We are seeking a College and Career Counselor to join our team.

Position Start Date: July 2025

Position Summary:

The College or Career Counselor is responsible for leading Westmark School’s comprehensive College Counseling Program, providing individualized support to students with distinct learning styles and their families as they navigate the transition from high school to post-secondary education. The counselor guides students through all phases of the college process, including research, applications, and decision-making, ensuring alignment with each student’s unique goals, strengths, and academic needs. This full-time position involves active collaboration with faculty, administrators, admissions representatives, and families and reports directly to the Director of the Upper School.

Responsibilities:

• Guide and support students and families through the college research, application, and selection process.
• Develop personalized lists of post-secondary options aligned with each student’s goals, strengths, and academic profiles.
• Provide individualized assistance to students in writing college essays, completing applications, and adhering to deadlines.
• Write thoughtful, supportive, and personalized letters of recommendation.    
• Guide families through the financial aid application process.
• Prepare and submit necessary materials to colleges on behalf of students.
• Develop and implement effective college counseling strategies and innovative programming specifically designed for students with distinct learning styles.
• Maintain current knowledge of trends in college admissions and the transition to college for students with learning differences through ongoing research, membership in professional associations, and conference attendance.
• Regularly visit college campuses to evaluate academic support offerings and maintain familiarity with specialized programs beneficial to Westmark students.
• Organize and conduct events and outreach activities for students and parents on topics related to college search, admissions, and transitions for students with distinct learning styles.
• Prepare comprehensive summary reports of student progress by reviewing academic performance, psychoeducational evaluations, standardized testing scores (NWEA, ACT), and through regular collaboration with teachers and advisors.
• Coordinate standardized testing administration and logistics, including submitting and managing accommodation requests for ACT and SAT exams.
• Collaborate closely with Admissions and Marketing to communicate college counseling information effectively to prospective families.
• Exhibit sensitivity to diverse family cultures and dynamics, supporting Westmark’s inclusive student community.
• Optimize the use of Naviance for efficient management and dissemination of college counseling information, ensuring records are updated quarterly.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of the Upper School to establish and manage the annual college counseling budget.
• Prepare reports and communications for the Board of Trustees as requested by the Head of School.
• Arrange on-campus visits from college admissions representatives and establish relationships with admissions counselors, especially from institutions that provide strong support for students with learning differences.
• Coordinate the faculty recommendation-writing process.
• Annually review and update the Westmark School Profile.
• Advise 10th and 11th-grade students on course selection relevant to their college aspirations.
• Conduct individual neuropsychological report reviews with each student to enhance their understanding of their unique learning profile.
• Develop and manage the Senior Transitions Program, coordinating presentations and assisting students in identifying and securing appropriate college-level accommodations.
• Support the course planning process by reviewing and approving student course plans, ensuring that all students meet graduation requirements and take courses aligned with their college goals.
• Collaborate with the Director of Upper School to implement and support student-led conferences twice a year.
• Support and enhance Westmark’s career initiatives, including the Westmark Learning About Business (WestLAB) program and internship placements, ensuring alignment with college counseling objectives.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods; and is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. 

We offer a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision insurance, 403b, personal time and sick time. We also provide a stable and professional work environment.

Westmark School is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit and job performance. School policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions (including genetic characteristics or information), sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, and local laws.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Significant experience in college counseling or admissions, with a demonstrated understanding of diverse learning profiles.
• Background or experience in Special Education is strongly preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proficiency with Naviance or similar college counseling platforms.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with students, families, faculty, and college admissions representatives.

About Westmark School

Westmark School is a creative and supportive college preparatory school dedicated to educating, empowering and celebrating students with distinct learning styles, providing the tools necessary to achieve successful and fulfilling futures. Located in Encino, CA, Westmark offers competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. We seek talented professionals committed to excellence.

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