Head Counselor

Overview

The starting salary range is $24.00 – $28.00 per hour and is non-negotiable.

• A cover letter is required when applying for this position.

The San Diego State University Pre-College Institute for transformative education is a change-ready strategic-thinking/planning organization that promotes college access and completion for underserved students through excellence and innovation in education. The Pre-College Institute as part of San Diego State University is a trans-border organization (organización transfronteriza). This organization is in its 40th year of operation and has established systems and protocols that govern the implementation of its objectives, practices, and procedures.

SDSU Upward Bound/HCOP Classic and STAR are educational opportunity programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to assist eligible high school students to pursue and complete postsecondary programs of education. There are approximately 13 UB/HCOP staff members in the Academic Year and between 28 to 32 staff during the Six-Week Summer Academy. UB/HCOP is funded to serve 167 (UB Classic: 93/ UB STAR: 74) students during the Academic Year and 90 (UB Classic: 50/UB STAR 40) during the Six-Week Summer Academy. The purpose of SDSU Upward Bound is to develop in students the motivation and skills to assist them to pursue and complete a program of postsecondary education. The purpose of HCOP is to assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter a health or allied health profession.

The ideal candidate will be dedicated to equity and inclusion, will have professional experience using established systems, policies and protocols, managing federally-funded projects, and a skill set in how counselors support and lead staff to implement transformative education principles.

The Head Counselor for Upward Bound/HCOP is responsible for conducting weekly advising sessions at one to two high schools with students and collaborates with the Coordinator of Recruitment and Work Study Internships (CRWSI) in the recruitment process and engagement activities during the academic year. The incumbent will be responsible for the planning and implementation of monthly Saturday Sessions. In consultation with the Executive Director, the incumbent will form a team of all 13 members of the Upward Bound/HCOP Staff to use existing materials in support of the professional development of Counselors and Counselor Intern(s). This will include topics such as student advising, student recruitment & retention, mentoring, and social/emotional wellbeing of students and staff. In this capacity, the incumbent will coach staff to acquire the necessary hands-on skills, and motivation to help students attain their goals for academic achievement and social-emotional wellbeing. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that program policies and procedures are followed to ensure that the Department of Education, SDSU, SDSURF regulations, policies and procedures as well as the American Camping Association (ACA) standards are met during the Academic Year and during the Summer.

During the summer, the Head Counselor will work in collaboration with staff to recruit, identify, and select summer staff with particular emphasis on Residential Advisors/Instructional Aides (RA/IAs). The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that program policies and procedures are followed to ensure that the American Camping Association (ACA) standards are met. The incumbent will collaborate with the Academic Coordinator to ensure smooth communication between the Academic staff & Residential staff. The incumbent is also responsible for working with the Summer Residential Programs (SRP) Director and with the Head Resident Advisors to plan and implement training for Residential Staff.

Responsibilities

Program/Professional Development of Counseling Staff (35%)

• Under the supervision of the Director of the Upward Bound/HCOP programs (PCI Executive Director), participate constructively in the ongoing development of PCI as a strategic-thinking, strategic-planning organization.
• Collaborate with the Director of Upward Bound/HCOP programs (PCI Executive Director) to implement the program’s policies, regulations, and procedures of the US Department of Education Student Services Division, the Health Careers Opportunity program subcontract with UCSD School of Medicine, the San Diego State University Research Foundation and the American Camping Association standards.
• In consultation with the Director of Upward Bound/HCOP programs (PCI Executive Director) identified consultants, develop goals and objectives and a timeline to orient oneself on the knowledge of the SDSURF HR policies, funding agencies foundational documents, and the ACA standards that govern the management of the programs.
• Collaborate and participate in the planning and implementation of All-PCI related events including STEAM Exploration Day and Career Day.
• Support the onboarding, orientation, coaching, and professional development of Counselors and Counselor Intern(s) in their counseling/advising roles at their school sites.
• Collaborate with Coordinator of Recruitment and Work-study internships (CRWSI) to plan, implement, and co-facilitate new student orientations in all the UB Classic and STAR schools to include parents and their families.
• Support the SRP Director (PCI Executive Director) and the CRWSI with screening and selection of Head Resident Advisors and Resident Advisors/Instructional Aides, and all summer staff.
• In collaboration with the Director of Upward Bound/HCOP programs (PCI Executive Director) and the Academic Coordinator, support the planning and implementation of training and team building for summer teachers, academic staff, and residential staff in accordance with ACA standards.
• Support the SRP Director (PCI Executive Director) and the counseling team in the creation, training, and implementation of a grade-based curriculum the counseling team will use to provide academic and professional services to the students served by the program.
• In collaboration with the SRP Director (PCI Executive Director), the Evaluation Research Specialist, and their Research Assistant, review and revise annually the systems and operational protocols for:
  • Student tracking includes participation in the academic year, attendance at advising sessions, attendance at Saturday Sessions, and academic progress in meeting a-g requirements.
  • Monitoring of data collection and use of data for continuous improvement of the program.
  • Six-year student follow-up of college-enrolled Upward Bound participants. Attend weekly Upward Bound/HCOP Staff meetings and monthly All-PCI Staff meetings.Attend weekly one-on-one meetings with the SRP Director (PCI Executive Director).

