Role: The College Counselor plays a critical role in helping St. Thomas High School achieve its mission of teaching goodness, discipline and knowledge by actively contributing to the dynamic best-in-class counseling program. The College Counselor cultivates and maintains relationships with their cohort of students and their families beginning in the 9^th grade and through their entire high school career.  They will support the developmental process in intellectual, social, and personal growth and assist students in making informative and appropriate choices. The College Counselor supports all St. Thomas High School Counseling Team programming to best enrich all students’ academic careers.
Duties: The College Counselor shall provide all or some of the following as assigned by the Director of College Counseling:

1. Counsel a portfolio of students in the development of a four-year plan which culminates with applying, being accepted, and matriculating to college.
2. Build, cultivate, and maintain relationships with college representatives, alumni network, and other academic enrichment opportunities in order to assist students in their matriculation to college.
3. Maintain accurate student records while ensuring the privacy and confidentiality measure are met.
4. Consult with parents in academic or personal matters which concern their student. Make suggestions and put parents in contact with teachers.
5. Foster an open-door policy for parents and students and be prepared for walk-in and emergency meetings.
6. Provide individualized support to students in selecting schools and navigating the application process.
7. Provide information sessions and support for families in understanding the college application process and financial assistance programs. Organize and disseminate information on scholarship opportunities for students and assist students with applications for scholarships and financial aid. These workshops may be offered outside of normal school hours or calendar year.
8. Process students’ college applications, including the writing of individual counselor recommendations letters for each senior.
9. Keep informed of the landscape of college admissions and counseling by attending professional development.
10. Provide short-term counseling to students with personal and emotional concerns.
11. Act in accordance with state law and professional discretion to report suspected cases of abuse and neglect to appropriate agencies.
12. Be actively involved in school’s religious life.
13. Have a pastoral attitude towards the entirety of the St. Thomas community.
14. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in Counseling, Student Affairs, Education or related field is required.
2. 2-5 years prior experience as a College Counselor at a college preparatory high school with a successful track record of student admissions to preferred colleges or similar experience working in the Admissions Office of a university.
3. Familiarity with the goals, objectives and mission of Catholic education in a college preparatory school.
4. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, computer and organizational skills; familiarity with the goals, objectives; the ability to respond effectively to the needs of a diverse and demanding student and parent population; knowledge of colleges, their academic programs, admission policies, and financial policies and procedures.
5. Willingness to take initiative and contribute to a dynamic team.

About St. Thomas HS

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