Career and College Counselor (Pending Board Approval)

Unionville High School

Available August 13, 2024

Qualifications:     Certification by the State of PA for Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Educational Specialist I or II

Position Summary:

The successful candidate will provide comprehensive career and college counseling services to students, assisting them in researching, developing, planning, and making informed decisions about their educational and career paths. This role involves providing career and college-related services and programming. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with teachers, administrators, and parents to support students' academic and post-secondary goals. 
• Serve as a resource for students, parents, and teaching faculty regarding admission criteria and college data. 
• Develop and implement comprehensive college and career preparation/awareness counseling programs aligned with the school's mission and goals. 
• Coordinate and host programs to provide comprehensive and holistic programming (host college information sessions, fairs, and workshops) addressing the various demographics of the community. Educate and support families and students about college admissions and financial aid or scholarship possibilities. 
• Coordinates and conducts activities that contribute to the effective operation of the counseling program and school.  
• Support students in developing personalized academic, career, and post-secondary plans. 
• Assist students through the college exploration, research, and application process- including application procedures, essay writing, interview preparation, financial aid, and scholarships.
• Invite college admissions officers to visit the school and meet with students.
• Build and maintain relationships with admission professionals. Visit different (in- and out-of-state) university support and K-12 initiative offices to learn more about the college’s resources and programs. 
• Provide guidance and resources and teach tools to navigate the college search and application process. Guide students, families, and staff in understanding and utilizing Naviance, the college admission data management system.    

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of college admissions requirements, financial aid opportunities, scholarships, and standardized testing.

• Facilitate career exploration and planning opportunities, including interest assessments and job shadowing opportunities. Provide information (individually and in groups) on various career paths, vocational training, and post-secondary education options. Develop and maintain relationships with local businesses, industries, and higher education institutions to facilitate student internships and job placements. 
• Assists in scheduling and providing information about curriculum offerings in the program of studies to staff, students, and parents.    

• Oversee campus data collection for school profile and program evaluation                   
• Work with faculty to integrate college-related skills (i.e., essay writing, interviewing, etc.) into regular curricula.  
• Test Coordinator for PSAT and AP exams.
• Assist with the collection of college and career artifacts. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Remains current in the area of counseling through membership in professional organizations, reviews of related literature and attendance of workshops and in-service programs.   
• Understand the college admission process at a variety of institution types and selectivity levels.
• Skilled at information gathering and data management (student and college records). 
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population.
• Proficient in using counseling and educational software and technology.
• Knowledge of current trends in college admissions and career development.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district.  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both internal and external to the district.    
• Ability to analyze data  
• Ability to use effective interview techniques, effective public speaking skills, and problem-solving skills 
• A strong work ethic including the ability to work independently and collaborate with a team.  
• Adaptability, initiative, and flexibility.  
• Attention to detail and accuracy.  
• Enthusiasm for working with internal and external constituents.  
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize work.   
• Good communication skills (verbal and written); excellent grammar and punctuation.  
• Integrity; good judgment and decision-making abilities, problem-solving skills, and organizational and planning skills.   
• Reliability and confidentiality.   
• Knowledge of counseling procedures, student appraisal, and career development  
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills  

Preferred Attributes

• Passionate about helping students achieve their educational and career goals
• Proactive and resourceful, with a student-centered approach to counseling.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, parents, and the community.
• Acts on their own initiative within defined and acceptable parameters.  
• Acts rationally and maturely without undue bias or reliance on emotional responses.  
• Proactively plans for situations and circumstances.  
• Projects appropriate professional image.  
• Punctual.  
• Speaks clearly, sensitively, and persuasively when interacting with stakeholders.  
• Supports the aims, objectives, goals, and mission of the school. 

NOTE: A limited number of files can be attached. You may need to group some documents and scan them as a single file. Suggested groupings:

• Clearances
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendation

Clearances required for employment:

Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151)

Pennsylvania State Criminal Record Check (Act 34)

Federal Criminal History Record Check (Act 114)

Act 168 Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release:  Unionville-Chadds Ford School District uses an online process for submission and processing of required Act 168 forms. Candidates will receive information as necessary during the selection process.

The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District is an equal opportunity employment, educational and service organization.