JOB GOAL: Under the direction of the Dean of College and Career, the counselor will work with school faculty/staff, students, parents, and community to plan, develop and provide support in the advancement of the campus college and career readiness, and transition programs in the campus by maintaining a sustainable college-going atmosphere in the assigned campus. The counselor will work as a mentor beyond being a counselor by establishing a strong relationship with both students and parents so they can support the students during their postsecondary education. Counselors will support students from freshman year in high school to the first two years in postsecondary (9-14). Maintain a year-round support system for each student where each student receives individualized support not only during regular school days but also during summer that will prepare them for a 4-year college or university.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
o Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
o Minimum 2 years of teaching or counseling experience (Preferred)
o High School Teaching experience (Preferred)
o Valid Texas Counseling Certification (Preferred)
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
o Understands and supports the mission, vision and values of Harmony Public Schools.
o Provides college and career counseling to students through planned activities in small group or classroom settings to
convey educational, social, and important school information, and offers workshops/seminars for parents.
o Creates access to college resources and opportunities available to support students through both 1-1 and small group
meetings
o Provides individual student planning and responsive services to support students and their families regarding academic
matters
o Assists in scheduling and providing information about curriculum offerings in the program of studies to staff, students, and
parents.
o Develops and implements the curriculum that supports students in their exploration of career alternatives and helps them
understand the college application process.
o Assists students throughout the college and financial aid application process within the timeline and expectations set by
the district.
o Advises and coach all students through the financial aid process
o Provides feedback and recommends appropriate action and solutions to individual student’s academic and educational
needs and abilities.
o Guides students and others in understanding and utilizing SchooLinks, the college admission data management system.
o Provides guidance and resources and teaches tools to navigate the college search and application process.
o Implements, supports, and maintains college transition services, and activities to enhance the college matriculation
process involving orientation, early alert strategies, data collection, analysis, coordinate post-secondary decision-making
process, and transition programming.
o Provides additional support for alumni to ensure a smooth transition from high school to post-secondary education,
including:
o Maintaining contact with select high school graduates, providing guidance/problem solving as needed;
o Assisting students who are not matriculated into a post-secondary endeavor with college/career advising; and
o Assisting with alumni data tracking.
o Prevents summer-melt problems by supporting seniors during summertime via text messages, phone calls, home visits,
orientation events, booth camps, etc...
o Supports alumni during their first two years at post-secondary and organizes events to stay connected with them.
o Tracks and supports alumni financial aid applications during their first two years at the postsecondary level.
o Creates opportunities such as mentoring and networking events to connect students with their campus alumni for best
practices in regards to sharing their college and career aspirations and future plans
o Supports campus college and career partnership efforts to create career development opportunities for students.o o Organizes transitional programs, activities, and workshops for seniors so that they may be well prepared for their post-
secondary education and career. o Organizes campus alumni-led college and career panels and talks to increase high school students' college and career-
going identity. o Prepares and disseminates materials regarding college transition and matriculation; coordinate matriculation process
across the campus.
o Works effectively as a member of the College and Career team at the campus and attend all the meetings s/he is required
to attend.
o Maintains a collaborative team with consistent communication flow to all key stakeholders and teammates
o Participates in and effectively prepare for regular one-on-one check-ins with DCC.
o Assists students/parents in understanding school mission and vision regarding postsecondary education.
o Supports and attends appropriate college and career activities and events organized in the campus/district
o Supports the campus to maintain positive alumni relations events such as social events, reunions, and campus visit
events
o Provides college success coaching support to campus graduates during their first two years in college to prevent college
dropout.
o Educates families about college admissions and financial aid or scholarship possibilities.
o Educates students on appropriate interviewing techniques, self-assessment tools, and application essay writing
techniques
o Completes Texas OnCourse during their first year.
o Coordinates school college trips.
o Attends ARD, LPAC meetings.
o Performs other duties as assigned.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
o Working familiarity with college, career, and military readiness indicators, especially in evaluating and interpreting
standardized test results
o Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external
to the district.
o Ability to work with students at the specified age level with diverse backgrounds and levels of ability toward accomplishing
their educational goals.
o Ability to organize tasks and manage time to meet many and varied deadlines and communicate effectively with students,
parents, school administrators, and other staff, including the ability to discuss topics that may be sensitive.
o Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both internal and external to the district.
o Ability to use computer including software, database used by the district, spreadsheet and word processing software,
calculator, copy machine and telephone.
o Ability to analyze data
o Ability to use effective interview techniques, effective public speaking skills, and problem-solving skills
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
o Light Work: may require occasional light lifting.
o Nights and weekend activities will be occasionally required.
o Position is in office setting and may involve prolonged work at a desk in one location.
o Moderate travel is required.
