College Counselor

Overview

Position:
College Counselor at the Rock Academy

As a College Counselor, you will guide 7–12 students through a comprehensive academic advisement program beginning in the spring of their 7th-grade year and culminating in the college search process during their senior year. The advisement program includes meeting regularly with parents and students to develop a knowledgeable working relationship; providing counseling in course selection and 4-year planning; collaborating with parents, teachers, and administrators to support academic success;

helping students research colleges and determine college lists; navigating standardized testing and financial aid processes; and assisting each student in crafting authentic and accurate college applications. The counselor will contribute to all aspects of the program, such as giving presentations, conducting workshops and events, and engaging in ongoing professional development to grow expertise in the field. Serving as a visible and vital member of the High School team, you will provide expert guidance while developing partnerships with faculty/staff, students, parents/guardians, and college admissions professionals.

• Establish strong relationships with students and parents for college counseling and guidance regarding further academic pursuits
• Develop a 4-year plan for each assigned individual, including potential courses to be taken, summer internships, or program opportunities
• Get to know each student as an individual to fully support them through their High School experience and be prepared to write an authentic letter of recommendation based on personal knowledge during the college application process
• Guide students and their parents/guardians through all aspects of the college selection, application, and admissions process
• Assist/train faculty members in writing letters of recommendation
• Design programs and workshops for students and families
• Conduct outreach and develop relationships with colleges, universities, and other professional organizations
• Advise students on academic course selection
• Guide students and their parents/guardians through all aspects of the college search and college and financial aid application processes
• Work with seniors to create appropriate college application lists
• Assist students in scholarship and special opportunity applications
• Utilize necessary technology/programs, including Google Suite, FACTS, Naviance, and other college counseling- or education-related software
• Support seniors with essay writing and applications
• Contribute to program creation, planning, and execution, such as workshops, events, and presentations
• Contribute to the writing and crafting of print and online communication resources
• Actively pursue professional growth in the field, such as attending and presenting at local, regional, and national conferences
• Continually grow familiarity and expertise with colleges and programs by attending rep visits, counselor programs, counselor fly-ins, and visiting campuses
• Facilitate programs that bring college admissions officers on campus regularly
• As part of the College Counseling team, implement and administer standardized testing for the High School
• Contribute to seeking and implementing ways to grow and improve the best practices of the college counseling program
• Perform other duties as appropriate

• Advanced degree of MA or higher (educational administration or counseling)
• A minimum of five years of experience in either college counseling, college admissions, or High School administration is required
• An unequivocal enthusiasm for working with adolescents and supporting them in all facets of their lives
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, faculty, staff, and administrators, including strong writing skills
• Strong work ethic, interpersonal skills, and a high level of ethics and integrity
• High emotional intelligence
• Ability to function and collaborate effectively as part of a team
• Possess a high level of accountability and demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage numerous detailed tasks, anticipate and meet deadlines, use time effectively, and problem-solve independently

• A committed believer in Jesus Christ—Your life reflects a clear, consistent walk and relationship with Jesus. You are active in your church and display clear evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in your interactions with others. You demonstrate a deep level of integrity that fosters trust. Through an ever-growing Christian walk, you demonstrate composure and embrace new challenges as opportunities.
  
  Even through personal struggles in off-campus life, you continue to exhibit a refreshing life walk at school.
• A servant leader - you partner well with both other SFC employees and parents. You are a leader who encourages collaboration, embraces various viewpoints, fosters leadership in others, and promotes a culture of trust and compassion. You obtain informal input and feedback on the…