College Counselor -GWEC

EAST SIDE HOUSE SETTLEMENT•New York, NY

3d•$45,000 - $45,000

About The Position

East Side House (ESH) is a community resource in the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. We believe education is the key that enables all people to create economic and civic opportunities for themselves, their families, and their community. ESH’s Student Success Centers (SSCs) align with our mission by providing high quality programs and services within community centers and school partnerships. Reporting to the Program Director, the College Counselor is responsible for guiding support to students on campus in making informed, realistic, and meaningful decisions about their post-secondary pathways. The College Counselor will support efforts to outcomes towards students on campus obtaining access to college and career pathways that suit their individuals’ needs. As a member of the Post-Secondary Pathway Programs (PSP)/ Student Success Center (SSC) Team, the College Counselor is expected to deliver comprehensive post-secondary planning support, manage & support the college application process, lead financial aid & scholarship guidance, etc. This position’s direct reports include Youth Leaders (YLs) on George Washington Educational Campus (GWEC) and interactions with stakeholders on campus. With a focus on college preparation and career-readiness, the College Counselor provides student guidance & advising (both 1:1 and group settings), college application support, financial aid & scholarship navigation, family & community engagement and data tracking & compliance amongst all key services and expected outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in education, human services, or related field.
Minimum of two years’ experience with youth at risk and/or school setting
Prior experience with counseling and/or groups
Ability to work with a culturally diverse population
Strong verbal and written communication skills, presentation and leadership skills.
Demonstrated initiative, creativity, flexibility and follow-through
Excellent analytical skills
Excellent skills in verbal and written communication, including effective platform delivery.
Must be computer literate and capable of hands-on work in Microsoft Word / Word Perfect or similar word processing programs.
Employees must be clear to work at ESH. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background checks and/or screenings.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

Responsibilities

Oversee and maintain student caseload, assisting and guiding them through the college process
Provide students with post-secondary readiness support and work-readiness skills development
Educate students and parents about colleges, the college admissions process, trends, procedures, and testing; advising students and families as they go through the process; and helping students and families aspire realistically and choose wisely.
Meet with students, individually and in groups, to talk about the college process and individual college choices.
Advise GW Campus students on curricular choices, as needed, and work with social services to assist non-documented students to understand US college admissions, especially aspects unique to them.
Communicate effectively with students, peers, supervisors, and funders.
Conduct 1:1 advising for all students
Coordinate integration of 9-12 (as applicable) college and career awareness programming into the school day programming, focusing on both long-term career goals as well as post-secondary education goals to get there
Complete college and career advising training in the past 3 years aligned to support students graduating with strong plans. Approved training options include 20+ hours of NYCPS Advising and Awareness Credential, Goddard Riverside Options Institute, NCAN e-learning modules, or Chancellor’s PD days focused on advising
Ensure at point of graduation students have a confirmed plan for postsecondary education, training, apprenticeship, public service or workforce entry in STARS
Ensure students develop a college and career plan in a career navigation platform (i.e. Xello, Overgrad)
Ensure enrolled students have completed a FAFSA application
Keep parents informed through phone calls and monthly letters about test dates, local college events, and financial aid
Keep track of admission decisions, statistics, and compile data for monthly submission to Program Director.
Stay abreast of issues and trends in college admissions, higher education, testing, as well as keeping up to date about specific colleges
Recruit, sustain and oversee Youth Leaders and their progress of Student Success Center
Engage teachers and other school staff in creating a college-going culture
Provide individualized support for completion of applications and FAFSA forms.
Maintain membership in professional organizations: the College Board, the National Association of College Admission Counselors, etc.
Identify and establish linkage with ASAP, BON, EOP, HEOP SEEK, and various other programs on their college campus to support students.
Create and facilitate 2 workshops per month that address and help support the college process and other post high school higher learning opportunities.
Liaise with CARA around training, supervision, and program development
Plan, support and attend Youth Leader Summer Training and Academic Year Conferences
Create and facilitate one workshop monthly for parents and students that address the college process and other post high school higher learning opportunities.
Provide data collection for Graduation, College, and other post-secondary placements as an annual culminating report, using provided template.
Support the promotion and guidance of students with East Side House scholarship opportunities.
Celebrate and recognize student accomplishments (incentive – Gift cards, Movie tickets, and Guarantee spot on upcoming incentive trips.)
Support and assist with alternative school initiatives.