College Access Counselor, Learning to Work Queens Academy High School High School and College Success 

STATEMENT OF THE AGENCY: Commonpoint Queens is a non-profit, multi service agency with a flagship site in Forest Hills and 33 additional sites throughout the community that provides a diverse array of programs and services to over 35,000. Our mission is to sustain and enhance the quality of family and individual life for all members of our community, regardless of religion, ethnic or cultural background, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual preference, age, or disability, within a pervasive and inclusive environment that facilitates individual growth, meets individual needs and builds community. We accomplish this mission through a broad range of social, educational, and recreational services that reach community members of all ages and backgrounds. 

STATEMENT OF THE POSITION:

Within our framework of a holistic, strength-focused, and family-supported practice, an individual hired as College Access Counselor in the Learn to Work program portfolio of services will report directly to the Director of Learn to Work. 

Qualifications 

● Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, School Counseling, or related course of study strongly preferred. 

● At least five (3) years’ experience working with adolescents in an urban environment providing services that reduce barriers and facilitate educational success and social emotional wellbeing. 

● Demonstrated ability to establish strong rapport with an urban adolescent population and their families.

 ● Prior workshop/seminar development and implementation experience preferred; prior college counseling experience strongly preferred.

 ● Strong ability to create engaging and relevant activities for students and their families connected to college.

 ● Ability to work evenings, as needed. 

● Must have excellent organizational, teamwork, verbal and written communication skills. 

 Must have a commitment of work from a strength-based and/or youth development perspective. 

● Foster and manage relationships with college personnel, including college administrators, professors, and staff who provide student support services.

● Experience working with a diverse group of students and ability to support students and hold them accountable as appropriate

 ● Strong relationship-building and group facilitation capabilities, incorporating cross-cultural sensitivity.

 ● Deep understanding of positive youth development, education learning standards and issues facing immigrant and first generation youth in the U.S

 ● College guidance experience and strong knowledge of the college application, financial aid and scholarship process. Responsibilities 

•  Collaborate with staff to offer college readiness activities to the broader student population and to create a culture of college anticipation in the school.

● Participate in regular meetings with school-based and agency staff on college and career readiness. 

● Develop activities that enhance exploration of college as a post-secondary choice and option.

 ● Work with Counselor Advocates and program staff to assure that each student creates a clear attainable postgraduate plan. 

● Provide direct individual and group college advisement.

● Arrange for student participation in college fairs, tours and retreats.

 ● Arrange speakers and panels related to college issues.

 ● Provide information on financial aid and planning and assistance with FAFSA and scholarship applications, as well as applications to SEEK, EOP, HEOP and College Discovery programs.

 ● Provide assistance with college choice, exploration and completion of college applications in a timely manner.

 ● Provide workshops for parents on financial aid and the college choice and application process to inform and to attain their support for a college option.

 ● Create and maintain social networking Internet sites for alumnae.

 ● Regularly update student contact information. 

● Provide parent orientation for students proceeding on to college in collaboration with school staff. 

 Plan and implement regular meetings for alumnae in collaboration with school leadership.

 ● Act as a liaison with college admission offices in collaboration with school leadership as we develop deeper connections with institutions.

 ● Conduct periodic surveys of school alumnae and prepare statistical reports

● Maintain all required statistical and narrative documentation. 

● Participate in staff training and meetings, including school retreats and professional development. General Tasks of Commonpoint Queens Staff 

● Promote and implement the Core Values of the Community Center.

● Participation in all staff meetings and staff training seminars. 

● Participation in agency-wide programs and program committees, as assigned. 

● Active involvement, as a supervisee, in the supervision process. 

● Support the mission of Commonpoint Queens 

● Other tasks appropriate to Commonpoint Queens staff, as assigned.

Commonpoint Queens reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. Commonpoint Queens and the Samuel Field Y are an equal opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities 

Commonpoint Queens (formerly known as the Central Queens Y) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community center serving over 10,000 persons of diverse backgrounds in Queens County. Commonpoint provides a continuum of social, recreational, and educational services for children, families, and adults. For over two generations, Commonpoint Queens, located in Forest Hills, Queens, has been a special place for thousands of families, older adults, children, and individuals who participate in its parenting, preschool, after school, cultural arts, camping, health and fitness, social services, and senior programming