Lead Counselor, Center for Higher Education and Career Support

The Center for Higher Education and Career Support Office (CHECS) provides year-round academic, administrative and emotional support as well as financial and career preparation to participants of HCZ's Promise Academy high schools and afterschool programs. Our mission is to ensure that our participants are provided the resources and guidance needed to be successful in college and beyond. The main components of the CHECS include: student outreach, academic support and guidance, financial aid advisement, college transfer assistance, summer and winter internship opportunities, and community building efforts within our program.

We are seeking a Lead Counselor to coordinate programs and services for college freshmen and sophomore students. The Lead Counselor works closely with colleagues and external partners to ensure enhanced services. The Lead Counselor will provide management and support to a team of up to four College Counselors. The ideal candidate will have the ability to create a supportive environment and can easily build rapport and professional relationships with students, staff, parents, and the college community, while maintaining systems to improve retention and graduation outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and track freshmen and sophomore college students in the Center for Higher Education and Career Support
• Manage a caseload of up to 20 students, using the appreciative advising model focusing on college transition/persistence/completion and career readiness (based on the appreciative advising model)
• Maintain frequent and regular contact with students to monitor progress and to troubleshoot academic, financial, and socio-emotional issues
• Supervise up to 4 College Counselors
• Monitor and track overall retention and on-track goals to ensure College Counselors are meeting goals
• Partner with the fellow Lead Counselor and Specialists to execute academic and social programs
• Create student seminars and events on issues facing junior, senior, first generation, and low-income students
• Develop professional development trainings for College Counselors to ensure best practices in student engagement, career exposure, retention/persistence, and overall higher education
• Collect and monitor student information and enrollment
• Evaluate program goals and student success and retention
• Serve as liaison to various external partners to ensure smooth program operations

Qualification, Skills and Knowledge Requirements

• Master's degree required in higher education, counseling, student personnel administration, guidance, social work or related area
• At least two-three years of experience in providing direct services in an educational, social service or non-profit environment providing mentoring, coaching, academic advising, personal, and/or career guidance and advice
• Knowledge of higher education, financial aid, student development theory, engagement and high impact best practices in higher education
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to complete tasks accurately and in a timely manner
• Demonstrated experience working with low-income, first generation students, and adults
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Outlook
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the program including evening, and some weekends

We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. To be considered, interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. No telephone inquiries or recruiters please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. HCZ is an EOE.