Medical Education Resources
Initiative for Teens, Inc.
733 N. Broadway, Suite 137, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
Leadership@MERITBaltimore.org
www.MERITBaltimore.org
College and Career Counselor (CCC) Position Description
Who We Are
MERIT (Medical Education Resources Initiative for Teens) is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating health care
disparities by transforming under-represented high school students into health care leaders. MERIT Scholars cultivate a deep
understanding of their individual roles in achieving health equality through seven years of academic, professional, and social
support including weekly Saturday sessions, summer internships, and longitudinal mentoring that extends through college.
Beyond SAT Prep, college admissions guidance, exposure to clinical and research careers, and science enrichment, MERIT
creates a holistic support system that ensures all of our Scholars continue to excel despite any challenges they may face. For
more information, visit our website at www.meritbaltimore.org
Founded in 2010, MERIT’s first few years were focused on creating an effective program model. Currently, over 90% of
our alumni are on track to earn a Bachelor’s Degree, and most are planning to pursue graduate degrees in the health
sciences. Today, we support over 50 students, but we plan to support more than 200 students by 2019. To increase our
impact without sacrificing quality, we are significantly growing our staff. This year, we hired a new Program Director to
oversee Saturday session curricula, summer internships, and mentor support, and a Strategic Growth Director to manage
communications strategy, development, and volunteer recruitment. The College and Career Counselor (CCC) will
complete our dream team of passionate, tenacious, and collaborative leaders. We hope you will join us!
Who We’re Looking For
The College and Career Counselor (CCC) will guide our senior Scholars through the college admissions and financial aid
processes. He or she will also create new systems to support our alumni throughout college to ensure they reach their
ultimate career goals. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about our mission of eliminating health disparities
through a diverse workforce. The role is complex, so this person must be highly organized, solutions-oriented, and focused
on continuous improvement. Furthermore, the CCC will manage his or her calendar and must tolerate a non-traditional
schedule. Evening and weekend events, especially Saturday mornings, will occur.
The CCC will spend most of his or her time working with MERIT Scholars and alumni individually and in groups to ensure
their post-high school plans are solidified. He or she should explore the Scholars’ interests and prepare them for their
desired careers. Additionally, the CCC will train and support College Support Coaches (volunteer graduate students) who
work with MERIT alums one-on-one throughout college. Because MERIT is in the midst of expansion, the CCC will have
the opportunity to infuse his or her interests and skills into the position and lead the organization to the next level. We want
someone who can add fresh perspectives to the challenges we solve while still maintaining our overall mission and
organizational structures. Because MERIT is a small but growing non-profit organization, the CCC must be comfortable
working on a staff of four people, and be a creative problem solver to ensure all goals are met.
Specific Qualifications
 Bachelor’s Degree required; Graduate Degree in counseling or social work strongly preferred
 Minimum of two years professional experience, preferably in an education or counseling role
 Experience working with low-income high school and/or college students strongly preferred
 Demonstrated interest in issues that impact the education and health of under-served communities
 Knowledge about the health professions is preferred, but not required
 Excellent ability to form relationships with a diverse group of students, parents/guardians, and volunteers
 Ability to develop and lead workshops for high school and college students
 Willingness to learn new skills and adapt to the organization’s needs
Specific Responsibilities
Overall, the College and Career Counselor will ensure that MERIT Scholars’ post-high school plans align with their career
aspirations, and that MERIT alumni continue to excel during college. Specific responsibilities include:

High School Support (40% of time): Educate Scholars about the college admissions and financial aid process; provide
support throughout the college application process and advise Scholars in group and individual settings; plan and
lead Saturday sessions focused on relevant topics such as writing a high-quality admissions essay, creating a resume,
and completing the FAFSA; ensure high school coursework aligns with college plans; form relationships with local
colleges and universities to arrange college tours and invite admissions officers to speak to Scholars at Saturday
sessions; plan and execute “Transitioning to College” sessions for seniors

College Support (35% of time): Manage a team of volunteer College Support Coaches who work individually with
alumni throughout college; develop new strategies and systems to support MERIT alums at all levels to ensure they
are preparing adequately for their careers such as identifying summer internship opportunities, finding MCAT
and/or GRE test prep resources, and providing graduate school application support; hold Alumni Workshops at
least twice per year to further develop academic, professional, and career-oriented knowledge and skills

Parent/Guardian Support (15%): Develop and implement monthly sessions specifically for parents and guardians of
MERIT Scholars and alumni to foster a larger, supportive network; communicate regularly with Scholars’ families
about the college admissions process; maintain relationships with parents/guardians of MERIT alumni

Program Support (10%): MERIT is a small but growing non-profit. As such, all staff members are expected to operate
as a team and support each other during special events and projects.
Reporting Mechanisms
The College and Career Counselor will report directly to the Executive Director.
Location
Baltimore, MD
Salary
$50,000 annually plus full benefits
How to Apply
Please email resume and cover letter to MERIT’s Executive Director, Tyler Mains, at Tyler.Mains@meritbaltimore.org.
Include the names, emails, and phone numbers of at least two professional references in your resume. Your cover letter
should highlight relevant experiences working in an education and/or counseling role, and an explanation of why you are
passionate about MERIT’s mission and the College and Career Counselor position.
Timeline
Deadline to apply: Priority Deadline is July 8, 2015, but the position will remain open until filled
Start Date: As soon as possible
Fiscal Sponsorship Explanation
MERIT is a program of Fusion Partnerships, Inc. Therefore, the MERIT College and Career Counselor will be a Fusion
employee. Fusion Partnerships, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and
applicants for employment. We will not tolerate acts deemed to constitute discrimination or harassment based on gender,
gender identification, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, or any other
characteristic protected by law.