High School Guidance Counselor (2025-2026 School Year)

Job Title: High School Guidance Counselor (2025-2026 School Year)

About Utopian Academy for the Arts

Utopian Academy for the Arts was named the 2023 Georgia Charter School of the Year! The mission of Utopian Academy for the Arts is to develop, through a structured and supportive environment, academic and artistic students to enter and to succeed in the global society with proficiency to enroll in a college, university, or specialty school of their choice. Utopian Academy for the Arts is the only public charter school network in Georgia to offer a comprehensive educational program in the dramatic, media, and creative arts. Our educational model leverages the positive effects of arts education to engage and inspire students, develop their academic and artistic potential, and prepare them to be leaders in their communities.

The Utopian Academy for the Arts was founded in 2013 as the first state-approved charter school by the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia, to expand public school choice options for families that reside in Clayton County, GA. Recognizing its unique approach and access to arts-based education, the Clayton County Public Schools System subsequently approved the vertical expansion to add the Utopian Academy for the Arts Elementary (est. 2020) and Utopian Academy for the Arts High School (est. 2022). In 2023, the charter school network launched its second state-approved middle school, Utopian Academy for the Arts-Trilith, which features a state-wide attendance zone in Fayette County, GA.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate High School Guidance Counselor to join our team. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive academic, career, and personal counseling services to students in grades 9-12, with a strong emphasis on college and career readiness preparation. This role requires expertise in transcript management, college application processes, and post-secondary planning to ensure all students are prepared for their next steps after graduation.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Counseling & Planning

• Develop and monitor individual four-year academic plans for all assigned students
• Conduct regular academic progress reviews and implement intervention strategies
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to address academic concerns
• Assist students with course selection, scheduling, and graduation requirements
• Coordinate credit recovery programs and alternative learning opportunities

College & Career Readiness

• Manage comprehensive transcript services, including preparation, verification, and submission to colleges, universities, and scholarship organizations
• Coordinate with registrar and administrative staff to ensure accurate and timely transcript processing for all post-secondary applications
• Guide students through college application processes, including Common Application, state university systems, and individual institutional applications
• Facilitate college and career exploration activities, including college fairs, career assessments, and workplace visits
• Provide information and assistance with standardized test registration (SAT, ACT, AP exams)
• Coordinate visits from college admissions representatives and military recruiters
• Maintain detailed records of student transcript requests and ensure compliance with FERPA regulations

Dual Enrollment Program Management

• Identify eligible students for dual enrollment opportunities and guide them through application processes for partner colleges and universities
• Coordinate dual enrollment course scheduling to ensure alignment with high school graduation requirements and student career pathways
• Facilitate communication between high school faculty, dual enrollment instructors, and partner institution advisors
• Monitor dual enrollment student progress and provide academic support as needed to ensure success in college-level coursework
• Manage dual enrollment transcript coordination, ensuring college credits are properly recorded and transferred for both high school and post-secondary records
• Conduct informational sessions for students and parents about dual enrollment benefits, requirements, and financial implications
• Collaborate with partner institutions to maintain current knowledge of course offerings, prerequisite requirements, and program changes
• Assist students in understanding how dual enrollment credits apply to their intended post-secondary programs and career goals
• Provide supervision and academic support to dual enrollment students during non-college class periods on campus.

Financial Aid & Scholarship Support

• Assist students and families with FAFSA & CSS completion and financial aid processes
• Research and disseminate scholarship opportunities to eligible students
• Coordinate scholarship application workshops and deadline tracking
• Support students in writing scholarship essays and personal statements

Personal & Social Counseling

• Provide individual and group counseling services for personal, social, and emotional issues
• Implement crisis intervention protocols and refer students to appropriate community resources
• Collaborate with school psychologists, social workers, and external mental health professionals
• Conduct classroom guidance lessons on topics such as study skills, time management, and stress reduction

Program Development & Implementation

• Develop and implement a comprehensive guidance curriculum aligned with state standards
• Organize and facilitate parent/guardian information sessions on college and career planning
• Maintain current knowledge of post-secondary trends, admission requirements, and career pathways
• Establish and maintain relationships with college admissions offices to streamline transcript submission processes

Administrative Duties

• Maintain confidential student records and documentation
• Prepare reports on student outcomes, college acceptance rates, and program effectiveness
• Participate in IEP and 504 plan meetings as needed
• Attend professional development workshops and conferences
• Oversee transcript database management and coordinate with IT support for system updates

Qualifications:

CERTIFICATION and EDUCATION

• Master's degree in School Counseling, Guidance and Counseling, or related field
• Valid state teaching certificate or school counseling license
• Completion of state-approved school counseling program

EXPERIENCE and SKILLS

• Minimum 5 years of successful experience in educational setting preferred
• Previous experience with transcript management systems and college application processes highly preferred
• Experience coordinating dual enrollment programs or working with post-secondary partnerships preferred
• Experience working with diverse student populations

COMPETENCIES

• Proficiency with student information systems, transcript processing software, and college application platforms
• Certification in transcript evaluation or registrar training
• Knowledge of dual enrollment policies, articulation agreements, and credit transfer processes
• Experience with college and career readiness programs
• Strong knowledge of college admission requirements and processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Cultural competency and ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills
• Detail-oriented approach to handling sensitive academic records and deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

HOW TO APPLY:

Professional resume (with dates associated with your roles) and a cover letter (see below) should be submitted electronically via really. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

• Cover letter/letter of interest defining your strengths, including your experience with supporting a charter school, or arts integrated school. Please cite specific and measurable examples that make you a fit for our Counselor position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $90,000