Summary

The West Plains R-VII School District is currently accepting application for the position of College & Career Advisor. The West Plains High School College & Career Advisor will provide comprehensive support to high school students and their families as they plan for post-secondary education and/or technical training. This includes, but is not limited to: advising on college and career choices, notifying and tracking scholarship application and awards, collaborating with organizations who offer scholarships, assisting students with Individual Career and Academic Planning (ICAP), serving as the contact person for college and military recruiters, leading college visits, assisting students with ACT forms, ACT Workkeys, coordinating workshops and events, organizing and conducting FAFSA and scholarship nights, assisting with applications and financial aid, organize and conduct the college and career fairs, Boys and Girls State.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Student Advising: Provide one-on-one and group advising to students in all grade levels, with a focus on juniors and seniors. Guide them on course selection, career interests, and college research to ensure they are on the right track for graduation and college/technical school admission.
• College Application Process: Assist students with all aspects of the application process, including writing essays, requesting letters of recommendation, and meeting application deadlines.
• Financial Aid: Educate students and parents about financial aid options, including FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and scholarships. Coordinate and lead workshops to assist families with the financial aid application process.
• Event Coordination: Plan and organize events that expose students to post-secondary opportunities, such as college fairs, campus tours, and guest speaker series from college admissions representatives.
• Academic Planning: Work with students to develop and monitor their academic plans, ensuring they are meeting the requirements for both high school graduation and college eligibility.
• Records and Communication: Maintain confidential student records and track key metrics such as application submissions, acceptances, and scholarship awards. Serve as a liaison between the high school and college admissions offices.

Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree in school counseling, education, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: Previous experience in academic advising, school counseling, or college admissions is desirable.
• Skills:
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with a diverse group of students, parents, and staff.
• Knowledge of the college/technical school admissions process, including standardized testing (ACT, SAT), financial aid, and various application platforms (e.g., Common Application).
• Ability to work independently, manage a caseload of students, and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Proficiency with technology and student management systems.