Job Goal: The College & Career Counselor will work in collaboration with the Director of College & Career Readiness and the SHS School Counseling department to support Somerville High School students in postsecondary planning. The College & Career Counselor will assist in the continuous evaluation and development of a comprehensive and proactive postsecondary planning program for all students at SHS.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher relevant field.
• Valid Massachusetts School Guidance Counselor (Grades 5-12).
• Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole speaking ability a plus.
• Experience in college counseling, particularly with low-income, first generation college students a plus.
• Ability to use data to drive decision making.
• Exceptional organizational skills and time management.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues.

Responsibilities:

• Managing a caseload of students around postsecondary planning which may include:
• Individual meetings with students and families,
• Guiding students when creating college lists,
• Communicating with student, family, school counselor, and teachers on student’s college process as needed,
• Reviewing applications and essays,
• Reminding students about their timely submission of applications and financial aid materials,
• Supporting students in the scholarship application process,
• Assisting students by reviewing their resume and providing workforce development coaching,
• Coaching students in interview techniques,
• Supporting students in understanding and selecting career training programs, and
• Providing career and postsecondary information consistent with students’ aspirations, abilities, and interests.
• Working collaboratively with the school counseling department.
• Maintaining detailed records of student interactions in order to ensure the best experience and outcomes for students.
• Tracking, analyzing, and reporting on data regarding key indicators for student success in college/career counseling (i.e. student meetings with counselor, participation in college tours, Scholastic Achievement Test/American College Test (SAT/ACT) scores, etc.).
• Assisting with college entrance testing administration (SAT, ACT, Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test (PSAT), Advanced Placement (AP).
• Assisting with management of college entrance test prep programs.
• Managing student applications and supporting materials on Naviance.
• Arranging and chaperoning college tour field trips.
• Planning and delivering post-secondary workshops to students in a classroom setting.
• Planning and delivering post-secondary events for families.
• Overseeing successful student transition to first year of college.
• Participating in professional development necessary to remain current with college & career counseling practices.
• Participating in ongoing meetings with supervisor to ensure that counseling practices are consistent with current standards, and legal and ethical guidelines as determined by the National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), American Counseling Association (ACA) and American School Counseling Association (ASCA).
• Other duties as assigned as appropriate to the core elements of the job description.
• Terms of Employment:
• This position is a SEU (Somerville Educators Union) Unit A position and the work year will consist of 196 days which will include summer days and paid at a per diem rate. Schedule to be determined by counselor and supervisor collaboratively each year.

Position Reports to: Principal of Somerville High School or Department Head

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.