College Counselor -GWEC

Position Title

College Counselor

Department

PSP

Site/Location

George Washington Educational Campus

549 Audubon Ave | New York, NY 10040

Job Classification 

Non-Exempt

Full Time 

Salary Range

$45,000

Reports To

Program Director

MISSION STATEMENT

East Side House cares for the individuals, families, and communities we serve by expanding opportunities to live more fulfilling lives through education, career, and supportive services.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/ Objective

East Side House (ESH) is a community resource in the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. We believe education is the key that enables all people to create economic and civic opportunities for themselves, their families, and their community.  ESH’s Student Success Centers (SSCs) align with our mission by providing high quality programs and services within community centers and school partnerships. 

Reporting to the Program Director, the College Counselor is responsible for guiding support to students on campus in making informed, realistic, and meaningful decisions about their post-secondary pathways. The College Counselor will support efforts to outcomes towards students on campus obtaining access to college and career pathways that suit their individuals’ needs.  As a member of the Post-Secondary Pathway Programs (PSP)/ Student Success Center (SSC) Team, the College Counselor is expected to deliver comprehensive post-secondary planning support, manage & support the college application process, lead financial aid & scholarship guidance, etc. This position’s direct reports include Youth Leaders (YLs) on George Washington Educational Campus (GWEC) and interactions with stakeholders on campus.  With a focus on college preparation and career-readiness, the College Counselor provides student guidance & advising (both 1:1 and group settings), college application support, financial aid & scholarship navigation, family & community engagement and data tracking & compliance amongst all key services and expected outcomes.    

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Program Director, the College Counselor, will be responsible for but not limited to the following:

• Oversee and maintain student caseload, assisting and guiding them through the college process
• Provide students with post-secondary readiness support and work-readiness skills development 
• Educate students and parents about colleges, the college admissions process, trends, procedures, and testing; advising students and families as they go through the process; and helping students and families aspire realistically and choose wisely.
• Meet with students, individually and in groups, to talk about the college process and individual college choices.
• Advise GW Campus students on curricular choices, as needed, and work with social services to assist non-documented students to understand US college admissions, especially aspects unique to them.
• Communicate effectively with students, peers, supervisors, and funders. Conduct 1:1 advising for all students
• Coordinate integration of 9-12 (as applicable) college and career awareness programming into the school day programming, focusing on both long-term career goals as well as post-secondary education goals to get there
• Complete college and career advising training in the past 3 years aligned to support students graduating with strong plans. Approved training options include 20 hours of NYCPS Advising and Awareness Credential, Goddard Riverside Options Institute, NCAN e-learning modules, or Chancellor’s PD days focused on advising
• Ensure at point of graduation students have a confirmed plan for postsecondary education, training, apprenticeship, public service or workforce entry in STARS
• Ensure students develop a college and career plan in a career navigation platform (i.e. Xello, Overgrad)
• Ensure enrolled students have completed a FAFSA application
• Keep parents informed through phone calls and monthly letters about test dates, local college events, and financial aid
• Keep track of admission decisions, statistics, and compile data for monthly submission to Program Director.
• Stay abreast of issues and trends in college admissions, higher education, testing, as well as keeping up to date about specific colleges
• Recruit, sustain and oversee Youth Leaders and their progress of Student Success Center
• Engage teachers and other school staff in creating a college-going culture
• Provide individualized support for completion of applications and FAFSA forms.
• Maintain membership in professional organizations: the College Board, the National Association of College Admission Counselors, etc.
• Identify and establish linkage with ASAP, BON, EOP, HEOP SEEK, and various other programs on their college campus to support students.
• Create and facilitate 2 workshops per month that address and help support the college process and other post high school higher learning opportunities.
• Liaise with CARA around training, supervision, and program development
• Plan, support and attend Youth Leader Summer Training and Academic Year Conferences
• Create and facilitate one workshop monthly for parents and students that address the college process and other post high school higher learning opportunities.
•  Provide data collection for Graduation, College, and other post-secondary placements as an annual culminating report, using provided template.
• Support the promotion and guidance of students with East Side House scholarship opportunities.
• Celebrate and recognize student accomplishments (incentive – Gift cards, Movie tickets, and Guarantee spot on upcoming incentive trips.)

Support and assist with alternative school initiatives.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

To perform this position successfully, the College Counselor must be able to fulfill all the elements of the job description to the highest standard and be able to work well with colleagues in a high-energy and collaborative work environment.  Additional qualifications include:

Education / Experience

• Bachelor's degree in education, human services, or related field.
• Minimum of two years’ experience with youth at risk and/or school setting
• Prior experience with counseling and/or groups
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse population
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, presentation and leadership skills. Demonstrated initiative, creativity, flexibility and follow-through
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent skills in verbal and written communication, including effective platform delivery.
• Must be computer literate and capable of hands-on work in Microsoft Word / Word Perfect or similar word processing programs.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

Competencies

• Teamwork Orientation
• Communication Proficiency
• Customer/Client Focus
• Time Management/Ability to meet deadlines/Arrive to work on time
• Organization of records, emails and documents
• Some Autonomy and follow through on all tasks

Clearance

Employees must be clear to work at ESH.  Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background checks and/or screenings.

Supervisory Responsibility

N/A OR

This position is responsible for supervising and managing the performance of all designated employees assigned to the position within the department.

Physical Demands

This role may involve occasional lifting or moving of items up to 25 pounds and routine use of standard office equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Expected Work Schedule
The work schedule expected for this position is: Monday through Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm, as aligned to the needs of the program/ service.   The schedule may be adjusted based on ESH’s operational needs, with notice provided whenever possible.

EEO Statement

East Side House (ESH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Salary : $45,000