AHS Academic Counselor

Alamosa High School Academic Counselor

Position Description

The AHS Academic Counselor oversees class scheduling, tracking graduation requirements, SAT/PSAT and other test coordination, ICAP fulfillment, concurrent/dual enrollment procedures, career fairs and other academic, work-based and CTE opportunities. This staff member assists students with career exploration, college applications, scholarships, and generally supports students and families with choices during high school and after graduation. The counselor will work with a team of staff members to support social emotional wellness, family outreach, and postsecondary readiness for students.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Assists students in evaluating students' aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of data, and works with students in developing education and occupation plans consistent with such evaluation.
• Assists students in making course and subject selections, as well as with evaluating career interests and choices.
• Assists in the scheduling of classes including concurrent \& dual enrollment options.
• Obtains and disseminates information regarding occupational opportunities to students and to classes studying occupations.
• Assists students with admissions, scholarship and identifying employment opportunities.
• Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with guidance services.
• Researches educational and career opportunities, and coordinates with teachers, college and university personnel, resource specialists, and business and community organizations for the purpose of providing information, and making recommendations.
• Assists with the registration and orientation of students who are new to the school regarding procedures and educational opportunities.
• Assists with the school district's dropout prevention efforts.
• Serves as a ready resource to students to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.
• Plans and coordinates trips to institutions of higher learning, businesses and other organizations related to guidance responsibilities.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.

Additional Duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note:

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of pre/post high school program eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge of college/university admissions processes, scholarship programs and other educational opportunities.
• Knowledge of current developments in business and industry regarding career opportunities and employment.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Education

• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to contracted assignment.
• Applicant must have or be able to obtain a Colorado Special Service License in School Counseling.

Experience

Successful prior teaching or counseling experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.

Salary

Per District master agreement, teacher salary schedule with extended days for completion of duties before and after school starts and ends.