High School Counselor

Job Description

The High School Counselor provides academic, social-emotional, and college counseling to high students, and also related programming for ISB families and faculty.  

Academic and Social-emotional Assistance:

• Provides academic, personal, and college counseling to high school students
• Develops an academic plan with students that best suits their individual interests and strengths, assures meeting graduation requirements, and positions the students well for university admission.
• Uses the school’s scheduling program to schedule students in their classes and makes scheduling changes as needed
• Acts as a central point of contact for students, families, and teachers regarding all matters including academic performance, attendance, and social-emotional development
• Coordinates with the Learning Skills Office and the School Psychologist to implement the “Student of Concern” program.
• Maintains lists of available mental health service providers and outside academic tutoring resources.
• Refers students and parents to appropriate community resources when needed and works with those resources in supporting students and their families.
• Provides group counseling and crisis intervention when necessary
• Works in conjunction with the Admission Office regarding the High School admission process via evaluation of previous school records, and coordinates with the Admissions Office around new student orientation.
• Assists in coordinating the annual Freedom From Chemical Dependency visit
• Works with Registrar to maintain records on students, including GPA's and transcripts
• Supports applications to boarding schools and other transitions
• Provides career guidance and informational sessions to students and families
• Assists in the planning of the High School Graduation

College and University Guidance:

• Educates students and parents about colleges, the college admissions process, trends, procedures, and testing; advising and supporting groups of 30-40 seniors and families as they go through the process; and helping students and families aspire realistically and choose wisely.
• Meets with students, individually and in groups, to talk about process and individual college choices.
• Supports the Academic Services International provision of SAT preparation at our school twice per year.
• Meets with all college admissions representatives who visit our campus and facilitating meetings between college representatives and our students.  Serves as a liaison with College admissions offices throughout the year.
• Compiles an annual Profile of the School
• Writes an official school recommendation for each senior and prepares any necessary mid-year and end-of-year reports. 
• Maintains and shares information on colleges, college guides, scholarships, financial aid, and paying for college.
• Keeps track of admission decisions and statistics
• Stays aware of issues and trends in college admission, higher education, testing, as well as keeps up-to-date about specific colleges and maintaining membership in professional organizations:  the College Board, the National Association of College Admission Counselors, the New England Association of College Admission Counselors, and Oversees Association for College Admission Counseling. 
• Maintains and disseminates information about standardized tests, helping to administer these tests, and arranging for extended time on these tests, as warranted.
• Performs other duties as assigned
   

Skills & Requirements

• Possess Guidance Counselor qualifications and experience
• Have comprehensive knowledge and experience of the higher education admissions requirements for the national systems to which ISB students apply
• Knowledge of colleges, their academic programs, admission policies, and financial policies and procedures
• Familiarity with the goals, objectives, and mission of an independent, college preparatory school
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational ability and the ability to meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to respond effectively to the needs of a diverse and demanding student and parent population
• Familiarity with scheduling software
• Ability to problem solve under pressure
• Ability to deal with conflict resolution
• Interest in and ability to work as a member of a team
• Dedication to the Vision, Mission and Core Values of ISB