Academic Counselor at Maya Angelou PCS

The Touchstone

At the Maya Angelou Schools, the key to our success is rooted in building trusting, respectful, and nurturing relationships with each other. We strive to create safe spaces for all to be able to reach their limitless potential. We are at our best when we work together to ensure the unique needs of our community are met. We empower each other to grow successfully so we can see forever This is how we live the Maya Way, even when no one is watching.

Position Overview

The Academic Counselor plays a critical role in advancing our mission of supporting student literacy, critical thinking, academic mastery, and personal growth. The Academic Counselor will provide individualized support to help students navigate educational challenges, identify strengths, and overcome barriers. In collaboration with families, staff, and support teams, the counselor will enhance each student's educational experience. A key focus of the role is designing and leading comprehensive college and career readiness programming that reflects the diverse goals and interests of our students, ensuring a successful transition to life after high school. This position supports our standards-based instructional approach and our commitment to preparing students for postsecondary and career success.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

Support School and Organizational Improvement

• Ensure compliance with all organizational policies, as well as applicable federal and state education laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with school leadership to design and implement academic and extracurricular initiatives that enhance student performance and school culture.
• Facilitate conferences with students, parents, and educators to address academic concerns,

College and Career Readiness

• Lead the planning and execution of school-wide college and career programming, including SAT/ACT prep, career assessments, college visits, fairs, and post-secondary workshops.
• Provide individualized counseling and support to students and families throughout the post-secondary planning process (including school selection, applications, financial aid, and enrollment).
• Guide students in developing strategic, goal-oriented post-secondary plans through data-informed advising.
• Partner with departments across the school to ensure each student has a well-supported and realistic college or career pathway.
• Coordinate and support all aspects of college and career testing (SAT, PSAT, ACT, ASVAB), including School Day Testing.
• Co-teach the Senior Seminar course and coordinate exit interviews for graduating students.
• Manage the dual credit application process and serve as a liaison with partner institutions to ensure program alignment and student success.
• Provide post-graduation support to alumni to ensure at least 80% of graduates are employed or enrolled in a post-secondary program within one year.
•  Actively participate in the Senior Success Team to monitor and support students in meeting graduation requirements.
•  Assist in the development and implementation of alumni outreach and programming.

Academic Counseling and Student Support

• Maintain a caseload of 100+ students, offering individualized academic support and intervention strategies.
• Partner with the Academic Dean to facilitate Student Support Team (SST) meetings and monitor interventions aimed at improving academic outcomes.
• Conduct regular transcript reviews to ensure students are on track for graduation and facilitate the development of Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs).
• Identify and support students needing credit recovery, alternative scheduling, or specialized support services.
• Collaborate with the Special Education team and the Academic Dean to ensure appropriate course placements and support for students with IEPs.
• Ensure timely and accurate entry of transcript data in collaboration with the Enrollment Specialist.
• Oversee the school's Community Service requirement, including helping students find service opportunities, tracking hours, and ensuring transcript accuracy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrates uncompromising ethics and personal integrity by adhering to the highest standards of ethical behavior.
• Demonstrates team spirit, initiative, and a willingness to collaborate with all members of the school community.
• Excellent communication (both orally and written) skills.
• Understands the cognitive, physiologic, and psychological growth and maturational development of adolescents.
• Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong problem-solving and crisis intervention skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an applicable field required; Master's degree in school/mental health/vocational/community counseling or social work, preferred.
• 3 – 5 years of Guidance Counselor experience.
• Experience working with adolescents and young adults in community-based or public- school setting.
• Must have strong skills documenting efforts and interventions.
• Must have a commitment to working from a strength-based and/or youth development perspective.
• Superior interpersonal skills with persons of all ages and across diverse backgrounds, with a demonstrated ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from administrators, staff, students, families, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and ability to motivate adolescents and young adults.
• Excellent written, verbal communication, and presentation skills with keen attention to detail
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and be a self-starter.

Salary and Benefits

Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation salaries are comparable to those of other public charter schools in the District of Columbia area. In addition, we offer a robust benefits plan, including health care coverage, HSA/FSA and dependent care accounts, voluntary dental and vision, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability options, commuter benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan with employer contribution offered after 1 year of service, along with the opportunity to positively impact students with a broad range of experiences and backgrounds.

See Forever is an equal-opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.