Counselor/Guidance Counselor

Vertex Partnership Academies

New York, NY, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Education

Full Time

Job Description

Job DescriptionOrganization Overview

Vertex is a pioneering, first-of-its-kind IB-for-all academy in the heart of the Bronx. Vertex is not just a school: it's a bold reimagining of what education can be.

Our mission is to provide students with pathways for upward mobility while preparing them for the responsibilities of self-governance in a democratic republic. Everything we do is rooted in the four cardinal virtues: courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom.

At Vertex, our scholars have agency. Each day, they make choices about the kind of people they want to become, the lives they want to lead, and the society they want to build. It’s our sacred duty to equip them with the knowledge most worth having, to sharpen their critical thinking, and to create a space where they can explore, question, and create.

As an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School with a classical core, we offer both a rigorous academic foundation and a transformative character education.

Position Summary

The Counselor/Guidance Counselor will support the academic, social-emotional, and college/career readiness of Upper School students at Vertex. This role is responsible for delivering targeted counseling services, driving student engagement, supporting enrollment and retention, and ensuring students are on track for graduation and postsecondary success.

The ideal candidate is an experienced school counselor who believes deeply in academic excellence, character formation, and student agency. The Counselor/Guidance Counselor will report directly to the Upper School Director and collaborate closely with school leadership, faculty, and families to remove barriers and maximize student outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

School Counseling:

Provide short-term individual and group counseling to students around social-emotional, behavioral, and personal issues.
Deliver crisis response and intervention services, collaborating with school leadership and families.
Partner with deans and teachers to create proactive support plans for students struggling with behavior, attendance, or mental health challenges.
Track counseling services provided and maintain accurate student records according to legal and ethical standards.

Guidance Counseling:

Create, update, and track individualized academic plans, ensuring students are on a path for graduation and aligned to college/career goals.
Support students through the college application process, including college lists, essay coaching, application tracking, and financial aid navigation (FAFSA, TAP, etc.).
Advise students on course selection, summer program opportunities, and career certifications.
Lead workshops for students and families on topics like college admissions, career exploration, and scholarship opportunities.

Operations & Compliance

Partner with the operations team to ensure effective day-to-day school management
Ensure compliance with IB, charter, state, and federal education standards and policies

Family & Community Engagement

Build trusting relationships with families and act as a liaison between the school and community stakeholders
Communicate clearly and proactively with families about student progress, school initiatives, and opportunities for engagement
Support enrollment and student engagement efforts, including outreach to prospective families, participating in recruitment events, and building strong relationships with students to promote retention.

Qualifications

Required:

A bachelor’s degree
Certification in School Counseling or related
A deep, abiding belief in the infinite potential of our students
An expansive sense of your own agency
A hunger for feedback from all stakeholders and a commitment to continuous improvement
Strong commitment to character education and classical liberal arts traditions
Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills

Preferred:

Background in classical education or liberal arts curriculum
Experience in a mission-driven charter or public school setting

Compensation and Benefits

Vertex Partnership Academies offers a competitive compensation package, including:

The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $100,000; offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s years of experience and credentials.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Paid time off and holidays
Professional development opportunities
A mission-driven, supportive working environment

Physical Requirements

This role may require lifting and carrying items weighing up to 20 pounds unassisted, including assisting coworkers when needed. Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting, sitting, and looking at a computer screen for long periods at a time.

EEO Statement

Vertex Partnership Academies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment; including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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