Guidance Counselor/Registrar at Maya Angelou Academy (YSC) SY 25-26

Description

The Organization

Maya empowers opportunity and justice-involved youth to transform the trajectory of their lives. We do this by engaging each of our scholars in a restorative, relevant school experience that prioritizes personalized academic support, well-being, and preparation for the post-Maya pathway of their choice. With an education in our network of schools, our scholars will do more than succeed — they will thrive!

If you are interested in learning more about See Forever, please visit our website at www.seeforever.org .

Site Description

The Youth Services Center (YSC) is the District of Columbia’s detention center for male and female youth, responsible for the care and custody of young people placed in secure detention by court order from the DC Superior Court Family Court Division.

Position Overview

The Guidance Counselor/Registrar helps all scholars with their educational and vocational planning to ensure proper class placement. The position gathers records upon entry and prepares documents for community placement upon return to the community. The worksite and tour of duty for this position are located in a juvenile correctional facility. 

Requirements

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

Academic Counseling

• Provide one-on-one support to scholars, helping them meet course, credit, test, and technical requirements necessary to transition successfully to and through middle school,  high school, college, or job training programs.
• Monitor scholars’ academic performance and collaborate with teachers, staff, and families (where appropriate) to address educational challenges.
• Assist scholars with understanding graduation requirements.

College and Career Planning

• Facilitate workshops and individual counseling sessions focused on career exploration, vocational training opportunities, and job readiness.
• Guide scholars through the college application process, including exploring colleges, completing applications, and accessing financial aid resources.
• Counsel scholars on overcoming personal, social, or behavioral issues affecting their educational or vocational situations.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

• Work closely with teachers, administrators, and support staff to identify and address scholars’ academic, social, and emotional needs.
• Engage with families to inform them about their child's progress and provide resources to support their involvement in the education process.
• Provide timely and responsive information to scholars and staff about grades, transcripts, and credits.

Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate and complete student records (scores, grades, and credits) as laws, district policies, and administrative regulations require. 
• Maintain scholar transcripts, cumulative scholar records, and the names of scholars promoted, graduated, or eligible for graduation.
• Manage and supervise a portion of the support staff.
• Assist in the classroom on an as-needed basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in School Counseling or related field (required)
• Master’s degree in School Counseling or related field (preferred)
• Relevant certification in the District of Columbia/another reciprocal jurisdiction or provisional certification (required within 1 year of employment)
• Experience working with incarcerated or opportunity youth (preferred)
• The ability to multitask and manage multiple projects 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Touchstone

At the Maya Angelou Schools, the key to our success is rooted in building trusting, respectful and nurturing relationships with each other. We strive to create safe spaces for all to be able to reach their limitless potential. We are at our best when we work together to ensure the unique needs of our community are met. We empower each other to grow successfully so we can see forever! This is how we live the Maya Way, even when no one is watching.

Salary and Benefits

Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation salaries are comparable to those of other public charter schools in the District of Columbia area. Compensation for instructional roles follows our established pay bands, which can be accessed from our career page. In addition, we offer a robust benefits plan, including health care coverage, HSA/FSA and dependent care accounts, voluntary dental and vision, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability options, commuter benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan with employer contribution offered after 1 year of service, along with the opportunity to positively impact students with a broad range of experiences and backgrounds.

See Forever is an equal-opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.