Graduation Coach

Job Description: Graduation Coach

Location: Pocahontas County High School

Classification: Professional

FUNDING:

SUPERVISOR: Head Principal

EVALUATION: Performance in this position will be evaluated by the building principal and in accordance with WV State Code §18A-2-12, WV State Board Policy 5310, and Pocahontas County Schools Policy 3220

SALARY:

Based on experience and education level per Pocahontas County Schools salary schedule. See pocahontascountyschoolswv.sites.thrillshare.com for pay scales and benefits information

Job Summary:

The Graduation Coach will foster a supportive learning environment to improve student retention and graduation rates through mentorship, academic guidance, and social-emotional support, and will serve in the following capacities:

1. Student Support: Support all students in successfully completing high school courses to ensure they are on track to graduate in 4 years and are college and career ready.

2. Intervention Planning: Identify academic and personal obstacles that may prevent students from graduating on time; and develop, implement, and provide interventions and support for identified at-risk students whose academic progress, credits earned, or course schedule(s) do not meet the requirements needed to graduate in 4 years.

3. Collaboration: Work closely with administrators, counselors, teachers, students and families to create a supportive learning environment and coordinate family engagement activities.

4. Community Outreach: Partner with local organizations and social services to provide additional support and resources for students and families.

5. Data Analysis: Monitor students' attendance records, academic performance, and social factors to identify students at risk and evaluate effectiveness of interventions.

6. Program Management: Assist in managing school-based programs, extended day or year activities, and maintain student databases.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social services or related field

• WV Teaching, Administrative, and/or Student Support Certification (Counseling) preferred

• Relevant experience working with at-risk youth or secondary students preferred

• Criminal background check conducted pursuant to WV Code §18A-3-10

• Additional Minimum Requirements: Applicants who have recent unsatisfactory evaluations will not be considered eligible for consideration; applicants who demonstrate unsatisfactory interview performance are not eligible for consideration; and, applicants who receive unfavorable reference recommendations will not be eligible for consideration.

• Additional Minimum Requirements for Applicants Not Currently Employed: Applicants who have been dismissed or who have had their contracts non-renewed for cause by another school district are not eligible for consideration.

Preferred Additional Qualifications/Experience:

• Knowledge/skills related to student success and engagement metrics

• Successful experience working with secondary students, especially at-risk students/youth

• Strong communication and organizational skills

• Knowledge of the WV Standards for High Quality Schools (WV Code §18A-2-9)

• Knowledge of Support for Personalized Learning (SPL), Special Education, MTSS and other instructional/intervention frameworks that support student success

• Knowledge of best practices relative to student success counseling

• Knowledge/skills related to WV high school graduation requirements, school scheduling

• Knowledge/skills related to credit recovery programs, strategies

• Knowledge of current student discipline and attendance requirements

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve in the capacities as mentioned in the job summary

• Monitor student academic performance through regular review of D and F lists, grades, attendance, and behavior data.

• Identify students at risk of retention or delayed graduation and develop intervention plans in collaboration with teachers, counselors, and administrators.

• Provide ongoing progress monitoring and follow-up to ensure students remain on track to meet graduation requirements.

• Conduct individual or small-group conferences with students to address academic concerns, goal setting, and accountability.

• Review and monitor student transcripts to ensure accurate credit accumulation and compliance with state and district graduation requirements.

• Communication of transcript concerns to the counselor, administrators & students

• Assist in correcting transcript discrepancies and tracking recovery plans for missing credits.

• Plan, coordinate, and support career-focused events, such as career fairs, guest speakers, college and workforce readiness workshops, and post-secondary information sessions.

• Collaborate with community partners, higher education institutions, and employers to expand student exposure to career pathways.

• Support students in exploring career interests, postsecondary options, and workforce credentials aligned with graduation plans.

• Maintain accurate records of student progress, interventions, and contacts.

• Prepare reports related to graduation progress, risk indicators, assessment participation, and program outcomes.

• Use student data systems and district tools to document and track interventions and results.

• Collaborates with school counselors and administrators to provide oversight, coordination, and guidance for the effective implementation of MTSS during Advisory periods.

• Ensure equitable access to academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and attendance support and interventions

• Coordinate with the Head Principal and staff to implement, monitor, and revise district and school policies to improve student retention

• Establish/use data collection and analysis procedures to identify program and student needs and to develop support/interventions

• Demonstrate skills related to communication, organization, collaboration, and culture

• Adhere to all district and school employment policies and codes of conduct

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach, stand, walk, lift, grasp, write, talk, hear, see, use technology such as computers and multimedia equipment, and use repetitive motions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently lift and/or move at least 10 pounds of materials. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff members. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Most commonly, the educational setting is indoors. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate.

The information contained in the job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed by this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned by the Superintendent or his/her designee.