College and Next Steps Counselor

Drew Charter School•Atlanta, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The College & Next Steps Counselor guides students and their families through the post-secondary planning process, ensuring they are well-informed and prepared for life after high school. This role provides comprehensive counseling to help students explore and achieve their college and career goals while advocating for educational equity. The counselor collaborates with teachers, staff, and parents to support students holistically, offering resources and strategies for success. Additionally, the position is responsible for planning and implementing college and career readiness programs, providing classroom resources, and analyzing program effectiveness to drive continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
2+ years in college counseling, college admissions, college access, or a related field
Experience using college counseling platforms such as SCOIR and/or Naviance

Nice To Haves

GaPSC Service Certificate in School Counseling
Master’s degree in counseling, education, higher education, or a related field
Experience working with diverse populations and supporting first-generation college students
Knowledge of financial aid systems, scholarship programs, and career readiness pathways

Responsibilities

Provide individualized college and career counseling to students, ensuring they understand the application, admission, and financial aid process.
Manage a caseload of juniors and seniors, offering tailored guidance based on their post-secondary goals.
Conduct one-on-one and group counseling sessions to support students' college and career readiness.
Craft individualized, advocacy-centered letters of recommendation that highlight each student’s strengths, character, growth, and potential.
Plan and execute college and career readiness events such as college trips, career fairs, and workshops.
Organize ACT/SAT preparation initiatives and other academic readiness programs.
Work closely with teachers, staff, and parents to align resources and support students' academic and career goals.
Partner with external organizations, colleges, and employers to enhance opportunities available to students.
Act as a liaison between students and post-secondary institutions to facilitate a smooth transition.
Provide classroom lessons related to college and career readiness.
Collect and analyze data to assess the effectiveness of college and career readiness programs.
Use evaluation results to refine and improve counseling services and programming.
Ensure compliance with school district goals and state requirements related to post-secondary planning.