Academic/College and Career Counselor

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The role of the Academic/College and Career Counselor is to work with all students to provide educational guidance toward successful college placement by working collaboratively with students, parents, teachers and other resources. The Academic Counselor helps all students develop skills in personal, social, educational and college and career development.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

• Professional Licensure as a Guidance Counselor in the State of New Mexico
• Master's degree in Counseling
• Minimum of five (5) years professional counseling experience at the secondary level
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with students, parents and community-based constituencies
• Excellent skills in verbal and written communication, interviewing and advising
• Knowledgeable of financial aid and college admission requirements and procedures
• Commitment to working with parents and students
• Knowledgeable and appreciation of Navajo/Native American culture and values

Indian preference:

Consideration for employment will be given to Navajo, American Indian or Alaskan tribal member with the required documentation including the necessary qualifications to meet the minimum requirements of the position. The Navajo/Indian Preference law shall apply in all aspects of the position.

CLASSIFICATION/COMPENSATION

Wage and Hour Law:

Exempt: Professional, administrative or managerial position. The salaried position is placed on the approved NPS salary schedule.

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT

Type of Employment: 220 Day Contract

SUPERVISOR

Dean of Instruction

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

College/Career Counseling:

• Coordinates and facilitates trainings for all faculty on implementation of the Naviance Program for all students.
• Advises students on college planning, which includes understanding the admission requirements and information on college majors through the Naviance Program.
• Advises students on acquiring financial aid and how to seek scholarship opportunities in addition to hosting FAFSA nights and financial seminars.

• Evaluates students' abilities and interests through aptitude assessments, interviews, and individual planning utilizing the Naviance Program.
• Schedules college visitations on-site and off-site at colleges and universities across the country.
• Organizes and plans annual College Day and Career Fair for students.
• Organizes career workshops to help students search and apply for jobs, write rsums, and improve interviewing skills.
• Arranges dual/concurrent enrollment with secondary institutions to prepare students for the rigor of post-secondary education.
• Organizes workshops, classes, focus groups, and special presentations that focus on career, job skills and personal development.
• Participates in back-to-school orientations presenting information to new students and parents as well as organize Parent Days with Senior, Junior and Sophomore Classes.

Academic Counseling:

• Develops Graduation Plan with all Seniors that is entered into Infinite Campus.
• Oversees and facilitates student course registration .
• Develops professionally by attending trainings, watching archived webinars and facilitate staff trainings regarding Infinite Campus.
• Promotes the IB Program with all students; counsels students in attaining an IB Diploma.
• Responsible for developing a 4-year plan for all students to meet the school's graduation requirements of 30 credits.

• Works in coordination with the Dean of Instruction to develop course scheduling/teacher timetable.
• Monitors, analyzes and provides support on the academic progress of students and communicates timely with students, parents and teachers.
• Maintains student files and records; documents all pertinent student information; updates computerized information system regarding changes to student status.
• Evaluates transfer transcripts from other schools for equivalencies and provides advisement.
• Develops and delivers a stands-based counseling curriculum and promotes coherent delivery by fostering school-wide involvement.
• Participates in back-to-school and staff orientations and present academic information to new students and parents.
• Oversees the dual-credit program by coordinating efforts with the NM Public Education Department, San Juan College and Dine' College to enroll eligible students in approved dual-credit courses.
• Serves as the testing coordinator for the school.
• Facilitates and coordinates all mandated testing requirements for students, including admissions tests, state tests and Navajo Nation/BIE tests.
• Works in coordination with the School-Based Health Center, mental health counselors and physicians on a case-by-case basis to provide effective coordinated services to students.
• Serves as a liaison between the school, student, parent and external agencies.
• Adheres to ethical standards of the counseling profession, and abide by the laws, policies, and procedures that govern the school.
• Supports and efficiently carries out responsibilities in accordance with Navajo Preparatory School, Inc. (NPS) Policies and Procedures.
• Secures and protects the confidentiality of NPS, Inc., student and staff personnel information.
• Evaluates students' abilities and interests through aptitude assessments, interviews, and individual planning.
• Arranges dual/concurrent enrollment with secondary institutions to prepare students for the rigor of post-secondary education.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

EVALUATION

Will be evaluated in accordance with the Navajo Preparatory School Board, Inc. policies and procedures.