Director of School Counseling and Postsecondary Advising

Celebrating 25 years as an anchor institution in the North Lawndale Community, North Lawndale College Prep (NLCP) is doubling down on its mission to not only empower students with the tools needed to successfully make it to and through college but to also become transformational leaders.

NLCP is a co-ed charter network serving approximately 600 students in grades 9-12. Our scholars - the majority of whom are low income - choose NLCP for its culturally responsive and rigorous academic model. Students know when they enroll at NLCP they are entering into a robust web of support and an uplifting community.

At the heart of NLCP's strong community is our commitment to five core employee values that guide the work we do and prepare us to serve students in transformational ways: trustworthiness, timeliness, teamwork, transparency, and trauma-informed. We believe that centering these values and continually growing and improving how they are practiced helps staff members build a safe and supportive environment for both students and fellow staff.

BENEFITS AND PERKS (Director of School Counseling and Postsecondary Advising)

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• $50K Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability (Employer Paid)
• Long-Term Disability (Employer Paid)
• Accident Insurance (Employer Paid)
• Voluntary LifeLock Identity Theft Protection
• Additional Voluntary Benefits (Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Paid Time Off
• Stipend
  
  

Position Summary

The Director of School Counseling and Postsecondary Advising is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the implementation of systematic and consistent practices across schools and grade levels to support student development and postsecondary readiness. This leadership role involves managing a team of counselors to effectively utilize data in analyzing student strengths, identifying areas for improvement, and developing strategies for academic, social-emotional, and career growth. The Director will establish data-informed systems in three areas: Academic Planning, Personal/Social Planning, and College and Career Planning, to monitor the progress of every student.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and delivery of the school's comprehensive counseling program, implementing the ASCA National Model for School Counseling with fidelity.
• Supervise and evaluate the work of the counseling team. (Details regarding this responsibility for next year will depend on input from the incoming Director.)
• Assist the School Principal in ensuring that the school's policies and procedures related to school counseling meet state and federal requirements.
• Lead efforts to involve families in the school counseling program.
• Participate in curriculum development/revision and serve on the school's instructional support team, analyzing data about student achievement and ensuring proper placement and curriculum access for all students.
• Collaborate with the Principal in implementing and interpreting program evaluations, the state testing program, and data processing procedures related to student scheduling and student records.
• Serve as a resource to teachers and staff, developing and conducting in-service training regarding school counseling and the academic/social-emotional needs of students.
• Prepare and submit the annual budget for the counseling program.
  
  

Essential Functions

• Analyze data to identify student strengths and areas for improvement, including recommending academically appropriate and rigorous courses that meet all graduation requirements.
• Develop a counseling department plan that promotes school counselor leadership, ensuring the intentional implementation of systemic practices that create career and college opportunities for all students, including the creation of Individualized Postsecondary Plans.
• Collaborate with school administration and staff to foster student knowledge, skills, and attitudes that promote personal, social-emotional, and academic growth.
• Serve as a liaison to senior leadership, effectively articulating the importance of a comprehensive counseling program within the school's vision. Advocate for counseling services within the school, ensuring all staff understand expectations for collaboration with the counseling team.
• Guide planning with counselors during the summer and at the beginning of the school year, providing time to review data, assess needs, establish SMART goals, and develop a comprehensive master calendar.
• Facilitate collaborative discussions between counselors and teachers in the development of the master calendar to ensure alignment and agreement on the scheduling of student pull-out sessions and group counseling sessions prior to the start of the school year.
  
  

Requirements

• Master's degree in School Counseling and an Illinois Professional Educator (PEL) School Support License with a school counselor endorsement.
• Certified school counselor with 10 years of experience, with a proven track record of leadership in K-12 education and postsecondary advising.
• Expertise in implementing the ASCA National Model (2012) is essential.
• Strong understanding of college admissions, financial aid processes, and career readiness strategies.
• Proven ability to use data to drive decision-making and improve student outcomes.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with district leadership, counselors, faculty, parents, and external stakeholders.
• Experience developing and leading professional development for educators and counselors.
  
  

As a condition of employment with North Lawndale College Prep, candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.