Counselor Advocate

STATEMENT OF THE AGENCY
Commonpoint is a non-profit, multi-service agency with flagship sites in Little Neck, Bayside, Forest Hills, East Elmhurst, and Jamaica with 70 additional sites throughout the community that provides a diverse array of programs and services to over 70,000 people. Our mission is to sustain and enhance the quality of family and individual life for all members of our community, regardless of religion, ethnic or cultural background, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual preference, age, or disability, within a pervasive and inclusive environment that facilitates individual growth, meets individual needs and builds community. We accomplish this mission through a broad range of social, educational, and recreational services that reach community members of all ages and backgrounds.

STATEMENT OF THE POSITION
Within our framework of a holistic, strength-focused, and family-supported practice, an individual hired as Counselor Advocate in the High School and College Success portfolio of services will report directly to the Assistant Director of College Access.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required. Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, School Counseling, or a related course of study with a Bilingual - Spanish extension is strongly preferred.
• At least three years experience working with adolescents in an urban environment, providing services that reduce barriers and facilitate educational success and social-emotional well-being.
• Demonstrated ability to establish a strong rapport with an urban adolescent population and their families.
• Prior workshop/seminar development and implementation experience is preferred; prior college counseling experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong ability to create engaging and relevant activities for students and their families connected to college.
• Ability to work evenings, as needed.
• Must have excellent organizational, teamwork, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based and/or youth development perspective.
• Experience working with a diverse group of students and ability to support students and hold them accountable as appropriate.
• Strong relationship-building and group facilitation capabilities, incorporating cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Deep understanding of positive youth development, education learning standards, and issues facing immigrant and first-generation youth in the U.S.
• College guidance experience and strong knowledge of the college application, financial aid, and scholarship process.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with staff to offer college and career readiness activities to the broader student population and to create a culture of post-secondary anticipation at Martin Van Buren High School
• Support in the completion of report card conferencing to help ensure academic success and matriculation towards high school graduation.
• Participate in regular meetings with school-based and agency staff on college and career readiness.
• Develop activities that enhance post-secondary exploration.
• Facilitate workshops that strengthen social-emotional learning (SEL) values and promote personal growth, empathy, and resilience among program participants.
• Foster and manage relationships with college personnel, including college administrators, professors, and staff who provide student support services.
• Support school and program staff to ensure that each student creates a clear, attainable postgraduate plan.
• Provide direct individual and group college advisement.
• Arrange for student participation in college fairs, tours, and retreats.
• Organize speakers and panel discussions focused on college-related issues to foster a more engaging and student-centered campus experience.
• Provide information on financial aid and planning and assistance with FAFSA and scholarship applications, as well as applications to SEEK, EOP, HEOP, and College Discovery programs.
• Provide assistance with college choice, exploration and completion of college applications in a timely manner.
• Provide workshops for families on financial aid and the college choice and application process to inform and to attain their support for a college option.
• Ability to work evenings, as needed.
• Ability to travel to multiple locations as needed.
• Provide family orientation for students proceeding on to college in collaboration with school staff.
• Work and collaborate with the Persistence Team to effectively transition graduating seniors into college or other post-secondary pathways.
• Maintain proper documentation of student information and meeting attendance/notes via Grouptrail/Salesforce.
• Act as a liaison with college admission offices in collaboration with school leadership as we develop deeper connections with institutions.
• Participate in staff training and meetings, including school retreats and professional development.

General Tasks of Commonpoint Staff:

• Promote and implement the Core Values of the Community Center.
• Participation in all staff meetings and staff training seminars.
• Participation in agency-wide programs and program committees, as assigned.
• Active involvement as a supervisee in the supervision process.
• Support the mission of Commonpoint.
• Other tasks appropriate to Commonpoint’s staff, as assigned.

Commonpoint reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Commonpoint is an equal-opportunity employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000
Location: Martin Van Buren HS, 230-17 Hillside Avenue, Queens Village NY 11427
Full Time Non-Union Position

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and résumé, as a Word or PDF document only, to Raven Walker at
[email protected] . Please indicate “Counselor Advocate, MVB” in the subject line. Due to the high volume
of applicants, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

About Commonpoint:

Commonpoint is a community centric nonprofit, serving diverse audiences through every chapter of life, across the five boroughs and beyond. We offer a rich range of services through our vast network of professionals, social workers, and volunteers, giving people the tools and resources to connect and grow.At every stage and every age, regardless of disability or ability, people can look to Commonpoint to find care during a crisis, access opportunities to grow, and deepen their sense of connection to those around them. From summer camps and job training to food pantries and private pool clubs, Commonpoint is by your side. We are proud of our clients, partners, and team members who lift each other up, building relationships for a lifetime. Because being a part of Commonpoint is investing in a community where everyone is invited and welcome.