About the position
Friendship Collegiate Academy builds scholars ready for the rigors and rewards of college. By immersing students in a collegiate environment that provides early exposure to college-level courses and experiences, Collegiate achieves some of the highest graduation and college acceptance rates in the Washington area. Collegiate's roadmap to student success includes 16 College Board Advanced Placement courses among four rigorous career academies that encourage self-discovery and a mastery of core academic content: Early College, Information Technology and Engineering, Fine Arts, and Health Sciences. Our Early College Academy, the first such program at a public charter high school in the city, offers highly motivated students the opportunity to earn up to two years' college credit before graduation. Today, Early College alumni proudly hold degrees from some of the nation's most competitive institutions: Princeton, Morehouse, Columbia, William and Mary, Spelman, Carnegie Mellon, Virginia, Maryland, George Washington, UCLA, Georgetown. The list grows year by year. But a Collegiate education is more than cracking books. Students enjoy a variety of clubs and athletic activities that reinforce the core values of integrity, confidence, persistence and teamwork. From an award-winning robotics team and drama club to the city's No.1 charter high school football team, Collegiate develops well-rounded scholars ready to succeed at whatever advanced goals they tackle.
Responsibilities
- Provide individualized academic counseling to students, helping them set realistic goals and develop plans for high school graduation, post-secondary education, and career readiness.
- Monitor students' academic performance and collaborate with teachers and parents to address any academic challenges.
- Assist students with course selection, scheduling, and understanding graduation requirements.
- Guide students through the college application process, including exploring colleges, completing applications, and accessing financial aid resources.
- Facilitate workshops and individual counseling sessions focused on career exploration, vocational training opportunities, and job readiness.
- Develop partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide internship and job-shadowing opportunities for students.
- Provide individual and group counseling services to support students' emotional well-being, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, peer relationships, and family challenges.
- Implement programs that promote positive behavior, conflict resolution, and stress management skills.
- Respond to crises and connect students with external resources such as mental health services, social services, and community-based organizations.
- Advocate for all students, ensuring equitable access to academic and extracurricular opportunities, especially for historically underserved populations.
- Collaborate with administrators and staff to create a school environment that is inclusive and culturally responsive.
- Facilitate discussions and initiatives that address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the school community.
- Work closely with teachers, administrators, and support staff to identify and address students' academic, social, and emotional needs.
- Engage with parents and guardians to keep them informed about their child's progress and provide resources to support their involvement in the education process.
- Partner with local organizations, community leaders, and other external resources to enhance the services available to students and families.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in School Counseling or related field required.
- Master's degree in School Counseling or related field preferred.
- Experience in the role preferred.
- Experience working in an urban school setting preferred.
- Strong understanding of the challenges faced by urban students and a commitment to helping them overcome barriers to success.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of students, parents, and staff.
- Knowledge of academic and career counseling techniques and best practices.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues with compassion and discretion.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to respond to crises with calm and clarity.
- Proficiency in using counseling and academic management software is a plus.
