Guidance Counselor

THE ROLE

LEAD Charter School seeks an exceptional Guidance Counselor to join our mission-driven community. Our goal is to transform equity through opportunities for young people in Newark. Our innovative model re-engages students through active participation in rigorous relevant content and standards-driven competency-based instruction aligned with market demands. Reporting to the Head of School teachers at LEAD embody commitment energy and passion facing challenges with the support feedback and collaboration of teammates and school leaders.

WHO WE ARE

The mission of LEAD is to enable students ages 16-21 in grades 9-12 to master essential skills for success in careers postsecondary education and community leadership within a global society. We implement the Newark Opportunity Youth Network (NOYN) school model supporting the unique academic and non-academic needs of students who have disengaged from traditional schooling. At LEAD Charter School we are a vibrant school community that holds an unwavering belief in the power of young people to transform their lives and their communities. We are dedicated practitioners of research-based youth development practices and systems ensuring every student receives a tailored personalized and strengths-based learning experience. As passionate advocates of opportunity youth we strive to provide the necessary support and opportunities for our students to succeed.

WHAT OUR STAFF SAY

• Being at LEAD has accelerated my career trajectory in ways that I could never imagine. I feel valued supported and empowered.
• 100% of LEAD staff feel they are trusted as professionals.
• 96% of LEAD staff feel supported in their work and professional development.
• 95% of LEAD staff feel theyre treated with respect
• 91% of LEAD staff say supervisors encourage feedback and suggestions

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelors degree required. Masters degree preferred.
• Valid New Jersey School Counselor Certification CE or coursework that meets eligibility criteria
• Minimum of 3 years of urban counseling experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to multitask effectively and prioritize strategically
• Experience managing assessment data and using it to drive programmatic decisions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including use of office productivity software.

HOW YOU WILL THRIVE

• Professional Development: Weekly half-day sessions tailored to support your professional growth.
• Career Advancement: Opportunities to develop and lead school initiatives and engage in career planning for growth and trajectory.
• Supportive Environment: Work with a dedicated talented and supportive staff and empowered school leaders.
• Impact: Contribute to a mission that transforms equity through opportunity for young people in Newark.
• Career Bonus: Yearly Resigning Bonus

BENEFITS

• Paid Time Off Summer Vacation
• Health/Vision/Dental Benefits
• Enrollment in NJ Pension
• HealthEquity (Employer paid HRA debit card)
• 100% Employer Paid Long Term Disability
• 100% Employer Paid Talkspace Access
• Metlife Legal Plan & Identity Protection
• Laptop & Supplies for all staff members
• Training & Professional Development

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Carries out and manages the review of and translation of student transcripts to rebuild and align academic history
2. Coordinate student scheduling activities with the support of key stakeholders
3. Manage all school-based college staff: college counseling alumni coordination community programs etc.
4. Execute and monitor systems that ensure an efficient and effective college application process.
5. Monitor student credit accrual and work with instructional leaders to create educational opportunities that both hold students to a high academic standard and remedial programming as necessary. Ensuring validation of student academic progress.
6. Codify and institutionalize all processes procedures and supporting documents for the college application process.
7. Provide one-on-one college counseling to a caseload of seniors through the admissions cycle including but not limited to creating a college list writing and revising the personal statement advising on financial aid and making final matriculation decisions.
8. Arrange strategic college representative visits to school during the application season and market and brand LEAD Charter to all national colleges and universities.
9. Build and maintain relationships with colleges and universities to create partnerships benefiting both the school and students.
10. Plan and host family planning sessions throughout the year that educate motivate and activate parents of students.
11. Coordinate and support local and state preparation and administration (ex: State Assessment SAT ACT NWEA Interim assessment).
12. Work with and support efforts of the child study team (CST) to support students academic needs.
13. Manage a caseload of young people towards post secondary education and academic progress.
14. Coordinating post secondary placement options with network-level staff and school leaders
15. Collect organize and analyze student post secondary preparation data and inform school stakeholders of areas of growth and opportunities.
16. Develop an alumni association

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• 12-month employee.
• Salary to be recommended by the Head of School and approved by the board.

EVALUATION

• Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with the boards policy on evaluation.