International Student College Counselor

Job Title: International Student College Counselor

Department:Student Services

Reports To: Vice Principal for Student Services and Student Learning

Classification:Exempt

Hours: Full-time

Benefits: Applicable per designated classification

Approved by: S. Bult Prepared Date: Spring 2018

Job Summary: The International Student CollegeCounselormust be a spiritually sensitive individual who understands the mission of Wheaton Academy and is committed to help see it become a reality in the lives of our students by manifesting, by precept and example, the highest Christian virtue and personal decorum, serving as a Christian role model (I Timothy 4:12) both in and out of school (Luke 6:40), and as an example to parents and fellow employees in judgment, dignity, respect, and Christian living according to Conditions of Employment outlined in the WA Staff Contract.The ability to work independently and handle confidential information appropriately is pre-requisites. The individual should possess a strong work ethic and enjoy a challenge. The International Student College Counselor provides specialized college admissionscounseling primarily to international students including academic placement and all aspects of college counseling in concert with the mission and goals of Wheaton Academy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

  1. Serve on the academic intervention team and provide general specific academic counseling for international students.
  2. Coordinate a comprehensive ACT/ College Board testing/ TOEFL preparation and testing plan for each international student.
  3. Recommend a personal list of college options for every international junior and senior.
  4. Provide coaching to international students on the asking for letters of recommendation and the writing of college essays.
  5. Assist with all school SAT/ PSAT testing.
  6. Meet with junior and senior international students weekly to plan and oversee college admission application.
  7. Send college application updates to international and host families weekly.
  8. Plan and travel with international students to visit colleges during the junior and senior year.
  9. Travel abroad one to two times per year to meet with parents regarding college admissions.
  10. Assist and coordinate efforts with charitable giving initiatives for the International Student Program at Wheaton Academy.
  11. Provide general college counseling services for Wheaton Academy students.
  12. Assist with registration, schedule changes, collection of school forms.
  13. Development of college counseling curriculum and support structures.
  14. Develop and deliver monthly parent seminars on the college admission process.
  15. Assist with other department duties as assigned.

Credentials/Experience

  • Master’s Degree preferred. Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Minimum of five years’ experience in college counseling, preferably at a highly selective college.
  • Experience in private school student services/guidance/registration a plus.

Computer

  • Demonstrates high proficiency in the computer programs used in his/her department. These includeNaviance, Microsoft Office, Academy Central and Blackbaud.

Administrative

  • Anticipates and proactively completes departmental tasks.
  • Coordinates college and career guidance schedules with Student Services and Educational Offices.
  • Translates objectives and goals into a workable plan, delegating appropriately while retaining control.
  • Demonstrates excellence in editing and positive tone in e-mails and written communication.

Student Counseling

  • Understands sensitivities in working with international school families and students in need.
  • Understands and implements school philosophies in the partnership between home and school.
  • Counsels and provides intervention ideas for students, teachers and families to ensure all students learn at high levels.

College and Career Guidance

  • Develops and documents procedures to ensure repeatable systems.
  • Communicates with host parents and international parents of juniors and seniors weekly and responds to emails and questions promptly.

Scheduling

  • Uses assessment results and academic grades to advise students on class placement.
  • Foresees possible calendar conflicts and takes initiative to adjust events/appointments/meetings as necessary.

Organization

  • Demonstrates organized, concise thinking and communication.
  • Maintains a logical organizational system in order to maintain departmental efficiencies.

Timeliness

  • Handles a myriad of regular administrative details and additional responsibilities when asked.
  • Meets deadlines for parent and student communications and mailings.

Decision Making

  • Maintains an open mind and participates in team or department decision making and encourages others.
  • Builds consensus in making decisions, with limited resources when necessary.
  • Exemplifies a manager type who is analytical, innovative, decisive and tough-minded.

Multi-Tasking/ Independence

  • Works efficiently; is known as a self-starter, sees what needs to be done and takes the initiative to do it.
  • Creates momentum, causing things to happen; is proactive rather than reactive.

Communication

  • Regularly updates Administration on how things are going – positive and negative.
  • Comes to Principal as a problem solver when problems are observed.
  • Keeps confidences when asked about confidential issues and directs the question to the Principal.

Community Influence

  • Is a regular attendee at co-curricular activities.
  • Is known in the WA constituency as a positive model of professionalism and integrity.

Office Climate

  • Exhibits supportive, positive and reciprocal respect to staff and faculty.
  • Is committed to and models a supportive, positive and caring community where all students are valued regardless of development or cultural norms.

Versatility

  • Adapts his/her role for the benefit of the WA community.

Attitude towards School

  • Exudes a positive attitude and love for WA wherever he/she goes.

Collaboration with Colleagues

  • Establishes relationships that allow employee to help colleagues develop to their full potential.
  • Maintains a sensitivity to others’ workload and is willing to step in to assist or refrain from further unnecessary delegation of duties.
  • Frequently attends conferences and shares what they learn with colleagues.

Spiritual Formation

  • Has a growing and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.
  • Demonstrates biblical maturity and serves as a Christian role model.
  • Maintains an active participation in a protestant evangelical church.

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