High School Guidance Counselor

High School Guidance Counselor

CEN is a mission- and values-driven organization committed to being child centered, caring, transformative, accountable, and anti-racist. The mission of CEN is to build a system of remarkable neighborhood schools in traditionally under-resourced communities using a trauma-informed, whole child approach to education ensuring college, career, and life success for all children. At CEN, we believe that creating and sustaining excellent and equitable schools for all children is the most critical issue today and that high-quality education is the only way to change the life trajectory and outcomes for kids.

We believe that, regardless of their zip code, our kids deserve remarkable schools. CEN team members are steadfast in our vision to dismantle systemic educational inequities. We are committed to culturally responsive education, including systems that promote anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We are seeking tenacious staff members who operate with empathy and will settle for nothing less than academic and life success for all students. Professionals with a passion for urban education and the city of Detroit align best with our needs and goals. Our top performers are focused on building positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues, and are driven by data and student outcomes.

The counselor works with students and provides group educational and vocational guidance services, as well as administers and interprets career assessment tools. (S) he also assists students in developing educational and occupational goals and plans. A successful employee is a consummate professional, upholding the mission, goals and objectives of the organization. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Counsel students to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral obstacles affecting their lives and/or educational or vocational situations.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, policies, and administrative regulations.
• Prepare students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
• Evaluate students' abilities, interests, and personality characteristics using tests, records, interviews and/or professional resources.
• Counsel students regarding educational issues, such as course and program selection, class scheduling and registration, school adjustment, truancy, study habits, and career planning.
• Coordinate college visits, education fairs, parent information events, and collaborate with teachers about SAT prep initiatives.
• Assist students, along with their parents/guardians with the college admission process and applying for scholarships and federal aid (FAFSA).
• Complete all necessary paperwork as required by law and school policy including certifying and auditing transcripts.
• Work closely with the Community and Family Outreach Coordinator to develop strong relationships with local colleges and potential employers to generate a wide variety of potential college or career opportunities for graduating students.
• Coach teachers in grade level meetings to diagnose student concerns based on data and create subsequent action plans to ensure the student's academic and social/emotional success.
• Help lead staff to create a pervasive "college-going" culture in all aspects of the school environment.
• Ensure care of provided instructional materials, curricula, technology, and classroom furniture
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Endorsement in High School Counseling
• Two to four years of related experience
• Experience with working in diverse, low-income communities; sensitivity to and awareness of the needs of culturally diverse urban adolescents and families
• Outstanding organizational skills and strong attention to detail; excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent presentation skills
• Ability to manage priorities and workflow
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm
• Ability to audit high school transcripts to ensure students are scheduled in correct courses
• Commitment to the belief that all students can learn and succeed
• Experience and demonstrated success in designing and executing interventions for struggling students
• Experience and success in supporting families
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain constructive group relationships
• Will successfully pass a criminal background check

We ask our team to believe in, deliver on, and embody the following values:
Be Child-Centered, Be Caring, Be Transformative, Be Accountable, and Be Anti-Racist