Description

About Aspire:
Aspire Public Schools operates a network of high-performing, college preparatory charter schools serving TK-12 scholars in communities across California. Founded in 1998—in an effort to transform the inequitable racial, social, and gender outcomes that our communities persist through—Aspire is one of the largest and most forward-thinking open-enrollment public charter school systems in the nation.     

Our purpose is to prepare our scholars for success in college, career, and life. At Aspire, we set a foundation for our scholars to gain knowledge, skills, and power to access and make choices for their families and post-secondary lives. Every day, our community of students, families, teachers and staff comes together to learn, work, and play in an environment grounded in our values of Bienestar (Well-Being), Culture of Belonging, Community Partnership, Agency & Self-Determination, and Joy.    

The Opportunity:
The College Academic Counselor oversees the delivery of all academic counseling services in assigned secondary school(s). S/he implements a comprehensive school counseling program based on an analysis of student data that addresses academic needs for all students through advocacy and collaboration to promote student success, provides preventive services, and responds to identified student needs and also collaborates with SEL Counselors, educators and Site Leadership to support student achievement in congruence with students’ SEL needs . The College Academic Counselor trains advisors in the delivery of guidance curriculum, develops individual student plans and provides school wide system support.    

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions    

• Develop and maintain a written plan for effective delivery of the school counseling program to include services offered by the Social and Emotional Counselor and the Director of College Admissions.
• Assist all students, individually or in groups, with developing, maintaining, and adjusting academic, career and personal goals and plans; support students with SEL needs and support colleagues with SEL professional development
• Accurately and appropriately prepare and interpret student data
• Collaborate with parents/guardians and educators to assist students with their academic pathway
• Implement an effective referral, tracking and follow-up process that incorporates all school counseling services
• Accurately and appropriately use assessment procedures for determining and structuring individual and group counseling services
• Develop and maintain a calendar of activities that include school wide counseling services
• Provide appropriate information and training to staff, families and students related to the comprehensive school counseling program
• Assist teachers, parents/guardians and other stakeholders in interpreting and understanding student data
• Assist students and parents in determining the academic program that best suits the student’s continued success in meeting graduation requirements
• Use available technology resources to enhance the school counseling program
• Adhere to laws, Aspire policies, procedures and ethical standards of the school counseling profession
• Conduct a yearly program audit to review the extent of the counseling program implementation
• Collect and analyze data to guide program direction and emphasis
• Measure results of the school counseling program activities and shares results as appropriate
• Monitor student academic performance, behavior and attendance and assists the school administration with appropriate interventions
• Collaborate with outside entities (colleges, schools, non-profits, etc.) to enhance student access and resources
• Support school site leaders with college entrance exam administration
• Lead workshops or classes for scholars to support them with Post-Secondary success (e.g. time management, stress management, etc.)

Additional:    

• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, the Aspire Public Schools mission, vision, value statements including antiracism, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior 
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Competencies:    

• Knowledge of current state and federal laws governing counseling and adherence to these laws
• Maintains professional confidentiality and works collaboratively with the Director of College Admissions, Counselor for Social and Emotional Counseling and the school administration
• Works with all constituents in a pleasant and cooperative manner
• Assists in the implementation all Aspire academic policies at the school site level
• Demonstrates a willingness and skill in presenting policies to small and large groups

Minimum educational level:    

• Bachelor's Degree required; Master’s Degree in Counseling preferred
• Pupil Personnel Services Credential

Experience required:    

• 3 to 5 years implementing a school counseling program
• Previous teaching experience preferred
• Knowledgeable of high school graduation and college admissions requirements

Compensation:
Compensation: Aspire offers its employees a competitive salary and benefits, including paid time off, 100% core health benefits coverage on select plans, life insurance/long-term disability, participation in a CA state retirement plan, tuition reimbursement plan, and adoption assistance program.

College Academic Counselor Salary Schedule

Aspire Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Aspire promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.