An Academic or Guidance Counselor provides guidance to students in elementary, middle and high schools to help them succeed academically and socially. Works with school teachers and administrators to address problems that affect student performance, and identifies resources for students and families. Helps high school students to plan academic course work and advises on the college search and application process.
High School Academic Counselor New Legacy Charter School - 3.0 Aurora, CO Job Details Full-time $52,000 - $620,000 a year 19 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Retirement plan Qualifications School experience Spanish Teamwork Student performance data analysis English Experience working with high schoolers Master's degree Working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds Adolescents Working with families School counseling services facilitation Data-driven decision making Full Job Description
ACADEMIC COUNSELOR
Licensed school counselor supporting academic success, postsecondary planning, and whole-student development. Position TypeFull-time Reports ToHigh School Principal ScheduleSchool-year role Salary Range$52,000-$62,000 LocationAurora, Colorado StatusExempt | At-will About New Legacy Charter School New Legacy Charter School (NLCS) is a free, public charter school serving pregnant and parenting high school students and their children in northwest Aurora. Approximately 95 high school students learn alongside an on-site Early Learning Center serving about 65 children. Our two-generation model combines personalized, competency-based learning; career and college preparation; Real World Learning; and coordinated supports that help young families build compelling careers, financial independence, and positive parenting. Position Summary The Academic Counselor leads a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary domains of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). The counselor helps students understand their competency progress, build individualized graduation and postsecondary plans, overcome barriers to engagement, and connect with responsive supports. This role collaborates closely with advisors, teachers, social workers, the Career Pathways team, school leadership, students, and families. Required Qualifications Master's degree in School Counseling or a closely related field Current Colorado Special Services Provider license with a School Counselor endorsement, or eligibility to obtain the license within an agreed-upon timeframe Knowledge of comprehensive school counseling programs and the ASCA academic, social-emotional, and college/career domains Demonstrated ability to counsel and advocate for adolescents from diverse backgrounds while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and professional boundaries Strong organization, communication, collaboration, and data-informed decision-making skills Preferred Qualifications Experience in an alternative, competency-based, charter, or underserved high school setting Experience supporting pregnant and parenting students, students returning after interrupted enrollment, multilingual learners, or students facing barriers to attendance and persistence Experience with Infinite Campus, transcript review, graduation planning, concurrent enrollment, FAFSA/CASFA, scholarships, and college or career applications Training in restorative practices, trauma-informed care, culturally responsive practice, crisis response, and MTSS Bilingual English/Spanish skills Primary Responsibilities Comprehensive School Counseling and Student Support Design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program responsive to NLCS student needs Run new student orientations 1-2 days per week as students are enrolled and help transition students to onboarding advisor Support students experiencing academic, social-emotional, attendance, behavioral, family, parenting, or postsecondary barriers and coordinate care with the Student Support Team Participate in safety, crisis, threat-assessment, mandated-reporting, and reentry processes consistent with law and NLCS protocols Use restorative practices, early intervention, MTSS, re-entry/reorientation, and written reengagement plans to help students reconnect successfully with school Academic and Graduation Planning Meet with students to review competency transcripts, graduation progress, attendance, Real World Learning, and next steps; help each student maintain an actionable graduation plan Partner with the Principal, teachers, and advisors to identify students who are off track and coordinate timely interventions Support advisory onboarding for new or returning students so critical orientation, screening, academic, and support tasks are completed before the student transitions into a regular advisory Contribute counseling expertise to enrollment, grade-level placement, senior status, graduation, appeals, reentry, and student-support decisions College, Career, and Postsecondary Readiness Provide developmentally appropriate college, career, and financial-aid counseling, including applications, scholarships, FAFSA/CASFA, technical education, apprenticeships, military options, and workforce pathways Coordinate with the Real World Learning Coordinator and Gifted and Talented Coordinator regarding concurrent enrollment, certifications, internships, apprenticeships, college visits, and other Real World Learning opportunities Develop and maintain college, training-provider, and community partnerships that expand opportunities for students Facilitate senior meetings, transition activities, and individualized postsecondary planning; help organize graduation and senior recognition activities Family, Staff, and Community Collaboration Consult with staff and families about student needs while protecting confidentiality and centering student voice Deliver counseling lessons, workshops, or resources on topics such as goal setting, healthy decision-making, self-advocacy, postsecondary planning, and transitions Use disaggregated student data and program outcomes to identify gaps in access, participation, achievement, and postsecondary readiness and recommend improvements Other Responsibilities Participate in competency reviews, student-support, data, attendance, and staff meetings; contribute accurate information about student progress and needs Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential records in Infinite Campus and other approved systems, in accordance with FERPA, state requirements, and NLCS policy Provide clear and timely communication to students, families, staff, administration, partner agencies, and other stakeholders Support community meetings, awards ceremonies, graduation, student leadership opportunities, Leave to Learns, supervision, and other whole-school events Use current technology effectively, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Infinite Campus, assessment platforms, and postsecondary planning tools Ensure compliance with Board policies, NLCS procedures, and applicable local, state, and federal requirements Perform other duties as assigned, including occasional evening, weekend, or off-site responsibilities Physical and Scheduling Requirements Frequently sit, stand, walk, communicate, and use a computer or other office equipment for extended periods Move throughout classrooms, offices, and community settings and occasionally lift or carry materials typically used in a school environment Travel locally for meetings, student activities, college visits, professional learning, or Real World Learning support; drive a school vehicle when trained and authorized Occasionally work a nontraditional schedule to support family meetings, graduation, school events, conferences, or other program needs Mission Alignment Dedicate themselves to NLCS's mission and vision and maintain high expectations while meeting students where they are Build on students' strengths and assets and recognize that healthy, appropriate relationships are essential to reengaging young people in school Use restorative, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive practices to build belonging, repair harm, and strengthen community Communicate openly and consistently with students, families, colleagues, and partners so students receive coordinated support Contribute to a supportive and demanding professional community grounded in respect, trust, honesty, flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Compensation and Benefits Salary Range:
$52,000-$62,000 annually, commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications, plus a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off. Application Process Submit a resume, cover letter, and professional references to Sara Kahn at . In the cover letter, briefly explain your interest in New Legacy Charter School and how your experience prepares you to support students in a personalized, competency-based, two-generation school model. New Legacy Charter School is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and strongly encourage candidates whose identities and experiences reflect the students and families we serve to apply.
Pay:
$52,000.00 - $620,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Retirement plan Vision insurance
