Counselor Advocate, Richmond Hill High School

Within our framework of a holistic, strength-focused, and family-supported practice, an individual hired as Counselor Advocate, High School & College Success will report directly to the Director, Student Success Center Richmond Hill High School, with task supervision provided by the Program Coordinator of the GOALS program. The Student Success Center (SSC) is a youth and adult-staffed college access center that works to support college guidance teams, and grow a college-going culture for the campus. The SSC provides additional resources and tools necessary for each student to reach his/her post-secondary education goals.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, School Counseling, or a related course of study with a Bilingual extension is strongly preferred.

• At least three (3) years’ experience working with adolescents in an urban environment providing services that reduce barriers and facilitate educational success and social emotional wellbeing.

Demonstrated ability to establish a strong rapport with an urban adolescent population and their families. Prior workshop/seminar development and implementation experience preferred; prior college counseling experience strongly preferred.

Strong ability to create engaging and relevant activities for students and their families connected to college. Must have excellent organizational, teamwork, verbal and written communication skills.

Must have a commitment of work from a strength-based and/or youth development perspective. Foster and manage relationships with college personnel, including college administrators, professors, and staff who provide student support services.

• Experience working with a diverse group of students and ability to support students and hold them accountable as appropriate.

Strong relationship-building and group facilitation capabilities, incorporating cross-cultural sensitivity. Deep understanding of positive youth development, education learning standards and issues facing immigrant and first generation youth in the U.S.

• College guidance experience and strong knowledge of the college application, financial aid and scholarship process.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with staff to offer college readiness activities to the broader student population and to create a culture of college anticipation at Richmond Hill High School.

Collaborate with Program Coordinator of the New York State Extended School Day Violence prevention program at Veritas Academy to support in recruitment, engagement and facilitation of programming workshops. Support in the completion of report card conferencing for identified students to help ensure academic success and matriculation towards high school graduation.

Participate in regular meetings with school-based and agency staff on college and career readiness. Develop activities that enhance post-secondary exploration.

School and program staff to assure that each student creates a clear attainable postgraduate plan. Provide direct individual and group college advisement.

• Arrange for student participation in college fairs, tours and retreats.

• Arrange speakers and panels related to college issues.

• Provide information on financial aid and planning and assistance with FAFSA and scholarship applications, as well as applications to SEEK, EOP, HEOP, and College Discovery programs.

Provide assistance with college choice, exploration and completion of college applications in a timely manner. Provide workshops for parents on financial aid and the college choice and application process to inform and to attain their support for a college option.

• Regularly update student contact information.

Provide parent orientation for students proceeding on to college in collaboration with school staff. Work and collaborate with the Persistence Team to effectively transition graduating seniors into college or other post-secondary pathways.

• Maintain proper documentation of student information and meeting attendance/notes.

Plan and implement regular meetings for alumnae in collaboration with school leadership. Act as a liaison with college admission offices in collaboration with school leadership as we develop deeper

connections with institutions.

• Maintain all required statistical and narrative documentation.

• Participate in staff training and meetings, including school retreats and professional development.

General Tasks of Commonpoint Staff

• Promote and implement the Core Values of the Community Center.

• Participation in all staff meetings and staff training seminars.

• Participation in agency-wide programs and program committees, as assigned.

• Active involvement, as a supervisee, in the supervision process.

• Support the mission of Commonpoint

• Other tasks appropriate to Commonpoint staff, as assigned.

Commonpoint reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Commonpoint is an equal opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

BENEFITS AND PERKS

The benefits package includes comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance, along with life insurance and a pension plan. Employees can take advantage of a flexible spending account and commuter benefits to help manage expenses. Paid time off (PTO) and floating holidays provide flexibility for personal time and work-life balance. The agency also offers a voluntary 403(b) retirement plan for additional financial security. Employees can enjoy various agency perks, including access to fitness centers, pool clubs, and discounts on agency programs. Additionally, the agency supports professional development through a scholarship program and a mentorship program.

JOB DETAILS

Annual Salary : $55,000-60,000

Non-Union Position

Location:Richmond Hill High School

How to Apply Please submit a cover letter and résumé, as a Word or PDF document only, to ekugelman@commonpoint.org Please indicate “Counselor Advocate, Richmond Hill High School” in the subject line. Due to the high volume of applicants, only qualified candidates will be contacted.