FirstLine Schools: GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
Creating and inspiring great open admissions public schools in New Orleans
About FirstLine Schools
In 1998, FirstLine Schools started the first charter school in New Orleans, which became the highest performing open
admission middle school in the city. FirstLine now operates four K-8th grade schools and a high school. Our mission
is to create and inspire great open admissions public schools in New Orleans. We do this by:
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Ensuring college and career readiness for all students, as demonstrated by achievement, aspiration, love of
learning, and confidence
Providing a rich variety of education experiences to nurture our students’ character, health, and active
citizenship
Developing the skillfulness of our team members
Building a sustainable organization that facilitates our long-term success
Our faculty is a diverse and talented group dedicated to our students’ success and to their own growth as teachers.
Our schools are led by leaders who hold themselves accountable for student achievement and teacher development.
Position Summary
The vision at Joseph S. Clark Preparatory High School is that all students, regardless of their incoming academic level,
will matriculate and graduate from 4-year colleges and universities. The Guidance Counselor will support this vision
by managing school research, college application process, scholarship applications, financial aid, school selection,
and senior parent communication. The College Counselor will also work with the Senior Seminar Teacher to push
into classes to work with students.
Position Responsibilities:
Systems & Operational Functions
 Develop and manage the dissemination of college-readiness resources and information to students and
staff
 Develop and manage a system for scheduling advising meetings with students and families
 Maintain a database of resources, knowledge, and expertise as it pertains to issues and trends in college
admissions, higher education, testing, etc.
 Compile an annual School Profile, including information on courses offered at Joseph S. Clark
Preparatory High School
College Exposure Experiences/Summer Programming
 Research summer programs on college campuses
 Assist students with summer program application
 Plan day trips to college campuses and targeting students by performance level
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Network with admissions people on college campuses
Early College Scholars Program
 Lead and manage the Early College Scholars (ECS) Program, an after-school program designed to prepare
students for admission to top-tier colleges through personal and academic opportunities and guidance
 Write ECS year-long curriculum for grades 9, 10, 11; Plan lessons
 Conduct weekly ECS meetings
 Plan and supervise yearly ECS college trip
Manage the College Application Process
 Research colleges and maintain a thorough working knowledge of admissions criteria and other
characteristics of colleges
 Provide advising and counselling to students that will help them to develop ambitious college aspirations
and to navigate the college search and admissions process in order to identify colleges and universities
 Facilitate the processing of forms and applications pertaining to the college application process,
including ACT and/or other standardized testing required for college admission, application essays,
recommendation forms, financial aid, scholarships, and summer programs and/or other opportunities
that are designed to prepare students for college. Track this process for all students, collaborating with
the front office staff and other staff as applicable
 Organize and facilitate visits to colleges for seniors
 Provide assistance to faculty in writing letters of recommendations for students
Collaboration & Networking
 Develop partnerships and external relationships to bring services and/or other opportunities to the
school (i.e. test preparation courses, guest speakers, etc.)
 Maintain memberships in professional organizations and identify other opportunities for networking
with college admissions counsellors across the nation
 Develop and maintain relationships with college admissions staff and identify opportunities to connect
college admissions representatives with students at FirstLine College Prep
Parent Education
 Meet with families to create investment in the student going to most selective school to which they are
admitted
 Lead parent education to create an aspirational college culture among parents
Education & Experience:
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B.A. or B.S. required, M.A. preferred
2+ years of experience in college admissions or high school college counseling is highly preferred
2+ years of experience working with students and families in an urban, non-selective public school or similar
environment, preferably as a teacher or counselor
Demonstrated success in leading and managing programs and staff
Desired Qualities & Characteristics:
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Believe in every student’s ability to achieve in a rigorous college or career prep curriculum
Achieve results based on agreed-upon expectations
Take personal responsibility
Highly detail-oriented
Collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders
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Share a commitment to creating great schools in New Orleans
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Model the FirstLine values of Service, Learning, Collaboration and Results
Physical Requirements:
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While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit, walk, stand, talk, and hear.
Light lifting of equipment may be required (up to 20 lbs.)
GUIDANCE COUNSELOR reports to: Principal
How to Apply: Please apply online via: http://www.firstlineschools.org/careers
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. FirstLine Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package
with a generous 403b plan.
FirstLine Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment
without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information,
marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
FIRSTLINE SCHOOLS – EDUCATION FOR LIFE
P.O. Box 791729, New Orleans, LA 70179-1729| (504) 267-9038 | www.firstlineschools.org