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Guidance Counselor

The Organization

Since it began operating in 1997, the See Forever Foundation's mission has been to create learning communities in lower-income urban areas where all students, particularly those who have not succeeded in traditional schools, can succeed academically and socially. The Foundation operates the Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools in DC, as well as the Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings’ secure facility for committed youth in Laurel, MD.   Our students develop the academic, social, and employment skills they need to build rewarding lives and promote positive change.

Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and mutually respectful environment that motivates and prepares each student to fulfill his academic or career potential.  With the support of a wide circle of caring adults, students will develop the skills they need to make sound decisions and lead rewarding lives.

If you are interested in learning more about See Forever, please visit our website at www.seeforever.org.

 

Position Overview

The general function of the Guidance Counselor is to help all students with their educational and vocational planning to ensure placement in a preferred school, job, or college upon leaving New Beginnings. 

 

Responsibilities  

  • Providing one-on-one support to students, helping them meet course, credit, test, and technical requirements necessary to transition successfully to and through high school, college, or job training programs
  • Maintaining accurate and complete student records (scores, grades, and credits) as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations
  • Providing timely and responsive information to students and staff relating to grades, transcripts, and credits
  • Supporting school-wide efforts to expose students to college and career opportunities
  • Supervising the work of the College and Career Coordinator
  • Managing the Workforce Development Program at MAA
  • Counseling students on overcoming personal, social, or behavioral issues affecting their educational or vocational situations
  • Empowering and advocating for students
  • Chairing the Family Engagement Committee

Qualifications

  • A Bachelors degree is required, a Master degree is preferred, in a field related to educational/vocational counseling
  • Relevant certification in District of Columbia/another reciprocal jurisdiction or provisional certification (required)
  • Experience working with incarcerated or opportunity youth
  • A history of working effectively with students, teachers, parents, community members, and other colleagues to create an achievement-oriented school focus, particularly in challenging contexts
  • A commitment to creating, supporting, and being a part of a professional learning community, one that focuses on results and continuous improvement
  • The ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects
  • A creative and entrepreneurial approach to his/her job
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge of post-secondary options for students
  • Experience supervising youth development staff
  • Embrace a school culture that requires all staff to work beyond the traditional school hours and school year in order to create an environment filled with hope and high expectations, where students will radically improve their academic, employment, and social skills
  • Possess an unrelenting belief that all students can achieve and succeed.

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.

Core Beliefs and Desired Characteristics

Candidates should possess an unyielding belief that with the appropriate supports, coupled with high expectations, all students can significantly improve their academic skills, and can develop pro-social and culturally normative behaviors that will enable them to succeed at school and beyond. Candidates should also believe that all students have strengths and talents and that good teachers help students find them and use them to address weaknesses or overcome fears. In addition, candidates should exhibit the following characteristics:

  • Honesty & Integrity: Does not cut corners ethically. Earns trust and maintains confidence. Does what is right, not just what is politically expedient. Speaks plainly and truthfully. 
  • Analytical skills: able to structure and process qualitative or quantitative data and draw insightful conclusions from it; exhibits a probing mind and achieves penetrating insights 
  • Persistence: Demonstrates tenacity and willingness to go the distance to get something done.
  • Strategic thinking/visioning: Able to see and communicate the big picture in an inspiring way; determines opportunities and threats through a comprehensive analysis of current and future trends
  • Flexibility/adaptability: Adjusts quickly to changing priorities and conditions; copes effectively with complexity and change
  • Enthusiasm: Exhibits passion and excitement

 

Salary and Benefits

Our salaries are comparable to those of other public schools in the District of Columbia area. In addition, See Forever offers a robust benefits plan, including health care coverage, HSA/FSA and dependent care accounts, voluntary dental, vision, short term and long term disability options, commuter benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan, student loan refinancing options, and 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.

This position is primarily sedentary and is performed in an office setting.  Position requires the ability to communicate effectively, and the ability to use computers, telephones, and other office equipment. Periodic out-of-town travel is also required.  To be qualified, you must have the requisite skills, experience, and education for the job and must also be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.  The See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou Schools provides reasonable accommodations to applicants upon request.

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