Job Description

The College & Career Readiness Counselor reports to the Director of College Counseling and supports the intellectual development of each student in the 15:1 program at UCHS. The C&CR Counselor will teach the College and Career Readiness courses to all 11th and 12th graders in the 15:1 program, which provides students the opportunity to explore their interests, passions and identities, and equips them with the resources and support necessary to navigate the post-secondary planning process. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Identify personal qualities, reflect on their personal identity and identify external support they can incorporate on their journey to college and career success
• Objectively view the world around them and at the same time take a position on the world around them through the lens of their identities and the drive to build a more just world
• Successfully communicate both their professional and personal assets in writing and in person that is aligned with their identity and version of their future self
• Recognize the attributes of college campuses and professional spaces that align with their identity and sense of purpose.
• Identify the costs and the funding sources necessary to support their postsecondary education
• Identify academic metrics and skills necessary to access the postsecondary option of their choice

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Teaching College & Career Readiness Course (35%)

• Plans and teaches lessons focused on college and career readiness, exposes students to postsecondary options and helps them create a strong Post-HS transition plan
• Differentiates and aligns daily instruction based on data
• Infuses joy and a passion for excellence into the College and Career Readiness course
• Motivates and invests students in the College and Career Readiness Course and post-secondary skills necessary for success
• Maintains grades and attendance in PowerSchool

Individualized College & Career Counseling (35%)

• Diligently supports students in creating appropriately rigorous and realistic post-secondary plans
• Coordinates post-secondary planning process with parents/guardians via 1:1 meetings and regular communication.
• Attends 11th and 12th Grade Team Meetings to share updates on student progress and prioritize support as needed.
• Attend IEP meetings to drive transition planning for 11th and 12th graders in 15:1 classes
  • Collaborate with Special Education Coordinator to support the IEP transition plan

Building and Maintaining College & Career Connections (20%)

• Coordinates planning, promoting, and executing 11th and 12th grade college trips and college knowledge events
• Maintains and develops partnerships with College and Career readiness external partners to support students in pursuing meaningful career-related extracurricular experiences

Administrative Responsibilities (10%)

• Vets and sends transcripts to colleges and career partners upon request
• Researches and manages the CDOS process as a commencement credential and a Regents exam alternative for the +1 exam
• Supports Director of Special Education and Director of College & Career Initiatives with fundraising, donor, and visitor requests and collaboration initiatives

Qualifications

• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom.
• Proven track-record of high achievement in the classroom.
• Mastery of and enthusiasm for academic subjects.
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.
• Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of two years teaching or counseling experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred.
• General education teaching certification is required, Special Education teaching certification is preferred.
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.
• By the time that employment begins, candidates must have received a Bachelor's degree from a College or University.

Additional Information

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is between $72,000 to $115,000.

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
• Financial Planning
  • 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

*A detailed list of all benefits is locatedHERE.

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.