Counselor-College Readiness

JOB TITLE: Counselor- College Readiness

REPORTS TO: Coordinator-College Readiness

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt

PAY GRADE: A1 2

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Coordinator-College Readiness, the Counselor- College Readiness performs the following primary duties: a) organizes, maintains and operates a College and Career Center; b) provides a wide variety of career information and materials; and c) communicates with students, faculty, parents, and community representatives concerning career planning and college entrance.

All employees of Spring ISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate in a clear and respectful manner, championing the needs of our students and drive continuous improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:

• Master's degree in counseling from an accredited college or university
• Valid Texas School Counselor certificate as required by the State Board of Education Certification
• Three years of experience working with high school students/families and college counseling/or college admissions.

Preferred:

• Strong working knowledge of Naviance

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Knowledge of counseling procedures, student appraisal, and child development
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Operate office equipment and audio/visual equipment
• Work independently with little direction
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Meet schedules and timelines
• Work confidentially with discretion
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

MAJOR REPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Consult with parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance the work of building a college bound culture within the feeder pattern.
• Collaborate with Academic Counselors to ensure student transcripts accurately reflects their college and career plan.
• Train teachers, counselors, administrators, and other relevant individuals to serve as college advisors to implement postsecondary planning periods for students and to provide consistent information within each classroom.
• Coordinate the campus administration of PSAT, SAT and TSIA2 exams.
• Assist students in the completion of FAFSA/TASFA applications in order to meet graduation requirements.
• Serve as the Naviance campus contact for students and parents.
• Provide career and college entrance information and assistance to students, teachers, parents and counselors; coordinate day-to-day operations and schedule activities, programs and speakers.
• Prepare career education and instructional materials for use by teachers and students; assist students in locating and using college/career information as needed for research, assignments and post-high school planning.
• Obtain, organize, file and display guidance materials; catalog and prepare for use by students; maintain displays and bulletin boards.
• Plan, organize, develop and implement career events and publications; prepare letters, flyers, mailers and other materials to publicize College and Career Center services, resources and speaker programs.
• Contact, schedule and arrange guest speakers from the local business community, colleges and military services to present information regarding specific occupations.
• Schedule visitations by representatives from local colleges; organize, coordinate and publicize career-related events and other opportunities for students to learn about higher education and vocational training and preparation.
• Develop and maintain a current and comprehensive occupational library including information on careers and career clusters, employment prospects and trends and employment requirements and opportunities; obtain and circulate current college catalogs.
• Maintain current lists and bulletins concerning scholarships and other financial aids available; provide information concerning specialized scholarships and assistance in completing application forms.
• Track and report scholarship obtainment and college acceptance for seniors.
• Prepare and deliver informational presentation as requested; orient students to College and Career Center resources and services.
• Maintain a current inventory of College and Career Center equipment and materials; assist in determining purchase priorities.
• Plan and conduct Career Days, Career Months, Teen Job Fairs, or College Fairs.
• Attend meetings, conferences and seminars regarding career trends, college entrance and financial aid.
• Train and provide work direction to volunteers and student assistants.
• Operate a variety of office equipment including audio/visual equipment.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: physical mobility, standing, prolonged sitting, some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling. This position will also require both traveling within the district and state wide. Mental demands: Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of situations; ability to interpret a variety of data; ability to interpret TEC and policy; ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory, ability to be effective in both oral and written communication; ability to maintain emotional control under stress. At times long hours maybe required.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.