Academic Counselor

Required Application Materials

Please combine all documents into one prior to uploading.

The application should include a resume, cover letter (limited to no more than two (2) pages, single-sided), education transcripts, a copy of any relevant certifications, three references that can be contacted, and the Declaration of Applicant Form (must be notarized).

The Declaration of Applicant Form is located on this website: https://www.uttua.org/departments/human-resources/files/affidavit-pre-employment.pdf

The Declaration of Applicant Form is REQUIRED by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) when the applicant applies, it must be notarized and included in the application process. A copy of the signed form or photo of the signed form should be included with the combined documents. Notaries are available at each campus for the pre-employment affidavit. Applicants can schedule an appointment to complete the form, and have it notarized by reaching out to the campus front office for the location where they are applying.

Important Instructions:

When prompted to upload your “resume”, upload your combined documents as one file.

• Please do not upload documents to “Cover Letter” or “References”.

If the required application materials were not uploaded at the “resume” prompt, please withdraw your application, and re-apply to upload your combined documents as one file.

Job Summary

The Academic Counselor position will conduct career exploration programs, develop graduation plans, review transfer records, track credits, produce Skyward transcripts, assist students with enrollment in dual credit coursework, calculate GPAs, class ranks, and assist with academic testing, scholarships, and university applications.

Major Responsibilities/Duties/Critical Tasks

• Prepare Graduation Plans/Schedules, effectively plan the school guidance and counseling program to meet identified needs.
• Maintain academic records.
• Data Entry and Reporting; Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
• Collect data from Post-Secondary Testing (PSAT, SAT, ACT, TSI, etc.), monitor student performance and track progress toward meeting specified criteria.
• Coordinate the dual credit for the district through student registration, data management, program compliance, academic support, communication, and reporting.
• Act as District Skyward Administrator.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Masters in Guidance Counseling
• Valid Texas Counseling Certification
• 3 Years Experience as a Counselor
• Experience Utilizing Student Information Systems (SIS)

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of PEIMS requirements and reporting.
• Experience in Skyward Student Information System.

Accompanying Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

Knowledge:

• Educational Systems: Understand the structure and functioning of the educational system, including graduation requirements, standardized testing, and college admissions processes.
• Counseling Principles: Familiarity with counseling theories and principles, such as individual and group counseling, career counseling, and crisis intervention.
• Academic Advising: Knowledge of curriculum options, course scheduling, and educational pathways, including college and career readiness.
• Student Development: Understanding of adolescent development and the challenges that students typically face.
• Higher Education: Awareness of different college and career options, including admissions requirements, financial aid, scholarships, and vocational programs.
• Legal and Ethical Considerations: Familiarity with laws and regulations governing student confidentiality, informed consent, and other ethical considerations in counseling.

Skills:

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with students, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders.
• Active Listening: The ability to listen attentively to students' concerns and provide empathetic support.
• Problem-Solving: The capacity to identify and address academic and personal challenges faced by students.
• Conflict Resolution: Skills to mediate and resolve conflicts among students or between students and staff.
• Data Analysis: Ability to analyze student data and use it to inform decision-making and counseling interventions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products

Abilities:

• Empathy: The ability to understand and empathize with students' diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Cultural Competence: Sensitivity to and awareness of cultural and diversity issues that may impact students' experiences.
• Collaboration: Willingness and ability to work collaboratively with educators, parents, and community resources to support students.
• Time Management: Effective time management skills to handle a caseload of students and manage administrative tasks.
• Adaptability: The capacity to adapt to changing situations and evolving student needs.
• Adherence to Confidentiality Laws (FERPA)

Competencies:

• Academic Counseling: Competency in providing academic guidance, including course selection, graduation requirements, and college/career planning.
• Mental Health Support: The ability to identify signs of emotional distress and provide appropriate support or referrals to mental health professionals.
• Career Development: Competence in assisting students with career exploration, resume building, and job-seeking skills.
• Advocacy: The capability to advocate for students' needs and rights within the school system.
• Documentation: Effective record-keeping and documentation of counseling sessions and student progress.
• Evaluation and Improvement: Continuously assessing the effectiveness of counseling programs and implementing improvements as needed.

About The University of Texas at Tyler

The UT Tyler University Academy (UTTUA) is a K-12 university charter public school. The charter was approved by the State Board of Education in 2012. The UTTUA opened locations at each of the UT Tyler Campuses in the same year.

The University of Texas at Tyler is part of the prestigious University of Texas System that includes 13 institutions located throughout the state. Founded in 1971, UT Tyler today enrolls 10,000 students and consists of six colleges.

Our beautiful Tyler campus features more than 200 acres nestled along a lake and surrounded by thick pine and oak forests, providing a picturesque location for study and recreation. We also offer instructional sites at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler and in Palestine, Longview, and Houston.

With more than 80 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs offered, UT Tyler provides a wealth of learning opportunities and dynamic programs.

For more information, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/about/.

Additional Information

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code Section 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.

EEO/AA Statement

The University of Texas at Tyler is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.