Academic Counselor

Job Description

Academic Counselor

Reports to: Vice Principal of Academics
Job Status: 12-month, Full-Time, exempt

Salary Information: Salary will be commensurate with experience; range $56,320 - $85,000. This position is eligible for benefits (medical, dental, vision), generous PTO and holiday schedule, 401(k) savings plan with school match, higher education tuition reimbursement, and JSerra tuition discount of 50% off base tuition for each dependent child or legal guardian designated child who attends JSerra.

Description: JSerra Catholic High School is seeking an exceptional School Counselor for the 2024 - 2025 school year. Utilizing leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, the school counselor promotes student success, provides preventive services, and responds to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses academic, college, career, personal, and social development for all students and enjoys working high school-aged students and their families.

Special Qualities & Characteristics
• Passionate and supportive of the mission of JSerra (i.e., the integral formation of students' faith, intellect, and character)
• Deep appreciation for the Catholic faith and a commitment to the teachings of the Church
• Strong initiative and desire to work in a highly collaborative environment
• Superior rapport with parents, students, and staff
Responsibilities
• Provides academic and college planning support for 9 - 12th grade students and their families
• Advises students with course selection as it pertains to student interests, goals, and ability
• Assists students and their families to successfully navigate the college admissions process
• Analyzes transcripts and assists with academic planning to ensure successful completion of graduation requirements
• Monitors students' academic progress, graduation requirements, and follows up with summer school needs
• Writes letters of recommendation for scholarship and college applications
• Meets with assigned students and identifies, monitors, and intervenes with students who, due to academic, discipline, or personal problems, are at risk of failure
• Consults, collaborates, and communicates effectively with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators and other educational/community resources regarding students with identified concerns and needs
• Serves as an advocate for students when meeting with academic committees
• Attends open houses, registration nights, weekly counseling meetings, staff development trainings and weekly meetings, and other activities as required by administration
• Attends to administrative assignments or responsibilities specified by the Director of College Counseling

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Have demonstrated effectiveness in teaching, leadership, and administration
• Have an in-depth knowledge of curriculum as it pertains to current college admissions policies
• Be skilled in computer applications as they pertain to counseling documentation
• Candidate must possess strong interpersonal as well as verbal & written communication skills
• Strong time management, organizational, and administrative skills needed
• Possess a disposition toward a team approach to administration, faculty, parents & students
• Advanced computer proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook required)

Education & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in related field required
• Master's degree in School Counseling or related field is highly preferred
• Hold or be near completion of earning a Pupil Personnel Services Credential
• Have at least three years of prior experience in a high school or college counseling role

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Position requires the ability to perform occasional light lifting and carrying; occasional standing and walking; and sitting for prolonged periods of time. Occasional hand use and finger dexterity needed to use computer keyboard and operate standard office equipment; occasional pushing, pulling, grasping, and reaching may also be required. Good hearing is required when communicating on the telephone or in person.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed in indoor and outdoor environments; travel from site to site; frequently works around athletic playing fields; exposure to all types of weather and temperature conditions, blood borne pathogens and bodily fluids. Occasional exposure to risks controlled by safety precautions.

EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL: The employment relationship between the School and Staff Member is considered "at-will" in accord with general employment practices in California. Under this employment relationship, Employee is free to end his/her employment with the School for any reason at any time, with or without notice. Likewise, the School may end Employee's employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, pursuant to this "at-will" provision. No manager, supervisor, or employee of the School shall have any authority to enter into an employment agreement, express or implied, with Employee providing for employment other than at-will. With the exception of this employment "at-will" provision and the Arbitration Agreement, any of the terms and conditions of employment with the School may be modified at the sole discretion of the School with or without cause or notice at any time.

Interested candidates are asked to complete applicant package by viewing:
https://www.jserra.org/about/employment
JSerra Catholic High School is a religious 501(c)(3) organization

About the Employer

JSerra Catholic High School is an independent Roman Catholic high school and an intentionally Catholic community with Jesus Christ as the source and essence of the School. The goal is to form the faith, intellect, and character of students in a Christ-centered, sacrament-based learning environment. Faculty and staff serve as ministers of the Gospel to students and their families. Accordingly, each member of JSerra's faculty and staff, whether Catholic or non-Catholic, must:
(a) Be fundamentally aligned with JSerra's mission and core beliefs,
(b) Participate in JSerra's weekly Mass, staff retreats, and other forms of spiritual formation,
(c) Provide moral and spiritual leadership and guidance to students, and
(d) Not publicly oppose the teachings of the Catholic Church.