Academic Counselor

Description

Classification

Exempt

Accountability

This position reports directly to the Secondary Headmaster

Date Updated:

May 13, 2025

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective

The Academic Counselor is responsible for scheduling classes, overseeing all the academic requirements and guidelines, and overseeing all the senior college concerns and scholarships. The Academic Counselor will communicate directly to the Secondary Headmaster on a regular basis. This position must agree with and support the Faculty/Board Member's Covenant and agree with/help fulfill CHA's Mission Statement.

Essential Functions (Responsibilities and Tasks)

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Maintain a high standard of ethics and honesty
• Defend principles and convictions in the face of pressure
• Be patient in dealing with people
• Exercise good judgment in areas such as personal appearance, entertainment, etc.
• Administrates all aspects of student schedules from course offerings to individual student schedules, always keeping in mind current state standards and college entrance requirements. (summer)
• Development of teacher schedules for the most effective utilization of staff and for the most beneficial advancement of students.
• Coordinates the secondary achievement testing program and all other testing including: IOWA, Pre-ACT, ACT, PSAT, etc. This testing is evaluated to determine individual student weaknesses and strengths, improve curriculum, and build the school’s academic credibility. Analyze school-wide trends for grade levels and subject areas with each test. Order testing materials and manage tests.
• Confers with and gives needed counseling to students regarding academic concerns when this has not been successful at a lower level or when requested to do so by a teacher or parent.
• Maintains a check on all students who are under academic probation based on the OSSAA guidelines.
• Keeps records of eligibility concerns and reports to teachers and coaches.
• Coordinates all summer school classes.
• Writes reference letters for any student who needs one for college entrance, job, etc.
• Performs periodic reviews of transcripts, especially Juniors and Seniors, ensuring a proper instructional program for each student. Check for graduation requirements and diploma type for each student.
• Schedules and coordinates out-of-the-classroom activities such as leadership seminars, college fairs, employment opportunities, student council activities, and college visits.
• Schedules and helps coordinate scholarship and admittance seminars for parents and students.
• Coordinate and help conduct college testing preparation programs as needed throughout the years, such as Chad Cargill’s ACT prep workshop.
• Sets up and maintains the student’s NAVIANCE website and student data information. Keeps the students updated on all graduation requirements through NAVIANCE.
• Work with parents and teachers to assist students who are “at-risk”
• Send out D and F lists for teacher documentation and follow-up
• Finalize and distribute diplomas (summer)
• Schedule standardized tests for the upcoming year (summer)
• Update the secondary profile (summer)
• New senior graduation checklist (summer)
• Attend faculty training sessions regarding Principle Approach Methodology and American Christian Philosophy of Education
• Participate in Professional Development and devotions throughout the year
• Attends staff meetings, committee meetings, and all other meetings that are required
• Teach Senior Seminar.

Competencies (Qualifications)

• Communication Proficiency
• Interpersonal Skills
• Teamwork Skills
• Decision Making
• Stress Management/Composure
• Leadership and Management Skills
• Learning Orientation
• Ethical Conduct
• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Initiative
• Time Management
• Clerical Skills: Computer, phone, Copier/Printer
• Organizational skills
• ACSI Certification

Supervisor Responsibility

None

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional school environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, 11-month salary position, payable on a 12-month pay schedule. Days and hours are M - F from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The 11-month contract is due to the scheduling of classes and other summer responsibilities noted in the job description.

Performance Standards

This position will be evaluated by standards set by the Headmaster and appropriate area-level Headmaster. A regular visitation and reporting procedure has been established.

Travel

Rare travel is required for conferences or additional training. Position holder may be asked to accompany seniors on Boston trip.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The school is currently a multi-level facility, which requires this position to navigate flights of stairs regularly to meet responsibilities related to the school.

Talking - must be able to express ideas and speak clearly and orally in person or over the phone to parents, students, and/or other employees.

Hearing – the ability to perceive sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction and to receive detailed information through oral communication.

Close visual acuity is required for viewing a computer monitor, preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, and reading.

Standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods of time, moving about on foot for lecturing and monitoring students in the classroom, as well as throughout the building.

Using a computer requires the dexterity of hands and fingers.

Occasional lifting of at least 25 pounds.

The environment is primarily indoors in a classroom environment.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree in education and/or equivalent required subject hours.

Willing to obtain ACSI certification.

Preferred Education

Bachelor's Degree or higher in Education or Counseling preferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

None

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.