Position: Upper School (grades 5 - 12) Guidance Counselor

Reports to: Upper School Principal

Primary Responsibilities:

An experienced and dynamic Guidance Counselor will be responsible for overseeing the college and career counseling program for grades 5 through 12. The Guidance Counselor will work with a team to plan, implement, and evaluate Traders Point Christian School’s comprehensive program to assist students as they navigate the college admissions process, pursue post-secondary options, and discern God’s calling on their lives. This position also frequently consults with the Director of Curriculum and is a member of the Upper School administrative and student support team.

Position Goal:

The goal of this position is to support Traders Point Christian School’s mission to challenge and educate students within the framework of a Biblical worldview while leading them to a personal faith and transformed life in Jesus Christ. We are Jesus-centered, relationally-driven, and educationally-anchored.

Qualifications: 

Educational and Experience Requirements:

• Candidates must be professing and maturing Christians enthusiastically supporting the School’s statement of faith and mission statements.  
• A bachelor’s degree in the content area is required and an ACSI certification is preferred.  
• Background in school counseling or counseling with current Indiana School Services license as a School Counselor. 
• Proficiency in Naviance is preferred. 
• The ideal candidate will excel at developing collaborative relationships with all constituencies. 
• Excellent communication skills are a must, including writing and presentation abilities. 
• In addition, the position requires the ability to organize and prioritize work, resolve problems, follow through, and manage multiple priorities to ensure that goals are met in a timely manner.

Qualifying Characteristics:

• The guidance counselor has a clear biblical testimony of salvation with an authentic and mature personal relationship with Jesus Christ in both their professional and personal life with a calling and commitment to Christian education. 
• The ideal counselor must have the desire to work closely and nurture a positive relationship with students, teachers, parents, staff, school administrators, and community members. 
• The counselor must demonstrate respect for all students and community members. 
• The ability to exercise good judgment, set a good example, and comply with school standards is a must as well as the ability to deal with sensitive and confidential issues in a tactful and professional manner. 
• As a member of the Upper School Administration at TPCS, you are expected to instruct and model important religious functions that include Bible instruction, prayer, participation in weekly chapels, and other religious duties. 

Responsibilities and Duties:

Offer guidance to all assigned students and staff in the meeting of academic and spiritual needs in a manner that is effective, appropriate, and fitting with the mission of Traders Point Christian Schools (TPCS). This includes preparing students in the transition process to a career or post-secondary education. Provide student data to parents and teachers to facilitate academic success.  

 Counselor Responsibilities:

• Complete required training to schedule and oversee all standardized testing as utilized by the school including ASVAB, PSAT, WIDA, and NWEA. ILearn, SAT, AP tests, and any other tests adopted by the school. Also, support the provision of school-based extended-time testing, and assist students and parents in the registration process.
• Assist students in identifying their needs, interests, and goals as they relate to the selection of, and application to, post-secondary careers or appropriate colleges and universities.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding their supporting role in college admission and assist them in understanding the needs and desires of their children as well as the various facets of the process.
• Partner with the school’s SEL Counselor on addressing the social and emotional pressures on students and families associated with the college search, application, and admissions processes, as well as identifying a career and ultimately discovering God's purpose and calling.
• Raise the visibility of Traders Point Christian Schools locally, regionally, and nationally. 
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with a broad network of colleges, universities, and professional organizations and assist them in understanding our school, curriculum, and students.
• Host College Admissions Representatives while on campus and attend admissions meetings and conferences that are held in the Indianapolis community.
• Visit colleges annually to gain an understanding of campus cultures, programs, and admission priorities.
• Assist students in developing timelines and completing tasks associated with the application process; suggest specific colleges to investigate and visit; review student essays and help students develop and practice appropriate interview skills. Write an individualized recommendation for each counseled.
• Develop and annually update the Traders Point Christian Schools School Profile for Colleges.
• Plan and execute annual programs and events for students and parents.
• Work with faculty to increase their understanding of their role in the college admissions process, including the writing of teacher recommendations and evaluations.
• Enter all transcript information for new students into FACTS SIS as well as enter all grades, credits, and other information for online courses
• Provide academic counseling and support for students and parents regarding academic issues.
• Work in partnership with high school students and parents to plan for college and career.
• Prepare and send all high school transcripts to colleges, and NCAA/NAIA at student request.
• Teach the College and Career Prep class
• Collaborate with the Upper School Principal, and Director of Curriculum to create class/student schedules.
• Create and maintain all course, class, and grading scale information in FACTS SIS 
• Coordinate internship programs, and provide stewardship with related corporate partners.
• Model a commitment to continued professional development and growth and innovative programming.
• Compile data for the Annual Report that reviews the year in college admission for our seniors and highlights major local and national trends.
• Work to establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and their parents concerning student’s academic progress.
• Perform regular grade checks for student-athletes in support of the athletic department. 
• Communicate with students and families when students are not meeting academic standards.
• Collaborate with colleagues to discuss the results of assessments and strategies for individual and school-wide academic improvement.
• Attend and participate in scheduled devotional, in-service, committee, and faculty, and keep students, parents, and administration adequately informed of progress or deficiencies and give sufficient notice of any challenges before parent meetings.
• Maintain open, positive communication with parents, administrators, and peers.
• Take reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assist in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulations, and Board policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Upper School Principal.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Participate in professional development activities including membership in regional, state, and national organizations (NIPSCA, INACAC, NACAC, NAIS, ACT, and College Board); serve periodically as speaker or panelist at meetings and workshops; keep abreast of current trends and ethical standards of the profession.
• Acquire and maintain ACSI certification within the first two years of employment.
• Continue to remain current with updates in technology and technological resources.
• Cooperate with the Board and administration in implementing all policies, procedures, and directives governing the operation of the school
• Attend special events of the school as deemed required by the school administration.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time

Exempt Status: Exempt, salaried

Work Schedule: 12 months, hopeful start date March