Recruitment (20%)

• In collaboration with the CRWSI, create a positive reciprocal relationship with schools principals, counselors, and teachers at all Upward Bound/HCOP Classic and STAR schools sites.
• In collaboration with the CRWSI, review and revise existing recruitment protocols, tools, and strategies biannually. This includes adherence to the 60-day probationary period and adherence to eligibility requirements as stated in the approved project proposal.
• In collaboration with the CRWSI, form a functional team to include the counselors, counselor interns, Evaluation and Research Specialist, Fiscal Specialist, Administrative Support Assistant and other support staff in their implementation of recruitment protocols.
• Work collaboratively with the counseling team to make recruitment presentations at assigned school sites.
• Create protocols for outreach to parents of students expressing initial interest in the program.
• In collaboration with the CRWSI and the counseling staff, conduct intake interviews, rate candidates, and recommend the selection of program participants to the SRP Director (PCI Executive Director).

Academic Advising (30%)

• With the assistance of the Counseling Interns provide motivational counseling and advising to participants at one to two school sites online or in person as needed. Services include but are not limited to personal problem-solving, academic advice: A-G requirements, Financial Aid & Scholarships, College Applications, building positive relationships among and between students, enhancing communication skills, career planning, academic skill-building, study skills techniques and other topics in alignment with the UB/HCOP Participant Service Sheet (PSS).
• Conduct needs assessment and develops Individual Learning Plans (ILP’s) in accordance with the approved grant proposal.
• Conduct workshops and presentations for parents, students, and counseling staff on college admissions and financial aid.
• Monitor the counseling staff on their documentation of all student contacts and services: use PSS, student case notes, ILPs, Individual Learning Assessment (ILAs) on page 23 of the UB Classic and UB STAR proposal and page 38 of the submission file, academic assessments/goals, senior tracking information, attendance rosters, and the alumni tracking forms (student and registrar).
• Conduct timely/regular student follow-up contacts with staff at school sites staff, teachers and counselors (in-person and online if needed).
• In collaboration with the Upward Bound/HCOP team contribute to the planning and implementation of monthly Saturday Sessions which the incumbent is expected to attend.

Other (5%)

• Attend outreach workshops sponsored by UCSD and CSU systems that update requirements for college admissions and federal and state financial aid as well as privately sponsored scholarships.
• Develop professional workshops/seminars to present at TRIO conferences and or at All-PCI professional development meetings, where appropriate.

Summer Duties (10% during the Academic Year and 100% during the Summer)

• Revision of the Staff and Student Manual for the operation of the Summer Academy.
• Using research-based materials and protocols to train staff and implement a program of restorative justice practices to resolve conflicts as they occur.
• Plan and implement the All-Day faculty and staff training for the Summer Academy.
• Plan and implement the 4-day training for the Residential Staff.
• Guidance of the Head Residents for Upward Bound Classic and STAR in the implementation of the activities in the residential position of the Summer Academy.
• Liaise between the academic and residential staff by working closely with the Program Director and Academic Coordinator.
• Support individual social/emotional development as described in the approved program application.
• Meet deadlines for the submission of self-evaluation documents based on reflection and reflexivity for continuous improvement which is submitted to their immediate supervisor twice a year at the six-month and annual anniversary date.
• Other duties as assigned to ensure program service delivery.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Abilities, and Experience

• Master’s Degree in school counseling or related field and Certification in some aspect of counseling (e.g., restorative justice certification, substance-abuse counseling, certified rehabilitation counseling, etc.).
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a leadership and professional development role.
• 2 years’ experience in training, coaching, and monitoring staff implementation of their advising and counseling roles.
• Hands-on experience implementing and supervising a Residential Program.
• Hands-on experience with college outreach- College Applications (e.g. UCs, CSUs, and CCs private institutions), FAFSA and Financial Aid applications.
• Experience working in a team environment based on leadership by inclusion.
• Experience working in a transborder environment with transborder students.
• Hands on experience recruiting high-school students.
  • Experience in conflict resolution and working with diverse cultural groups.Experience to:
    • relate successfully with high school counselors, administrators, and other school personnel
    • conduct presentations to potential students, parents, and school personnel
    • follow protocols when presenting information to potential students, parents, and school personnel
    • communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Valid CA Driver’s License
• Reliable transportation is required to travel to school site(s)
• Bilingual and biliterate in English/Spanish.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS

• Certification as a school counselor (Pupil Personnel Credential in CA)
• Training and Experience with Restorative Justice
• Two years’ experience in advising/mentoring high school students
• Experience coordinating events for groups
• Knowledge of TRIO programs and regulations or of other outreach programs with similar goals and objectives as TRIO programs

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• Candidate must reside in California or live in a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer.