Academic Counselor (Secondary-Middle and High)

POSITION TITLE: Academic Counselor
CAMPUS/DEPT: Campus
SUPERVISOR: Principal/ Designee
SUPERVISES: N/A
STATUS & SALARY/FUNDING: Full-Time, Exempt, 12 Month Calendar
[ ] 100% funded by Federal Grants
[ ] 50% funded by Federal Grants
Positions 100% funded by federal grants are conditioned on the availability of full funding, and positions 50% funded by federal grants are partially conditioned on the availability of funding. Grant Program Assigned:_________________
POSITION SUMMARY
The Academic Counselor acts as a liaison between families, teachers, and community resources to support student success. Specifically, the Academic Counselor provides comprehensive academic, college/career, and social emotional support to middle and high school students through a balanced counseling program aligned with the Texas Education Code (TEC) §33.006. This role ensures students meet graduation requirements—including HB5 endorsements—while promoting postsecondary readiness and overall well being. Counselors dedicate at least 80% of their time to direct student services.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Academic Advising & Graduation Planning

Implement activities to help students identify interests and explore potential career paths (Career Exploration).

Create and input master schedule and student schedules.

Monitor transcripts, assist with GPAs and senior ranks, and ensure students meet District, State, and Federal graduation requirements.

Guide students in course selection, HB5 endorsement pathways, and credit recovery options.

Develop and maintain four year Personal Graduation Plans (PGPs).

Meet individually with juniors and seniors to create and document post high school plans.

Assist with graduation.

Serve as an admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee member.
College, Career & Military Readiness

Deliver grade level programming to support college, military, and workforce readiness.

Assist with college applications, financial aid, scholarships, and career pathway development.

Use tools to assess student interests and support career planning.

Collaborate with colleges and universities to expand advanced academic opportunities.

Collaborate and maintain dual-credit partnerships with colleges to expand advanced academic and career opportunities.
Social Emotional Counseling

Provide individual and small group counseling addressing personal, social, and emotional needs.

Connect students with appropriate crisis response and trauma informed support.

Collaborate with partners to coordinate campus social emotional learning initiatives and required programs (e.g., suicide prevention, character education).
Collaboration & Consultation

Work closely with parents, teachers, administrators, and community partners to support student success.

Maintain effective communication systems and referral processes for special programs and services.

Build positive working relationships with school personnel and external agencies.
Assessment & Testing Coordination

Serve as the middle and high school state assessment coordinator.

Coordinate advanced academic and cb>ollege readiness assessments (PSAT, SAT, TSIA2, ACT, ASVAB).

Interpret assessment data (PSAT, SAT, TSIA2, ACT, ASVAB) and communicate results to students, families, and staff.

Ensure confidentiality and compliance in all testing procedures.
Program Management & Compliance

Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation.

Participate in ongoing professional development.

Comply with federal/state laws, district policies, and ethical counseling standards.

Support a safe and academically focused school environment.
Professional Expectations

Maintain and improve professional competence.

Participate in district staff development as needed.

Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, parents, and community members.

Attend staff meetings and serve on staff committees as needed.

Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues.

Maintain regular attendance.

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; Master's degree preferred.

Minimum 2 years experience in applicable area.

Experience in a public school district or charter, education service center, institution of higher education, or other educational setting preferred.

Experience working with diverse populations: personnel, students, parents, and other stakeholders.
OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into focus; judge distance (close and distant); reach with arms extended and use hands to manipulate the keyboard, smart board and other classroom technology.

Ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds, including but not limited to: books, paper and office materials/supplies.

This position requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling and/or the ability to be mobile.

This position may require prolonged or irregular hours.

Maintain emotional control under stress.

Ability to travel throughout the district and city as needed by means of personal/private or public transportation in compliance with the state’s department of motor vehicle and/or public transportation laws.

Ability to communicate effectively in English both written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district.
EXPECTED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to build and sustain positive, collaborative relationships both internally and externally

Knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements in area of responsibility

Ability to interpret laws, rules, and policies

Ability to plan and present information to a variety of audiences

Ability to facilitate various size groups using facilitative leadership skills

Skills in written and oral communication (English), planning, and organization

Knowledge of current trends, methods, research, and technology in area of responsibility

In-depth knowledge of assigned program and service area

Ability to collect, analyze and interpret data
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have carefully read and understand the contents of this position description. I understand the responsibilities, requirements and duties expected of me. I understand that this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with the position. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, the employer reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the position or to require that additional or different tasks be performed as directed by the employer. I understand that I may be required to work overtime, different shifts or hours outside the normally defined workday or workweek. I also understand that this position description does not constitute a contract of employment nor alter my status as an at-will employee. I have the right to terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, and the employer has a similar right. The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer . In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. This description describes the general responsibilities and requirements for the stated position and in no way is an exhaustive list. The Pro-Vision Academy maintains the right to assign or reassign responsibilities to this position at any time.