Access Counselor

Access Counselor

Title: Access Counselor/Program Manager

Reports to:  Sr. Director of Programs and Enrichment 

Position: Full Time

FLSA: Exempt

About Perspectives Charter Schools

At Perspectives, our A Disciplined Life® education model teaches the whole child. We combine academic rigor, social emotional learning, and experiential opportunities to establish a culture of trust, curiosity and achievement. As one of the first charter schools in Illinois and founded by teachers, our mission is to provide students with a holistic, rigorous and relevant education, based on the ethical principles of A Disciplined Life®, preparing them for life in a changing world and helping them further become intellectually reflective, caring and ethical people engaged in a meaningful life. With 5 schools in three campuses, the Perspectives network has served public school students in grades 6 -12 on our city’s southside for over 20 years. Our scholars come from some of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in the country and graduate from high school with a plan to enroll in college or trade school and take with them the tools to persist in college and career. The keys to our success are our dedicated, hard‐working, creative, and compassionate colleagues.

Perspectives’ Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement

We are committed to reducing barriers and fostering an anti-racist, non-discriminatory and inclusive environment by internalizing our core values of A Disciplined Life® and ensuring that our practices allow our diverse population of students and staff to grow, thrive, and excel. 

LOCATION: 

Perspectives/ Rodney D. Joslin Campus. 1930 S. Archer Ave. Chicago, IL 60616

Be a Program Manager at Perspectives, where we live A Disciplined Life®.

JOB PURPOSE 

The Program Manager (PM) has overall responsibility for managing the success of our students as they navigate high school and prepare for their post - secondary experience. As a program manager within the Perspectives network, this individual will be responsible for building strong relationships with all stakeholders to best support our students by using YouScience, Naviance, APEX, academic and behavior reports. The PM establishes collaboration and strength-based development to best support a solid post -secondary foundation, specifically working with students, continuously analyzing data to aid in the process of creating an individualized plan to yield strong outcomes. Through early intervention and support, we are able to best prepare scholars for their post-secondary path; thus, creating pride in their path.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:  CORE RESPONSIBILITIES 

Academic Rigor 

• Identify and research opportunities to support college/ career awareness targeting 6 - 10 graders utilizing Naviance and YouScience.
• Execute strategies and launch YouScience education and engagement opportunities to increase interest amongst PCS scholars and staff.
• Analyze and organize YouScience data to aid in easily identifying candidates for the various career paths and pathway opportunities to best align scholars' aptitude and interest 
• Work with the leadership team to discuss scholars off track, and aid in creating a credit recovery, tutoring plan, or enrichment opportunities. 
• Manage credit recovery plan in conjunction with API and ILs to ensure 9th/10th grade scholars remain on track, as outlined in plan.
• Create and develop summer enrichment opportunities and manage summer school registration for grades 6th -12th.  
• In partnership with network Director of Programs, recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate after-school instructors and program providers.
• Create, design, and support school programs (e.g., Homecoming, Holiday Showcase, Black History, picture day, etc.)

Social Emotional & Ethical Learning

• Create individual plans with scholars upon entry into the PCS learning community, outlining goals to best prepare for high school and post-secondary experience.
• Engage in ongoing collaboration between all staff members
• Build meaningful and professional relationships with students, families, and community members.

Experiential Learning

• Maintains professional growth which includes attendance at training and development programs.
• Compellingly communicates Perspectives’ A Disciplined Life Model to prospective and existing community and corporate partners
• Plan and execute special parent events in partnership with school administration. 

BENEFITS SUMMARY:

Perspectives offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for all full-time employees, including:

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package 
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off including holidays
• Company 403B plan with a 4% match if applicable
• Company contribution towards the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund if applicable
• Paid life insurance
• Paid short- and long-term disability.
• ISBE-approved professional development provider

Perspectives Charter Schools works affirmatively to include diversity among its workforce and does not discriminate in the selection of its staff on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, income, marital status, or any other dimension of diversity. We encourage diverse candidates to apply for this position.

Access Counselor

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: 

Education: 

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited College or University

Experience: 

• Evidence of success working in an urban school environment strongly preferred but not required
• Able to work independently and with others

CHARACTERISTICS YOU BRING TO THE TEAM: 

• A strong commitment to live by the 26 principles of A Disciplined Life and a belief that all students deserve an excellent education
• A willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve outstanding student outcomes
• A commitment to life-long learning with the desire to take advantage of professional development and coaching to constantly improve

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to work on-site while following safety protocols.
• Nature of work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment. Requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files. 
• Majority of work will be performed in a general office/school environment.
• Physical demands require the ability to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach or pull with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl around the classroom and kneel upwards of 60% of the day. Must be able to stand for long periods of time (up to 8 hours) and quickly ascend/descend stairs and/or being able to walk up and down stairs several times a day. Constant use of eyes (correctable vision to normal level required) to observe, read, interact with public and co-workers, view security monitors; includes hand/eye coordination
• Must be able to lift 15 to 20 pounds for short periods of time and push and pull 30 to 40 lbs. 

TRAVEL:

Majority of work will be performed in a general office/school environment. This position may require participation and attendance at organization sponsored events and meetings.