Academic and Career Counselor

Definition:  Under general supervision from the Administrator (Alternative Sites), the Academic and Career Counselor is responsible for providing support and services to students attending the Accelerated Learning Academy in the areas of post-secondary plans, internships, life skills, and intervention.

Primary Job Functions:  Primary functions may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities among other characteristics.  This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Job Duties

• Ensures all students complete their ECAP and other mandated post-secondary planning requirements.
• Works with students individually to develop job readiness skills that include completion of job applications, resume development, and interview skills.
• Meets with all students at least quarterly to determine progress toward post-secondary goals.
• Coordinates the Service Learning Program at the ALA site to include monitoring and evaluation.
• Assists students in learning to perform their specific job duties on site, as needed.
• Assists students with obtaining necessary paperwork and training to enter work force.
• Assists students with completion of financial aid and other educational forms, as necessary.
• Keeps ALA/DOC staff apprised of student progress and career goals.
• Keeps student progress notes and data, including student ECAP information and relevant career documents.
• Connects with employers, colleges, trade schools and community organizations to market and enrich the program and the success of the students.
• Coordinates with Tribal Human Resources, Higher Education, WIA and other tribal entities to identify employment, scholarship and volunteer opportunities available to students.
• Completes required paperwork and reports, as required by supervisor.
• Assist in enrollment for students into Dual Enrollment programming.
• Maintain 4 year graduation plans on all students and enter completed classes into student transcripts in Power School.
• Assist students in completing Higher Education campus tours.
• Work individually with students to help them obtain the resources they need to be successful young adults. This includes, but is not limited to: Community services for counseling and treatment, government services such as TANF, ACCHSS, and WIC.
• Provide student behavioral management consultation and planning, including classroom observations, monitoring and follow-up.
• Student Success Team member 
• Handles the 504 process to include identification, testing, writing of the 504 plan, and implementation of the 504 plan.
• Keep up to date documented files and data on each child seen. 
• Coordinates Graduation, to include Meeting with Graduating seniors to design Graduation program, Contacting Guest Presenters for Graduation, Ordering Diplomas, Graduation Cords & Medallions, Graduation Plaques, Graduation Program Brochures, and Invitations to Dignitaries.
• Works with the staff to coordinate all Summer School for both ALA and JOM programs. 
• Maintain data and information regarding students in a confidential matter in accordance with Privacy Act, Confidentiality Act, the Counseling Profession ethical requirements, and other applicable standards and ethical requirements.
• Consult and collaborate with parents, teachers, school administrators, school psychologists, medical professionals, and social workers in order to develop and implement strategies to help students be successful at the Accelerated Learning Academy.
• Communicate frequently withe ALA Administrator and teaching staff regarding student progress, issues, and concerns.
• Conduct duties and responsibilities in accordance with SRPM School Board Policies and Procedures.
• May use tribal vehicle to transport students to relevant employment and post-graduation sites as well as student work sites.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned to maintain and enhance department and agency operation. 

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Other Characteristics

A willingness to learn and understand: 

Knowledge of: 

• Principles of childhood growth and development
• Divorce, grief and loss
• Classroom guidance curriculum
• Post -secondary options and requirements for application and acceptance
• Job requirements of area businesses and industries.
• Student guidance for diversity of socio-economic, multicultural backgrounds and special education needs
• CPS Procedures

Skilled in:

• Behavior management, intervention and support in a school setting
• Adolescent mental health assessment and solution focused brief therapy
• Dealing with sensitive, personnel issues, and maintaining appropriate, professional, confidential relationships.
• Working effectively on a team
• Preparing students to volunteer, enter the work force, and/or attend higher learning institutions
• Use of personal computers and various software programs, such as, but not limited to, Word, Excel, and programs needed to fulfill job requirements

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Meet face-to-face with students, parents, and staff to develop rapport, provide information, counsel and refer
• Communicate effectively in person and on the phone
• Initiate contact with potential employers or contacts for students.
• Coach and teach job readiness skills
• Establish/maintain effective working relationships with Community Members
• Sit  50% of the time and lift 10 to 15 pounds of materials on an occasional basis
• Understand and interpret complex guidelines, concepts, rules and regulations
• Work and make decisions independently
• Intervene effectively in crisis

Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree from accredited college or university in Education, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or related field.  

Two (2) years of experience working with at-risk young adults.   Two (2) years of experience with either conducting individual or group and family counseling within a school setting and/or two (2) years of experience in school-to work programs, college admissions or recruitment.  Demonstrated competency in program development and guidance program administration, career and academic assessment, and other applicable skills and abilities.  Master’s Degree preferred. Arizona Department of Education Certification preferred.

Driving Requirement:  This job description does not require the incumbent to drive; however, any employee who chooses or is asked to drive an SRPMIC vehicle for work related community business must receive authorization to do so.  For clarification, work related community business includes driving to and from SRPMIC government sites and buildings.

Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position, will be considered.

Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.

Terms of Employment:  This position is treated as a full-time exempt position scheduled for 40 hours per week.  

Must be able to pass a Pre-Employment Drug Test and extensive Fingerprint and Background Check. Employee is Subject to Random Drug Testing and completion of a Background Check every five (5) years.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check. 

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified: Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain preference, the following is required: 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).

Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods: 

1) attach to application

2) fax (480) 362-5860

3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

Documentation must be received by position closing date. 

The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted. 

Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.