School Counselor

Description

About Us:
Purdue Polytechnic High Schools (PPHS) is a mission-driven network of schools founded in partnership with Purdue University. Our vision is to inspire students through STEM-focused, real-world experiences, empowering them to become problem-solvers and skilled achievers who succeed in technical and STEM-related post-secondary programs and high-tech careers. At PPHS, we are committed to academic rigor and providing every student with the resources to succeed in higher education, particularly at institutions of the caliber of Purdue University.

Our core values guide everything we do:

• Act as 1
• Nurture student genius
• Start from Yes
• Do the right thing
• Get it done

Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate School Counselor to support academic and career advising, focusing on academic planning, scheduling, and the college admissions process. This position will play a pivotal role in ensuring that students interested in attending college, particularly Purdue University, are fully prepared for success. The counselor will assist with every step of the application process and guide students through the transition from high school to higher education, ensuring they are academically ready for college rigor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Academic and Career Advising:
  Provide academic and career counseling to students with a strong focus on rigorous academic planning, career exploration, and post-secondary readiness.
  • Collaborate with school leadership to ensure student schedules are balanced, align with graduation requirements, and support student pathways to college and career readiness.
  • Oversees the building level administration of state standardized, P/SAT, ACT, and AP testing.
• College Preparation:
  Work closely with PPHS students applying to college, encouraging them to consider Purdue University. Ensure all students:
  • Understand Purdue programs and majors, and are informed about the 25th percentile markers of the most recent incoming class.
  • Submit a complete Common Application by the national Early Action deadline (currently November 1).
  • Include standardized test scores (ACT/SAT) as part of their college applications.
• Transition Support:
  Collaborate with Purdue University's Office of the Provost and internal teams to ensure a smooth transition for PPHS students matriculating to Purdue, helping them maximize their collegiate academic success.
• Collaborative Strategy:
  Partner with PPHS leadership, Purdue's PPHS Relationship Manager, College and Career Readiness (CCR) professionals, and building principals to align academic preparation strategies across the network and support student success.
  • Support and provide professional development for the  College and Career Readiness (CCR) staff and building leadership to ensure they are equipped with the necessary offerings and opportunities for all students to thrive.
• Student Advocacy:
  Advocate for students by developing personalized academic plans, ensuring that they meet the competitive requirements of top-tier institutions like Purdue University.

Requirements

What We're Looking For:

• Minimum of a Master's Degree in School Counseling.
• Meets state certification/licensure standards for school counseling.
• Adheres to ASCA ethical and professional standards.
• Experience in academic and career advising with a focus on academic rigor and college admissions preparation.
• In-depth knowledge of college admissions processes, especially Purdue University's standards.
• Strong ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., building principals, CAO, CCR professionals) and external partners (e.g., Purdue's Office of the Provost).
• Proven track record in tracking academic progress and developing tailored plans for competitive college admissions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a high school setting with a focus on academic and college counseling.
• Familiarity with Purdue University's programs and admissions process.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional evening and weekend work for enrollment and family events.
• Occasional travel between PPHS campuses and community locations.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

Compensation and Benefits

PPHS offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

Employment Status

Employment at Purdue Polytechnic High Schools is at will. Employment may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, by either the employee or PPHS, subject to applicable law.