Academic Counselor

WILTON RANCHERIA•Elk Grove, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Academic Counselor independently provides academic counseling, educational planning, student support, and case management services to Wilton Rancheria Tribal Citizens and eligible students from K–12 through postsecondary education. The position exercises professional judgment in assessing educational needs, developing academic success plans, monitoring student progress, and determining appropriate support strategies, resources, and referrals. The Academic Counselor independently manages assigned student services and caseload responsibilities, working directly with students, families, educational institutions, and community partners. The position operates within established Department policies and programs and provides the Executive Director of Education with regular updates, data, reports, and recommendations regarding student needs, educational barriers, and opportunities for program improvement. The Academic Counselor has substantial independence in carrying out assigned professional responsibilities but does not have independent authority over Department policy, budgets, personnel decisions, contracts, or executive-level Department decisions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in counseling, education, student services, social work, human services, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Experience providing academic advising, student support, counseling, case management, or educational services.
Experience working with K–12 or postsecondary students.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidential records.
Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate multiple assignments, activities, and deadlines.
Ability to work effectively with community members, youth, families, staff, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.
Ability and willingness to learn about and work respectfully within Wilton Rancheria's culture, history, community, and priorities.
Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening and comply with applicable background check and drug screening requirements throughout employment.
Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Must be able and willing to travel as required for training, meetings, program activities, and other official Tribal business.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted California driver's license and be insurable under Wilton Rancheria's auto insurance requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in counseling, education, student affairs, social work, or a related field.
Experience working with Tribal education programs.
Knowledge of Tribal higher education scholarship programs.
Experience with IEP and SST processes.
Experience with college admissions and financial aid.
Experience providing case management services.
Experience working with first-generation college students or students facing educational barriers.
Experience working with children, youth, and families.
Experience working for a Tribal government, Tribal organization, or Native American community, including experience with Tribal education or youth programs.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized academic counseling to Tribal Citizen students and eligible participants.
Assist students in identifying short and long-term educational goals.
Develop individualized academic success plans with students.
Monitor student academic progress and provide appropriate follow-up.
Assist students with course selection, graduation requirements, academic planning, and educational pathways.
Provide academic support and referrals to tutoring, mentoring, disability services, counseling, and other appropriate resources.
Assist K–12 students and families in navigating school systems and educational requirements.
Provide support related to Student Success Team (SST) meetings and processes.
Assist families in understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and connect them with appropriate school or advocacy resources.
Assist students and families with educational transition planning.
Provide postsecondary academic advising and student success support.
Assist college students with degree planning, course planning, academic requirements, and completion strategies.
Provide guidance regarding college admissions, application requirements, deadlines, essays, and personal statements.
Provide referrals regarding financial aid, scholarships, grants, and other educational resources.
Provide information about colleges, universities, Tribal colleges, community colleges, vocational programs, and other educational opportunities.
Provide support to students experiencing academic challenges and identify appropriate interventions.
Conduct student outreach and follow-up.
Maintain appropriate student case-management records.
Document counseling contacts, referrals, services, and follow-up activities.
Provide information and assistance related to approved Tribal scholarship and educational assistance programs.
Assist students with scholarship and educational assistance applications as assigned.
Review applications for completeness.
Maintain confidentiality of student and family information.
Participate in educational meetings, parent meetings, workshops, and community events as assigned.
Develop professional relationships with schools, colleges, universities, and educational service providers.
Incorporate culturally responsive practices into academic counseling and student services.
Promote student connections to Wilton Rancheria culture, community, history, and educational opportunities.
Identify recurring student needs and provide recommendations to the Executive Director.
Prepare reports and summaries regarding assigned student services and activities.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.