Postsecondary Support Counselor

• Posting encompasses one position at Glenbard North and South to work flexible hours during the weeks of summer with the goal of reducing student summer melt.
• "Summer melt" is the phenomenon when a student with a postsecondary plan fails to execute that plan due to a variety of factors, thereby "melting" over the summer.
• The goal of this position is to support students in transitioning into their postsecondary plan. While most students who melt plan to attend a 2 or 4-year college, this position will support all students and all postsecondary plans.

• Current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an endorsement in HS Guidance / School Counseling
• Knowledge and practices as it relates to supporting (all) students' ability to learn
• Bilingual � Spanish speaking preferred

• Directly to the building Guidance Department Chair, Building Principal, as well as the Executive Director for Teaching and Learning, Curriculum and Pathways

• Counselors will work to identify key factors that play a role in seniors "melting."
• Counselors will identify specific students who may be at risk of melting and not following through with college plans.
• Work may include individual phone calls home to students; review of college plans and where students are in the process of enrollment; problem-solving obstacles; discussion of financial aid options and collaboration with COD college representatives, etc...
• This position requires Counselors to collaborate with other Counselors throughout the summer in their assigned building and across the district.
• Each Counselor will support students to follow through with their future plans
• At the beginning of the summer, the Counselor will contact each student at risk of melting to support them and their postsecondary plan. An outcome of this work will be to (1) share contact information with the student so they know how to get the counselor support, (2) document topics discussed and action items identified with each student, (3) document any follow-up required to be done later in the summer, and (4) complete any documented follow up with the student to ensure their successful transition into their postsecondary plan.
• Counselors are expected to be able to advise students on:

1. Determining cost of attendance
2. Enrolling in and applying for financial aid, FAFSA -- confirmation of college acceptance
3. Making sense of financial aid award letters
4. Understanding tuition bills and required deposits -- timelines designation
5. Identifying and budgeting for expenses (i.e. health insurance, textbooks, meals)
6. Registering for and attending orientation
7. Receiving required immunizations / getting copy of immunizations record
8. Familiarizing themselves with the college access portal -- logging in, navigating, etc.
9. Taking placement tests
10. Completing housing forms
11. Registering for classes
12. Arranging transportation
13. Culturally relevant interventions

Further responsibilities will include:

• Maintains the highest level of ethical and professional demeanor with students and staff consistent with the Sexual Harassment, Equal Educational Opportunity, Ethics, Use of Electronic Media, and other appropriate policies of the District.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills when interacting with immediate supervisors, parents, students, peers, and other school related reference groups.
• Maintains and submits upon request accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, District policy, and administrative regulation.
• Assists in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulations and Board policy.
• Provides appropriate supervision and takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Does not administer corporal punishment or touch students.
• May perform other duties as assigned by the Department Chair and/or building Principal.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents such as correspondence, surveys, and electronic media
• Ability to write reports and other professional communications
• Ability to present information effectively and to respond to questions from individuals and groups
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and community members
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in written form
• Ability to complete mathematical operations and apply concepts of basic mathematics
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
• Ability to maintain current job skills as directed, especially in technology-related activities
• Ability to perform essential duties with an awareness of school district requirements and School Board policies

• The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, operate duplicating machines and computer equipment; reach with hands and arms; and will frequently repeat actions with the same hand, arm, or finger motion such as when typing.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. In addition, the ability to withstand long-term use of video display terminals (VDT) is required.
• The employee may occasionally lift up to 30 pounds such as reference books.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• The pace of work tasks would be considered as fast.
• Work is usually conducted at one job site, however, on occasion, this employee will be required to attend meetings, conferences, or workshops and events at other sites as assigned.