COUNSELING

CounselorPOSITION OVERVIEW:
Under the supervision of the Program Services Coordinator, the GEAR UP Counselor will supplement the school counseling program by ensuring that GEAR UP cohort students take the classes necessary to achieve their goals and to fulfill GEAR UP program objectives.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
•Assist all students to discover their interests and goals.
•Develop individual Academic Plans (AP) for the entire GEAR UP student cohort of 800 – 900 adolescents per site, and provide on-going monitoring of progress made toward completing the plan.
•Provide information to all students about their educational options after middle school and into high school; promote the pursuit of higher education.
•Help students handle emotional and social problems utilizing school and community support/resources.
•Refer students to school and community based intervention and social support programs; follow up with agencies and students to ensure that services were received.
•Develop, coordinate and conduct workshops on life skills management and character building.
•Have students experience different ways to evaluate their decision-making skills and communicate their career interests.•Create and maintain student program files; review and maintain regularly all student cohort records.•Develop and execute career exploration curriculum and activities for GEAR UP students.
•Collaborate with LAUSD counselors to develop and deliver programming, referrals, and case management services for GEAR UP cohort students.
•Conduct intake and follow-up advisement sessions with all GEAR UP students; document outcomes.
•Conduct advisement sessions and targeted workshops for cohort parents at least 3 times a year.
•Make home visits; meet one-on-one with parents to provide targeted intervention and services as needed.
•Train and supervise GEAR UP Advisors who conduct academic advisement sessions, and in class and after-school presentations.
•Conduct time management and study skills workshops for GEAR UP students.
•Assist in coordination of annual Community Resource Fair.•Other duties as assigned with approval of Director.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:Education and Experience:
Masters degree in counseling, school counseling, social work, or a closely related field; possess a California Pupil Personnel Credential or equivalent credential, OR currently enrolled in 2nd year of a Masters in Counseling Program, pursuing a Masters degree in school counseling and PPS credential.
Language Skills:
Strong oral and written skills in English; ability to communicate effectively in Spanish.
Other Skills:
Ability to establish and nurture positive working relationship with middle school students, parents, and school site staff. Able to identify and respond to the needs of the limited English proficient populations. Carry self in a professional and ethical manner; serve as a positive role model and mentor to participants and parents. Possess skills and experience to establish and maintain positive working relationships with both professional and culturally diverse populations. Must work well under pressure and be able to manage multiple projects. Feel at ease with middle school students and believe in the students’ potential for leadership. Promote a supportive, positive and inclusive environment. Must be punctual, dependable, a self starter and responsive to supervision. Computer literacy skills. Ability to supervise and direct the work of others.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
•A California general Pupil Personnel Services Credential or a pupil personnel services credential authorizing service in school counseling.•Experience in advocacy and community development work.
•Experience working with community representatives, diverse ethnic and cultural groups, youth groups, or in social services; knowledgeable of needs of English-limited proficient and/or dominant Spanish speaking, and immigrant populations.
•1 year experience counseling middle school/high school students in an educational or related setting.
•A valid California teaching credential authorizing service in the K-12 program.•Physical and mental fitness to engage in counseling services as certified by a licensed physician and surgeon or medical officer pursuant to Education Code Section 44839 and evidence of freedom from active tuberculosis pursuant to Education Code Section 49406.
•Experience administering and interpreting career, academic, skills, interest, and personality assessments. Knowledge of computer programs as aides to explore educational and career opportunities.•Experience interpreting standard test scores, and translating the scores into “layman’s” terms.
•Ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish.Source - Los Angeles Times
REQUIREMENTS
Please refer to the Job Description to view the requirements for this job