Academic Counselor (Secondary-Middle and High)

Academic Counselor (Secondary-Middle and High) Position Title: Academic Counselor Campus/Dept: Campus Supervisor: Principal/ Designee Full-Time, Exempt, 12 Month Calendar Positions 100% funded by Federal Grants and 50% funded by Federal Grants are conditioned on the availability of full or partial funding. Position Summary The Academic Counselor acts as a liaison between families, teachers, and community resources to support student success. The role includes comprehensive academic, college/career, and social emotional support to middle and high school students in alignment with the Texas Education Code §33.006. Counselors dedicate at least 80% of their time to direct student services. Key Responsibilities and Duties Academic Advising & Graduation Planning Implement activities to help students identify interests and explore potential career paths (Career Exploration). Create and input master schedule and student schedules. Monitor transcripts, assist with GPAs and senior ranks, and ensure students meet District, State, and Federal graduation requirements. Guide students in course selection, HB5 endorsement pathways, and credit recovery options. Develop and maintain four‑year Personal Graduation Plans (PGPs). Meet individually with juniors and seniors to create and document post‑high school plans. Assist with graduation. Serve as an admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee member. College, Career & Military Readiness Deliver grade‑level programming to support college, military, and workforce readiness. Assist with college applications, financial aid, scholarships, and career pathway development. Use tools to assess student interests and support career planning. Collaborate with colleges and universities to expand advanced academic opportunities. Maintain dual‑credit partnerships with colleges to expand advanced academic and career opportunities. Social Emotional Counseling Provide individual and small group counseling addressing personal, social, and emotional needs. Connect students with appropriate crisis response and trauma‑informed support. Collaborate with partners to coordinate campus social‑emotional learning initiatives and required programs (e.g., suicide prevention, character education). Collaboration & Consultation Work closely with parents, teachers, administrators, and community partners to support student success. Maintain effective communication systems and referral processes for special programs and services. Build positive working relationships with school personnel and external agencies. Assessment & Testing Coordination Serve as the middle and high school state assessment coordinator. Coordinate advanced academic and college readiness assessments (PSAT, SAT, TSIA2, ACT, ASVAB). Interpret assessment data and communicate results to students, families, and staff. Ensure confidentiality and compliance in all testing procedures. Program Management & Compliance Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation. Participate in ongoing professional development. Comply with federal/state laws, district policies, and ethical counseling standards. Support a safe and academically focused school environment. Professional Expectations Maintain and improve professional competence. Participate in district staff development as needed. Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, parents, and community members. Attend staff meetings and serve on staff committees as needed. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues. Maintain regular attendance. Perform other job‑related duties as assigned. Qualifications Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; Master’s degree preferred. Minimum two years of experience in an applicable area. Experience in a public school district, charter, education service center, institution of higher education, or other educational setting preferred. Experience working with diverse populations: personnel, students, parents, and stakeholders. Other Position Requirements Ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into focus; judge distance (close and distant); reach with arms extended and manipulate the keyboard, smart board, and classroom technology. Ability to lift or carry up to 25 pounds, including books, paper, and office materials. Requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, and mobility. May require prolonged or irregular hours. Maintain emotional control under stress. Ability to travel throughout the district and city as required by personal, private, or public transportation, complying with state travel laws. Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and oral, with all levels of management and stakeholders. Expected Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Build and sustain positive, collaborative relationships internally and externally. Knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements in the area of responsibility. Interpret laws, rules, and policies. Plan and present information to varied audiences. Facilitate groups of various sizes using facilitative leadership skills. Written and oral communication skills (English), planning, and organization. Knowledge of current trends, methods, research, and technology in the area of responsibility. In‑depth knowledge of the assigned program and service area. Collect, analyze, and interpret data. Equal Opportunity Statement The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Contact Information Tonya Sanders, Principal 4590 Wilmington Street Houston, Texas 77051 Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io Email: View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr