High School College & Career Counselor
Career Academy Network of Public Schools•South Bend, IN
22d
About The Position
The High School College & Career Counselor supports students in grades 9–12 as they explore, plan, and prepare for postsecondary success. This role provides individualized guidance, programming, and resources to help students navigate college admissions, financial aid, career pathways, scholarships, internships, and workforce readiness. The counselor partners with staff, families, and community organizations to ensure students graduate with a strong, personalized plan for life after high school.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, or related field required
- Valid Indiana School Counselor License (or ability to obtain)
- Experience working in a high school counseling or college access setting preferred
- Strong understanding of college admissions processes, FAFSA, financial aid, and career planning tools
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of CTE pathways, military options, and alternative postsecondary opportunities
- Passion for equity in access to college and career readiness resources
- Must demonstrate foundational professionalism, including consistent attendance, punctuality, adherence to school policies and procedures, and strong employability skills. These are considered essential, non-negotiable expectations of the role.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree preferred
- Experience working in a high school counseling or college access setting preferred
Responsibilities
- Develop and manage student schedules to ensure alignment with academic goals and requirements.
- Monitor student progress, provide academic counseling, and work with staff to implement interventions as needed.
- Utilize PowerSchool for data entry, schedule management, and reporting to ensure accurate and timely recordkeeping.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with federal and state regulations regarding student records.
- Stay current on best practices, state regulations, and district policies related to counseling and education.
- Attend professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Provide 1:1 counseling to support students in building college and career plans
- Coordinate college admissions support including essay writing, applications, transcript requests, and recommendation letters
- Guide students and families through FAFSA completion and scholarship applications
- Organize college visits, career fairs, guest speakers, and job shadowing experiences
- Support dual credit, AP, and CTE enrollment awareness and completion
- Track and report college applications, acceptances, and postsecondary outcomes
- Maintain partnerships with local colleges, businesses, and community organizations
- Support seniors in meeting graduation requirements and transition planning
- Deliver group workshops and presentations on postsecondary readiness
- Plan and host events such as College Application Week, Decision Day, and FAFSA nights
- Collaborate with teachers, advisors, and leadership on student success planning
- Participate in parent engagement opportunities and school-wide events
