Counselor Advocate

Counselor Advocate Job Description

Position Type: Part- Time | Location: 21st Century Programs PS139Q, PS 220Q, and PS 206Q

(In-Person- Requires Traveling to all three locations)

Agency Overview:

Commonpoint is a multifaceted community center dedicated to sustaining and enhancing the quality of individual, family and communal life throughout New York City, offering services to people of all ages, ability levels, stages of life and backgrounds. They strive to meet the evolving needs of their community of over 100,000 members ranging from providing in-school and after-school programs, professional and career development, assistance with food insecurity, legal services, financial counseling, mental health services, senior classes, dementia care programs, and tax preparation assistance to name a few. Commonpoint has grown tremendously in the last five years and now has a mission-driven staff of 3,000 and over 80 sites in the five boroughs.

In alignment with our holistic, strength-based approach and family-centered practices, the Part-Time Counselor Advocate will play a key role in supporting students and families. Reporting directly to the Program Director, this position will be based at PS 139Q, PS 220Q, and PS 206Q, where the Counselor Advocate will work closely with staff, students, and families to provide impactful social emotional wellness support and advocacy.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build Meaningful Connections: Establish strong, trusting relationships with all program participants, guiding them as they identify their educational and behavioral goals and helping them craft actionable plans for their future.
• Inspire Growth: Lead and facilitate workshops focused on life skills and student enrichment, empowering students to develop the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.
• Recruit and Welcome: Engage students by conducting intake assessments and interviews, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported as they join the program.
• Champion Student Success: Monitor and track the attendance, academic, and career progress of students in your caseload, offering support and encouragement to help them reach their goals.
• Provide Supportive Counseling: Offer group counseling to help students navigate challenges, build resilience, and make positive choices.
• Connect with Resources: Provide essential referrals to community resources, connecting students and families to the support they need to thrive.
• Collaborative Teamwork: Work closely with a passionate team of colleagues, participating in staff meetings, contractor meetings, and professional development sessions to strengthen the program and support student success.
• Track and Celebrate Progress: Regularly monitor and document student progress in key areas like guidance, academic support, life skills, and work readiness, celebrating milestones and fostering continuous growth.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience with Youth Impact: At least 1 year of experience working with elementary school-aged youth in an urban setting, empowering them to reach their full potential.
• Client-Focused Expertise: Strong understanding of performance-based contracting, with the ability to partner with clients to drive meaningful outcomes and success.
• Student Success Champion: Proven ability to guide and support students in achieving their goals, helping them thrive academically and personally.
• Workshop Leadership: Experience in designing and leading workshops that inspire, educate, and engage youth in their learning journey (preferred).
• Cultural Sensitivity: Fluency in Russian and/or Uzbek is a plus, fostering inclusive and effective communication with diverse communities.
• Qualifications: A degree in Counseling, Social Work, Education, or a related field, and or with relevant college credits and experience, provides a solid foundation in higher learning to excel in a dynamic and impactful environment where you can make a meaningful difference in students' lives. Experience with lesson planning.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Standing: Staff will be on their feet for extended periods (1-4 hours), especially during activities or supervision, fostering an active and engaging environment for the students.

Walking and Movement: Frequent movement around the program space is essential to effectively supervise students, guide activities, and provide support during homework, ensuring a dynamic and interactive atmosphere.

Lifting: Staff may need to lift materials (up to 20 pounds), such as books, supplies, or equipment for activities. Occasionally, lifting heavier items (up to 50 pounds) may be necessary, though this is rare and can be managed with assistance.

Travel Required: Role Requires traveling to all three locations- PS139Q, PS 220Q, and PS 206Q

JOB DETAILS

Hourly Salary: $20.00-$25.00

Working Schedule: Mon- Fri, 2:30pm- 5pm

Non-Union Position

Location: Forest Hills/Rego Park area

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to dvigo@commonpoint.org. Please include the Role “Counselor Advocate” and Site “21st Century” you are applying for in the subject line. Due to the

high volume of applications, only qualified candidates will be contacted for further consideration.

Commonpoint is an equal opportunity employer