Postsecondary Support Counselor

Glenbard Township High School District 87 • Glen Ellyn, IL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is for a Postsecondary Support Counselor to work flexible hours during the summer weeks with the goal of reducing student summer melt. Summer melt refers to students who have a postsecondary plan but fail to execute it over the summer. The counselor will support students in transitioning into their postsecondary plans, which can include 2-year or 4-year colleges, or any other postsecondary plans. The role involves identifying factors contributing to summer melt, identifying at-risk students, and providing support through individual calls, reviewing enrollment progress, problem-solving obstacles, discussing financial aid, and collaborating with college representatives. Counselors will also collaborate with other district counselors and document student interactions and follow-up actions. They will advise students on various aspects of postsecondary transition, including costs, financial aid, award letters, tuition, budgeting, orientation, immunizations, college portals, placement tests, housing, class registration, and transportation. The position also requires maintaining ethical and professional conduct, effective communication, accurate record-keeping, and assisting in upholding school policies.

Requirements

• Current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an endorsement in HS Guidance / School Counseling
• Knowledge and practices as it relates to supporting (all) students' ability to learn
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents such as correspondence, surveys, and electronic media
• Ability to write reports and other professional communications
• Ability to present information effectively and to respond to questions from individuals and groups
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and community members
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in written form
• Ability to complete mathematical operations and apply concepts of basic mathematics
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
• Ability to maintain current job skills as directed, especially in technology-related activities
• Ability to perform essential duties with an awareness of school district requirements and School Board policies

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual — Spanish speaking preferred

Responsibilities

• Identify key factors that play a role in seniors "melting."
• Identify specific students who may be at risk of melting and not following through with college plans.
• Work may include individual phone calls home to students; review of college plans and where students are in the process of enrollment; problem-solving obstacles; discussion of financial aid options and collaboration with COD college representatives.
• Collaborate with other Counselors throughout the summer in their assigned building and across the district.
• Support students to follow through with their future plans.
• Contact each student at risk of melting to support them and their postsecondary plan.
• Share contact information with the student so they know how to get the counselor support.
• Document topics discussed and action items identified with each student.
• Document any follow-up required to be done later in the summer.
• Complete any documented follow up with the student to ensure their successful transition into their postsecondary plan.
• Advise students on determining cost of attendance.
• Advise students on enrolling in and applying for financial aid, FAFSA -- confirmation of college acceptance.
• Advise students on making sense of financial aid award letters.
• Advise students on understanding tuition bills and required deposits -- timelines designation.
• Advise students on identifying and budgeting for expenses (i.e. health insurance, textbooks, meals).
• Advise students on registering for and attending orientation.
• Advise students on receiving required immunizations / getting copy of immunizations record.
• Advise students on familiarizing themselves with the college access portal -- logging in, navigating, etc.
• Advise students on taking placement tests.
• Advise students on completing housing forms.
• Advise students on registering for classes.
• Advise students on arranging transportation.
• Implement culturally relevant interventions.
• Maintain the highest level of ethical and professional demeanor with students and staff consistent with District policies.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills when interacting with supervisors, parents, students, peers, and other school-related reference groups.
• Maintain and submit accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, District policy, and administrative regulation.
• Assist in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulations and Board policy.
• Provide appropriate supervision and take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• May perform other duties as assigned by the Department Chair and/or building Principal.

Benefits

• Flat Rate of $2,500
• No Benefits

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level