Description

Title: Academic Counselor
Category: Certificated
Work Year: 12 Month
Employment Type: Full Time
Starting Range: $76,695.83 - $82,623.19
FLSA: Exempt
Supervisor: Director of Schools

JOB GOALS: Responsible for meeting individually with 6-12 grade students and their parents /guardians throughout the year to discuss each student’s academic progress, objectives, and options for secondary, post-secondary, or higher education. The Academic & College Counselor will guide students and parents/guardians in partnership with the College Bound Coordinator through identifying and choosing appropriate colleges and preparing them for the college entrance. 

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below.This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to reflect the principal job elements accurately.)

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Meet with 6th - 12th grade students and families to discuss issues pertaining to students’ futures and create a personalized plan of action (academic options, careers, college selection) 
• Meet with 6th - 12th-grade students quarterly in groups to explain/review resources in the college/career center and create/establish college awareness
• Secure A-G requirements and approval through the UC portal as the designated course list manager
• Reports data to district departments for accuracy in reporting such as Calpads and other reporting.
• Create/Update master schedule in SIS system, adjusts as needed for students
• Advise students on dual enrollment opportunities and/or early/middle college opportunities.
• Monitor the student’s grades and build a meaningful relationship with the student and family. 
• Meet with academic probation students and monitor their success 
• Create detailed reports of college acceptances and matriculation 
• Connect current students with AIMS alumni to aid in college acceptance and choice – update lists of alums willing to speak to current students 
• Establish and maintain college calendar in Naviance and on the AMS website detailing all relevant due dates, test dates, scholarship info, and upcoming college-related events 
• Organize and maintain credit recovery options 
• Organize and maintain concurrent and congruent college programs
• Initiate parent contact when appropriate 
• Attend professional development conferences and seminars to remain current about new trends, policies and opportunities in the field of higher education 
• Attend evening, school related functions such as graduation, College Fair, Parent Nights, Open House, etc. 
• Educate faculty on the importance of letters of recommendation and teacher evaluations 
• Assist in coordination and facilitate all aspects of college placement and career guidance services in grades 9 -12. 
• Meet with individual students and parents regarding post secondary placement
• Publicize relevant information regarding post secondary placement (dates of college admissions tests, standardized tests, scholarships, etc) 
• Schedules and attends meetings (i.e. intervention meetings, parent/teacher meetings, etc.) for the purpose of gathering and disseminating information.
• Write quality individual counselor recommendation for each applicant 
• Assist in reviewing and processing students’ college applications 
• Give workshops on college essay writing, test-taking skills, interviews, etc., in English classes and class meetings 
• Assist in conducting college-night programs 
• Update all testing publications and handouts
• Assist in coordinating college fairs and visits from university admissions officers 
• Help students identify their strengths and the relevance of these attributes to their future.
• Develop and update academic counseling publications distributed to students and families 
• Assists in regularly updating parents about relevant college application practices and trends
• All other duties assigned

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Requires a bachelor's degree 
• Preferred master's degree in counseling 
• Preferred valid California Pupil Services Credential in School Counseling. 
• At least 2-3 years of experience working with high school or middle school students
• Preferred Academic and College Counseling experience, either on the high school side or as a College Admissions Officer.
• Familiarity and experience working with international students, including knowledge of TOEFL standards and international student admission for colleges and universities in the United States. 
• Fingerprinting and TB test required
• Valid California driver's license

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: 

• Ability to provide a comprehensive counseling and guidance program according to ASCA National Counseling standards.
• Knowledge of CA academic standards, AP standards and A-G requirements
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Relate to and work with students with high needs
• Maintain current knowledge of program rules, regulations, requirements and restrictions; maintain confidentiality
• Ability to meet the driving and transportation requirements.
• Effective personal and academic counseling techniques and procedures.
• Plan and organize work, manage a caseload
• Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. 
• Experience working with diverse populations. 
• Effective communication and listening skills. 
• Computer proficiency is required. 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Work Position (Percentage of Time):
Standing: 30 Walking: 20 Sitting: 50
Minimum Body Movement (Frequency):
None (0) Limited (1) Occasional (2) Frequent (3) Very Frequent (4)
Lifting (lbs.): 15-18 Lifting: 2 Bending: 2
Pushing and/or Pulling Loads: 1 Reaching Overhead: 1 Kneeling or Squatting: 1
Climbing Ladders: 0 Climbing Stairs: 2

NON-DISCRIMINATION: AIMS College Prep Charter District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, marital status, ancestry, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, national origin, or mental or physical handicap in any of its policies or procedures related to admissions, employment, educational services, programs or activities.

Effective: 

Board Approved: Pending Board Approval