2 hours at a time 0-5 hours per day

Driving Occasionally Occasionally

Essential Functions Measured in Terms of Frequency

Please note: The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position, and additional duties may be assigned.