College & career counselor

ABOUT DREAMHOUSE EWA BEACH

DreamHouse Ewa Beach Public Charter School is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in Ewa Beach, Hawaiʻi. Rooted in a college-going culture, DreamHouse is committed to ensuring that every student regardless of background graduates prepared for postsecondary success. Our model integrates rigorous academics, social-emotional support, and an unwavering belief in students' potential. We are a community of continuous learners, and our staff are reflective practitioners who embrace improvement as an ongoing practice.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The College & Career Counselor is a cornerstone of DreamHouse's mission. This role provides comprehensive, individualized guidance to help students articulate their postsecondary goals, navigate the college application and financial aid process, explore career pathways, and develop the academic and life skills necessary to thrive beyond high school. The Counselor serves as an advocate, coach, and connector building relationships with students, families, higher education institutions, and community partners to open doors and sustain opportunity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

College Access & Advising Develop and implement a comprehensive, four-year college and career readiness plan for each student, beginning in 9th grade. Guide students through all phases of the college application process, including school selection, essay development, interview preparation, and application submission. Coordinate and lead college visits, college fairs, and on-campus representative meetings with students and families. Maintain knowledge of admissions requirements, testing policies, and financial aid processes at a diverse range of two- and four-year institutions. Monitor application and acceptance data; track postsecondary enrollment and persistence outcomes for DreamHouse alumni. Financial Aid & Scholarship Support Lead and support families through the FAFSA and CSS Profile completion process; coordinate financial aid nights and workshops. Actively identify, research, and disseminate scholarship opportunities; support students in developing strong scholarship applications. Build and maintain relationships with college financial aid offices to advocate on behalf of students. Career Exploration & Work-Based Learning Facilitate career exploration activities including interest inventories, career pathway mapping, and guest speaker series. Coordinate internship, job shadow, and work-based learning opportunities in partnership with community employers. Support students in developing professional skills — resume writing, interview preparation, digital presence, and networking. Academic Support & Student Development Monitor student academic progress, including credit completion, course selection, and graduation requirements; intervene proactively when students are off-track. Provide individual and small-group counseling sessions focused on goal-setting, resilience, and postsecondary planning. Support students in understanding and navigating college-level academic expectations, including dual enrollment and AP coursework. Collaborate with teachers and administrators to integrate college and career readiness across the instructional program. Family & Community Engagement Serve as a primary point of contact for families regarding postsecondary planning, translating complex processes into accessible guidance. Facilitate college and career awareness workshops and family information events in English and, where possible, in students' home languages. Build and steward a network of community partners, alumni, and postsecondary institutions that expand opportunity for DreamHouse students. Data, Documentation & Continuous Improvement Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the school's student information system and college counseling platforms (e.g., Naviance, SchooLinks, or equivalent). Use data to identify trends, track progress toward school-wide college-going goals, and report outcomes to school leadership and the Board. Participate in professional learning communities, school improvement cycles, and improvement science practices as part of DreamHouse's organizational culture.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (required); Master's degree in School Counseling, Education, Social Work, or related field strongly preferred. Valid Hawaiʻi Department of Education licensure or eligibility for licensure; School Counselor license preferred. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in school counseling, college advising, or a closely related student-facing education role. Demonstrated knowledge of the college admissions process, financial aid systems (FAFSA, scholarships), and postsecondary pathway options. Strong relationship-building skills with students, families, and community partners from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Proficiency with data systems, student information platforms, and college counseling tools. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate complex information clearly and accessibly. Preferred Experience working in a charter school, urban, or high-need school setting. Knowledge of and commitment to a college-going culture model and improvement science practices. Familiarity with Hawaii's higher education landscape, including UH system institutions, and local scholarship ecosystems. Bilingual or multilingual proficiency (Ilokano, Tagalog, Hawaiian, or other Pacific Island languages a plus). Experience coordinating work-based learning, internship programs, or career-technical education partnerships.

Pay:

$55,073.43 - $60,303.49 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person