College and Next Steps Counselor

Join the Drew Charter School Community Position: College and Next Steps Counselor Location: Atlanta, GA Job Id: 746 # of Openings: 1 At Drew, we are a unified Pre‑K through 12 community where every individual is welcomed, valued, and belongs. We foster a joyful, restorative environment that balances academic focus with a commitment to innovation and celebrated growth. By centering our impact within the Villages of East Lake and serving a diverse student body, we create results that ripple across Metro Atlanta and beyond. Working at Drew means being part of a thriving educational community dedicated to both student success and professional excellence. We offer our staff: A Culture of Belonging: Join a mission‑driven environment rooted in “Eagle Pride” that embraces differences and unity. Empowerment & Innovation: We prioritize a talent strategy that values and empowers staff to lead with creativity and excellence. Purpose-Driven Impact Contribute to a strategic vision where staff are supported in cultivating resilient, community‑minded, and self‑aware graduates. Collaborative Excellence Work within a cohesive system that clarifies academic expectations and fosters meaningful relationships with families to accelerate student success.

DEPARTMENT:

Counseling and Wellness REPORTS TO: Lead College & Next Steps Counselor

WORK SCHEDULE:

205

COMPENSATION:

Starts at $68,672 based on certification & experience

FULL/PART TIME:

Full Time

FLSA STATUS:

Exempt The College & Next Steps Counselor guides students and their families through the post‑secondary planning process, ensuring they are well‑informed and prepared for life after high school. This role provides comprehensive counseling to help students explore and achieve their college and career goals while advocating for educational equity. The counselor collaborates with teachers, staff, and parents to support students holistically, offering resources and strategies for success. Additionally, the position is responsible for planning and implementing college and career readiness programs, providing classroom resources, and analyzing program effectiveness to drive continuous improvement. Qualifications Required Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Previous Work‑Related Experience: 2+ years in college counseling, college admissions, college access, or a related field. Experience using college counseling platforms such as SCOIR and/or Naviance. Preferred Qualifications GaPSC Service Certificate in School Counseling Master’s degree in counseling, education, higher education, or a related field. Experience working with diverse populations and supporting first‑generation college students. Knowledge of financial aid systems, scholarship programs, and career readiness pathways. Essential Job Functions Direct Student Counseling and Support - 50% Provide individualized college and career counseling to students, ensuring they understand the application, admission, and financial aid process. Manage a caseload of juniors and seniors, offering tailored guidance based on their post‑secondary goals. Conduct one‑on‑one and group counseling sessions to support students’ college and career readiness. Craft individualized, advocacy‑centered letters of recommendation that highlight each student’s strengths, character, growth, and potential. College and Career Readiness Programming - 20% Plan and execute college and career readiness events such as college trips, career fairs, and workshops. Organize ACT/SAT preparation initiatives and other academic readiness programs. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement - 20% Work closely with teachers, staff, and parents to align resources and support students’ academic and career goals. Partner with external organizations, colleges, and employers to enhance opportunities available to students. Act as a liaison between students and post‑secondary institutions to facilitate a smooth transition. Provide classroom lessons related to college and career readiness. Program Evaluation and Continuous Improvement - 10% Collect and analyze data to assess the effectiveness of college and career readiness programs. Use evaluation results to refine and improve counseling services and programming. Ensure compliance with school district goals and state requirements related to post‑secondary planning. Everyday risk and discomfort level: The environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, libraries, residences, or commercial vehicles, e.g., use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. #J-18808-Ljbffr Drew Charter School