Collegiate Academy Counselor

Pay Grade: 841  (Min. $343.43 per day)
Work Days:  207

Primary Purpose:
To develop and implement a program of student services for the Collegiate Academy program by assisting students with academic course planning and responsive support systems that will prepare them for the rigor and process of completing higher education. Provide guidance and counseling services conducive to all students achieving their individual potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
 
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:

• Master's Degree
• Valid Texas School Counselor Certification

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Exceptional organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of dual credit programs and college degree plans
• Working knowledge of high school graduation plans and credits
• Experience guiding students through the college admissions and financial aid process
• Ability to counsel students in personal crisis situations
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software

Experience:

• Minimum of two years of successful teaching experience
• Minimum of two years of successful high school counseling and advising experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Counseling Program

• Develop, implement, manage and lead a Collegiate Academy counseling program            by planning organizing, implementing and delivering program activities to improve students' Intrapersonal Effectiveness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Personal Health and Safety, and Post-Secondary Planning and Readiness
• Provide academic advisement, career information and guidance activities, educational/degree planning, course selection, and related support services for the Collegiate Academy; track student progress and provide reports on Collegiate Academy activities
• Deliver classroom guidance activities by teaching the school guidance curriculum components through the use of effective instructional skills and intentionally planned structured group sessions for students based on campus needs
• Implement the individual student planning component by guiding individuals and groups of students, and parents or guardians, through the development of educational, career, personal, or social plans
• Provide responsive service component services through effective use of individual and group counseling, consultation, and referral skills
• Provide system support component activities through effective school counseling program management and support for other educational programs
• Clearly articulate and communicate the counseling program's management system and related program action plans to administration, faculty, parents, and the community
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors and standards as set forth by the American Counseling Association and the state of Texas
• Act as a student advocate, leader, collaborator, and systems change agent
• Assist students and their parents or guardians in monitoring their academic, career, personal and social development as they progress in school
• Keep informed of course offerings, graduation requirements, and Plano ISD curriculum
• Collaborate with administration in the coordination and implementation of school programs that address students' educational, career, personal and social development
• Inform and consult with the counseling program advisory council in its role in planning and implementing the counseling program
• Guide and advise students and their parents/guardians regarding the importance of higher education, coursework designed to prepare students for higher education, and financial aid availability and requirements
• Conduct an annual campus counseling program evaluation
• Provide parent and staff training and consultation to foster student educational, career, personal and social         development
• Review student transcripts for accuracy and correct course placement
• Perform other related comprehensive school counseling program assignments

Collegiate Academy Responsibilities

• Conduct graduation plan and college degree audits every semester
• Review and ensure all college courses have been approved for college credit
• Understand the criteria and process for dual credit enrollment, alignment of school and college courses
• Understand the TSIA2 assessment, provide support for students including test taking strategies and information about how to understand score reports
• Clearly understand the degree plans for the higher education partner and provide information to parents and students regarding individual student goals and path to degree completion and graduation
• Support the development of a Collegiate Academy master schedule and ensure that student schedules are aligned to their college pathway
• Assist students and parents with FAFSA/TASFA, ApplyTexas, and other applications needed for college admission

School/Organizational Climate

• Promote a positive, caring climate for learning
• Deal consistently and equitably with all personnel
• Communicate and support expectations that are consistent with district objectives
• Deal sensitively and fairly with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Respond effectively to crisis situations

School/Organizational Improvement

• Develop long-range and short-range plans for a complete guidance program for the Collegiate Academy students based on the needs and expectations of the populations to be served
• Collaborate with campus administration on crisis management planning

Professional Growth and Development

• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible and serve as a role model for all district staff
• Disseminate ideas and information to other professionals; provide leadership in addressing the challenges facing the profession
• Follow all rules, regulations, and policies of Plano ISD and follow directives from supervisor
• Follow attendance policy as assigned by supervisor
• Perform other functions that may be assigned by the Administration and/or supervisor

School/Community Relations

• Work with our college partners, school, and community to bring resources together for student
• Serve as the liaison between higher education partners and the Collegiate Academy
• Meet monthly with the higher education liaison to review Collegiate Academy program; coordinates quarterly leadership meetings with Plano ISD and higher education partner to review program
• Provide ongoing information and updates to parents, students, and community throughout the year
• Make presentations to students, parents and other groups to publicize the Collegiate Academy; coordinate middle school marketing and recruitment activities for the Collegiate Academy
• Communicate clearly the district's needs and programs to the parents and the community and respond to their concerns in a timely manner
• Refer parents to appropriate community resources
• Maintain and be aware of community resources, referrals, and other assistance available to students and families
• Take an active role in communicating the district's guidance program to the community
• Maintain a respectful, professional demeanor and communication style with students, parents and staff

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Monitor clerical assistants

Working Conditions:
 
Mental Demands:
Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); interpret policy, procedures, and data; coordinate district functions; maintain emotional control under stress
 
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Frequent district-wide and occasional statewide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours; frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds; prolonged use of computer and repetitive hand motions










































 

SM061526