College Counselor

IDEAL School of Manhattan•New York, NY

11d•$70,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The IDEAL School of Manhattan is an inclusion school dedicated to creating a diverse community that affirms and accepts the full identities of all people, while inspiring academic excellence, creative leadership, and a desire to build a more just and equitable world. The College & Post-Secondary Counselor will guide our diverse student body through the transition from high school to their next chapter. Because IDEAL serves a wide range of learners–including students with neurodiversity and developmental disabilities–this role requires a professional who understands that post-secondary success looks different for everyone, whether it be a four-year university, a vocational program, or a specialized transition program. The College & Post-Secondary Counselor will participate fully in the life of the school and may be called to contribute in significant ways, including serving as a grade level advisory, teaching class sections, and/or running a club. The College & Post-Secondary Counselor will collaborate with all members of the school community to develop and deliver a program that supports student’s academic and career development.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in School Counseling, Higher Education or related field
Experience in a school based setting

Nice To Haves

Min. three years experience in high school college counseling
An appreciation for the school’s mission, in particular its inclusive learning environment and commitment to social justice
A desire and eagerness to make a difference in the school and to contribute time and talent to the growth of students and to the broader work and life of the school
The ability to collaborate as a part of a team, flexibility, and a sense of humor
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience working with a variety of students with different profiles

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of students (Grades 9-12), providing personalized guidance on college applications, essay writing, and standardized testing
Teach one or two sections of a High School class
Identify and advocate for a wide range of post-secondary options, including highly selective colleges, community colleges, gap year programs, and vocational/technical schools
Support students in connecting educational goals with career pathways and provide students with information on topics such as college degree programs and admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, trade and technical schools, and apprenticeship programs
Guide students in exploring postsecondary options including college, transitional and vocational choices and facilitate the post-secondary application process
Engage families in educational and career planning for their children and offer support in navigating the school’s role in the educational process
Participate in the planning and coordination of trips and activities related to the development of students’ post-secondary awareness
Collaborates with teachers and therapists to understand goals, interventions and accommodations and how to carry them over into post-secondary planning.
Organize and facilitate college fairs, financial aid nights, and workshops for both students and families.
Maintain and grow relationships with college admissions officers and directors of specialized post-secondary programs, and plan virtual and in-person visits from college admissions officers
Maintain accurate records of student progress, transcripts, and application statuses using platforms like Blackbaud and Naviance
Review transcripts to ensure that students meet graduation or college entrance requirements, and write letters of recommendation
Oversee all College Board testing including the SAT, PSAT, and AP testing, as well as required accommodations for students
Structure and oversee the drafting and rehearsal process for senior speeches