College Counselor

Bronx, New York
Urban Dove Inc

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

Urban Dove’s mission is to provide young people, regardless of their economic or social background, the critical skills needed to develop into strong, successful adults who are economically, socially and emotionally independent . Our program model uses a combination of academics, life skills, job skills and sports to energize, educate and empower young people in a safe, positive environment of high expectations and shared responsibility. Urban Dove Team Charter School (UD Team) is a completely unique and innovative network of alternative sports-based high schools for over-aged, under-credited youth. Our schools combine a rigorous academic curriculum with a hands-on, real-world vocational program, and an award-winning college and career readiness program that strives to give each graduate a high school diploma, a foundation for higher education, and the job skills needed to enter the world of work.

Energize. UD Team schools energize at-risk students through a sports, health and fitness program that focuses on developing teamwork, healthy competition, and self-confidence for academic and life success.

Educate. UD Team schools educate over-aged, under-credited students through a 3-year mastery-based, personalized instructional program that leads to a high school diploma, a foundation for higher education, and the job skills needed to enter the world of work.

Empower. UD Team schools empower disconnected youth through individualized academic support, internships, and counseling so that they are prepared to be active, healthy, informed world citizens.

Some highlights of our program include:

• Students are members of small, single-gender teams that practice together, play together, go to class together, and receive support services together
• Students spend significant portions of each day participating and being trained to be a Youth Staff Coach for elementary school students in our after school and recess enhancement programs
• Staff are supported, mentored, and heard through a governance structure that values all constituents
• UD Team uses restorative practices in response to behavior infractions and focuses heavily on youth development and the social emotional education of our students

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The College All Stars (CAS) program helps students begin their journey to GET INTO, GO TO, and STAY IN college. Through workshops, fun educational events, and college-focused activities, the program familiarizes students and their parents/guardians with the language and requirements of the college application process. CAS offers all-inclusive support, from application assistance to college selection, all the way through college admittance, enrollment and acclimation into school. Additionally, CAS provides comprehensive and intensive SAT prep and testing; workshops on financial aid, scholarship eligibility, career exploration, college applications, interviews, and college life; numerous campus visits and tours; and guidance from Urban Dove Alumni.

Program Associates will provide college access and guidance services as program model outlines including; counseling, workshops, exam registration, portfolio management, career exploration and college tours. Program Associates will use the power of mentoring to engage, educate, and energize at-risk youth and will ensure that Urban Dove’s Core Values of Teamwork, Leadership, Communication are in the forefront. Program Associates report directly to the Director of College and Career Readiness.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Carry out College All Stars Curriculum through weekly workshops for over 100 students and on-site student supervision
• Create lesson plans, taking attendance, and assess students
• Responsible for student benchmarks and ensuring that attendance is in place and reportable
• Database management
• Providing students with continued support and feedback
• Maintain open communication with parents and guardians regarding academics and behavior
• Keeping accurate documentation of students progress towards their goals and next steps in the process
• Plan and supervise all program activities
• Complete administrative duties as needed and assigned
• Create a resource rich environment for students and teachers as it pertains to college readiness and educational, career and life planning
• Collaborate with parents/guardians to assist students with educational, career, and life planning
• Maintain and disseminate information about standardized tests such as the PSAT, SAT and ACT
• Work with Coaches to track students’ progress in their classes and implement academic interventions and strategies when appropriate
• Build relationships with students both through individual meetings/sessions and being visible during lunch, breaks, and in the classroom, when appropriate
• Attend weekly grade team meetings to discuss the progress of students, and to develop interventions and direction, as appropriate
• Track alumni progress post-graduation
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings
• Plan and supervise local college tours
• Chaperone mandatory overnight college tours in the Spring (March/April) and Summer (July)
• Attend Senior Retreat Weekend Spring (May/June)
• Attend Senior Weekend at sleep-away camp in August

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 3 years experience working with young people in a youth development or educational setting, or 3 years experience working to help students succeed on a college/university campus required
• Be highly organized, responsible and positive role model for teenagers
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and deliver high quality work
• Experience in college access and/or retention programs is preferred; the ideal candidate will have experience counseling students on post-secondary education options
• Knowledge of the U.S. higher education system, especially New York City and State, and familiarity with the financial aid and college application processes as well as community- and campus-based persistence supports
• Commitment to the Urban Dove mission and core values of Teamwork, Leadership, and Communication
• Commitment to the use of restorative practices and a strength-based, youth development approach to student issues
• Ability to function well as part of a team and work independently
• Must be team-oriented, with a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, a passion for serving at-risk youth
• Driver’s license and experience driving 15 passenger van very helpful
• Familiarity with the college admissions process

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