College & Career Readiness Counselor

Job description

Company Description Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks , reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators , offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference! Job Description The College & Career Readiness Counselor reports to the school's Director of College Counseling and provides comprehensive postsecondary planning support to students who are not on a college pathway at Uncommon Charter High School. Comparable to a traditional college counselor, this role is specifically designed to support students across all postsecondary pathways, including college, career training, and workforce readiness, through highly individualized, strengths-based counseling and instruction. The College & Career Readiness Counselor teaches a College & Career Readiness course to all 11th- and 12th-grade students in the 15:1 program at UCHS to supports students in exploring their interests, identities, strengths, and goals, while building the academic, social-emotional, and practical skills needed to successfully transition to life after high school. By the end of the course, students will be able to: Identify personal strengths, interests, and identities, and leverage internal and external supports to pursue postsecondary success. Analyze the world around them and articulate informed perspectives through the lens of their lived experiences and values. Communicate their academic, professional, and personal assets effectively in writing and in person. Evaluate postsecondary environments (college, training programs, careers) that align with their identity, goals, and sense of purpose. Understand the costs of postsecondary options and identify funding sources and financial supports. Identify the academic skills, credentials, and benchmarks required to access their chosen postsecondary pathway. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Teaching College & Career Readiness (35%) Plan and deliver instruction for 15:1 classes, differentiating curriculum, pacing, and assessments to meet diverse learning needs and ensure access to grade-level and postsecondary-aligned content. Expose students to a wide range of postsecondary options, including two- and four-year colleges, career training programs, and workforce pathways. Use student data to tailor instruction and support skill development. Create a joyful, inclusive classroom culture that promotes engagement, self-advocacy, and excellence. Maintain accurate grades and attendance records in PowerSchool. Individualized College & Career Counseling (35%) Provide 1:1 counseling to support students in developing rigorous, realistic, and personalized postsecondary plans. Partner with families/guardians through regular communication and individual meetings to support postsecondary decision-making. Participate in 11th- and 12th-grade team meetings to monitor progress and coordinate targeted supports. Attend and actively contribute to IEP meetings, with a focus on high-quality transition planning. Support students in aligning their Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition goals with Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) requirements and postsecondary plans. Collaborate closely with the Special Education Coordinator to align counseling supports with IEP transition goals. Building and Maintaining Postsecondary & Career Connections (15%) Plan, promote, and execute college visits, career exploration experiences, and postsecondary knowledge events for 11th and 12th graders (e.g. Progressive Pathways Fair) Develop and maintain partnerships with external college, career, and workforce organizations to expand students’ access to meaningful postsecondary experiences Administrative & Programmatic Responsibilities (15%) Prepare, vet, and send transcripts and supporting documentation to colleges and career partners. Coordinate and manage the school’s Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) program, ensuring all eligible students meet requirements for credential attainment. Monitor student progress toward graduation pathways, including CDOS and other diploma options, and intervene to ensure all students have a viable path to high school completion. Maintain accurate documentation of CDOS hours, work-based learning experiences, and required artifacts in compliance with state guidelines. Skills Postsecondary Advising Expertise: Ability to guide students across multiple pathways (2- and 4-year college, career training, workforce) with an emphasis on fit, access, and persistence. Transition Planning & IEP Alignment: Strong skill in supporting IEP-aligned transition goals, participating in meetings, and collaborating with special education teams. Differentiated Instruction: Ability to plan and deliver College & Career Readiness instruction tailored to diverse learning needs and cognitive profiles. Student & Family Partnership: Skilled at building trust with students and families through clear communication, coaching, and shared decision-making. Data-Informed Practice: Uses academic, attendance, and postsecondary data to inform instruction, counseling, and interventions. College, Career & Community Partnerships: Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with colleges, training programs, and community-based organizations. Executive Function & Self-Advocacy Coaching: Supports students in goal-setting, organization, time management, and self-advocacy skills needed for postsecondary success. Systems & Compliance Management: Strong organizational skills to manage transcripts, documentation, graduation pathways, and state requirements. Cultural Competence & Asset-Based Mindset: Centers student identity, strengths, and aspirations while maintaining high expectations. Collaboration & Professional Judgment: Works effectively across academic, counseling, and special education teams to drive strong postsecondary outcomes." Qualifications ​​​​​​ Required Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s degree is preferred At least 2 years of experience in a secondary school setting providing instruction, counseling, or student support. Preferred Experience working with students with disabilities and/or in self-contained or inclusion settings. Strongly Valued Postsecondary advising, college counseling, or career readiness experience. Direct involvement in IEP meetings and transition planning for grades 11–12. Experience partnering with families and coordinating with external postsecondary or community-based organizations. Experience in an urban public or charter school environment. Additional Information Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent. Compensation Compensation for this role is between $72,000 to $109,000. Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant full-time teaching experience, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Candidates without full-time Teaching experience will likely have a starting salary of $72,000. Benefits Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer). Extensive, best-in-class training and development Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA) Financial Planning 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.) Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits *A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE . At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture. As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org. Videos To Watch