College and Career Readiness Counselor (2025-2026 SY)

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY: The College and Career Readiness Guidance Counselor is responsible for assisting students with their academic success and social development. The College and Career Readiness Guidance Counselor will promote and implement equity and access for all students, families, and staff members in service of achieving the mission and vision of creating the nursing workforce of the future through college access support. The Nurses Middle College’s College and Career Readiness Guidance Counselor supports a coherent and structured college awareness and career readiness program that guides Nurses Middle College students in career and college planning. The College and Career Readiness Guidance Counselor also serves as a liaison to educators, families, and community partners in achieving college access for all Nurses Middle College students. The College and Career Readiness Guidance Counselor receives technical assistance, guidance, and instruction from the team of Directors. The College and Career Readiness Guidance Counselor is responsible for supporting and implementing best practices for disciplinary referrals, attendance, truancy, behavior monitoring plans, academic advising, and wrap-around supports. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions. Leadership: Establishes, champions, and maintains a college-going culture for all students and staff. Promotes the Nurses Middle College’s educational philosophy, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures that directly benefit the student. Communicates and expects a growth mindset for all driven by the belief that all Nurses Middle College students can succeed in college and nursing careers. Communicates verbally and in writing with the School Leadership Team around instruction and problems related to the college access and support. Monitors all data related to college access and success as appropriate. Establishes an equitable and inclusive school climate, where students are at the helm of educational practices. Student and Family Engagement: Creates and develops positive relationships with all members of the school community (students, teachers, families) in support of college and career access. Effectively and productively engages with students and parents with the intention of developing strong college-going awareness and engagement in the steps necessary for student success. Provides families with information in a variety of formats and language in a coherent arc of learning regarding colleges and the requirements needed to apply (assessments, course requirements, college selection etc.). Leads school events that encourage community connection to and investment in the school culture and student success, including recognition assemblies, parent workshops, family and community service events; leads school events that encourage college awareness and opportunities for families and students. Meets with parents to discuss academic, career and personal/social-related plans for their student. Serves as a resource to parents (e.g. information sharing). Student Support Systems and Activities: Attends and participates in Student Support Team staff meetings and training. Consults and collaborates with teachers, parents, and administrators on a regular basis to develop strategies to help students with issues regarding academic performance, truancy, and individual and classroom behavioral issues, as requested. Facilitates student scheduling, including annual set-up on the school management system Participates on Evaluation, School Crisis, and Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Teams. Provides access to test results and school records for students, parents, and other faculty members. Acts as test coordinator for the bi-annual administration of College Board SAT Suite of Assessments; participates in state-mandated trainings and adheres to state testing regulations College and Career Readiness Programming: Beginning in 9th grade, supports a post-secondary nursing pathway for all students, including developing a college and career plan and identifying well-matched school options with each student, supporting students to update their plans on an ongoing basis and in ways appropriate to their grade level. Interfaces with colleges and other educational communities and opportunities to ensure breadth of exposure to students regarding their college options for post-secondary nursing pathways Ensures professional and productive partnerships are maintained with higher education, practice partners, parents, and other college and career-related stakeholders. Participates in ensuring timely and accurate report cards of student grades. Refers students and families to educational opportunities, as necessary, towards supporting the Nurses Middle College’s mission. College Application Process Assists in the application process for college and other extension opportunities including the financial aid application process through navigation of both the federal financial aid application process (FAFSA) as well as applying for local and college-specific financial aid opportunities. Provides information about colleges and the requirements needed to apply (ex. Assessments, course requirements, etc.). Leads school-wide efforts to support students in the application process for college and other extension opportunities, including completing the common application and drafting effective college essays. Assesses the transcripts of transfer students to determine the award of credits and the recommended sequence of classes. Interfaces with Naviance and Common Application procedures and assists students with securing recommendations from outside sources. Writes college recommendations for students and supports students to compile all necessary documentation and other recommendations needed for successful applications. Other: Required attendance at various events is the expectation for employees. Attendance and meaningful participation in each planning day, professional development day, parent teacher conferences, at least one (1) new student open houses, and graduation are required. Dates and times will be determined and employees will be notified as such. Perform such other duties and assume other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Director of Teaching and Learning, Principal or Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and/or necessary to perform the functions of the position. QUALIFICATIONS: Current B.C.I. Proof of U.S. Citizenship, residency or work visa required. Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology or related field required. Master’s degree preferred. State certification for secondary school counselor 3-5 years of relevant experience is preferred Self-starter who is detail oriented. Meticulous attention to data collection and data analysis to drive decision making. Possess the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Experience working in urban communities with multicultural families preferred Proficient in Skyward, Naviance or other student information system. Attends professional learning opportunities related to high school counseling. Uses appropriate branding of the school that is aligned with mission and vision, in all internal and external communications. Remains current regarding changes and developments in the profession by attending professional meetings, reading professional journals and other publications, and discussing problems of mutual interest with others in the field to ensure quality leadership. Takes responsibility for behavior, mistakes and results, learns from successes and failures, and teaches others to do the same. Manages time and resources effectively, prioritizing efforts according to organizational goals. Consistently demonstrates respect and appreciation for others by empathizing, valuing their time and contributions, and being available and responsive to their needs. Seeks constructive feedback and other opportunities for self-development. WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. Duties also apply when on a field trip away from school.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT STATEMENT: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job specific responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis. EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the RI Nurses Institute’s policy on evaluation of staff. I acknowledge that I have received and read this job description. I further acknowledge the responsibilities of this position. I understand that my job responsibilities, as outlined in said job description, may be modified any time at the direction and discretion of the Principal or Chief Executive Officer (CEO).