Resident Counselor (Primary/Secondary)

Wonderful College Prep Academy is a charter network in California's Central Valley committed to providing a world-class education for all students. The Academy's mission is to graduate students prepared to earn a college degree and put them on a promising career path for life. We believe this begins with a nurturing, engaging, community-centered school environment where students develop a strong and well-rounded academic foundation. Ultimately, this will prepare generations of leaders in the Central Valley who are critical thinkers and lifelong learners.

The Academy's first school opened in Delano in 2009, serving students from across the Central Valley in grades 6-12. In 2016, we moved to our new, state-of-the-art college prep campus in Delano, and in the Fall of 2017, we added an elementary school in Delano while opening a second charter location in Lost Hills. In Delano, we serve over 1,800 students in grades TK-12; in Lost Hills, we serve over 400 students in TK-12. 

Our students have access to technology in all grades, from hands-on STEM learning for younger students in a fully equipped "maker's space" to school-provided laptops for older students. The Academy aims to provide every opportunity for our students that often is not found in public or charter schools, including the ability to graduate from high school with a free Associate Degree. Through a unique partnership with Bakersfield College, our students enroll in college classes starting in 9th grade and complete all their A-G requirements, in addition to their AS Degree requirements over the course of four years. In addition, all graduates are eligible to earn a four-year renewable college scholarship through the generous support of Lynda and Stewart Resnick.

We seek thoughtful, inclusive, skilled communicators and creative problem-solvers who value continuous learning and are excited to serve our students and families. Now is the time to join a team making enduring change within the Central Valley of California and beyond! 

Click here to learn more about the Wonderful Company's other great philanthropic partnerships.

Academic Pursuit:

• This Residency includes a Master's degree program culminating in a PPS credential with a Master's degree. We are in partnership with Loyola Marymount University, and this role depends on the Resident Counselor maintaining satisfactory academic progress in their program. Academic progress will be monitored quarterly by Human Resources in collaboration with a Mentor Counselor.
• Classes must be completed as designated by the LMU program coordinators.

Ability to Support Mentor Counselors and Students with the following tasks:

• Works with students facing decisions regarding school adjustment and achievement, the determination of long-range educational planning, the investigation of vocational pursuits, and effective personal-social adjustment.
• Uses various preventive techniques, rather than punitive ones, to help students develop self-discipline. Assists staff and students in finding ways to change students’ behavior that is inconsistent with the goals of the school or the students’ own long-range goals.
• Plans and implements targeted group and peer counseling in a safe atmosphere in which students may meet together and explore common problems and relationships.
• Understands and provides curriculum information to students aligned to student pathways. Schedules students into proper classes after consultation with the parent and student, keeping in mind the student’s abilities and needs.
• Inform students about promotion, graduation requirements, college entrance requirements, and entry-level job requirements as needed.
• Interprets standardized test scores to students, their parents, and staff members.
• Arranges for special testing for students and for those students whose behavior and/or progress indicate a need for special diagnosis.
• Disseminates information about and assists students with post-school opportunities.
• Informs students about all available sources of scholarship and financial aid and encourages and assists them in obtaining all financial awards for which they are eligible.
• Assists in providing a smooth transition between schools and levels of schools (elementary to junior high, junior high to high school, high school to college) by providing information regarding registration, program, transcripts, and orientation.
• Coordinates all information concerning an individual student for use by teachers, other staff members, parents, social welfare workers, probation agencies, and community agencies. Refers students and parents, through the appropriate channels, to either outside agencies or specialized services within the school system.
• Writes letters of recommendation as requested by the student to other institutions or to prospective employers.
• Assist in improving unsatisfactory attendance and tardiness on the part of students by conferring with students and parents.
• Assists in exploring alternative solutions for those students who may not succeed in the regular school program.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Environment: Office environment; fast-paced work, constant interruptions.
• Physical requirements: Hearing and speaking to exchange information, make presentations and communicate over the telephone; seeing to read, prepare, and proofread documents and view computer monitors; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment; kneeling, bending at the waist, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, to retrieve and store files and supplies; lifting light objects; ability to go to sites apart from primary office to conduct business.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma required
• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Desire to pursue a counseling PPS credential preferred
• Application to Loyola Marymount University Counseling PPS Credential Program required
• Experience working with school-aged children in an academic or mental health support setting, preferred
• Bilingual Spanish speaker preferred

Pay: $25/hour. Final compensation will be dependent upon skills & experience.

Compensation:

Wonderful College Prep Academy offers highly competitive compensation, commensurate with experience. Full-time staff benefits include medical coverage, dental, vision, and life insurance at no cost to the employee. We also offer an optional 403b, with company match, as a supplement to STRS retirement pension. In addition, employees have free access to the Wonderful Wellness Center and gym.

Quality of Life in the Central Valley: 

Framed by the Sierra Nevada to the east and the Coast Ranges to the west, California's Central Valley is one of the world's most productive agricultural regions and the base of The Wonderful Company's agricultural operations. This vast area enjoys a moderate climate and offers residents a high quality of life, low cost of living, and a host of diverse cultural and recreational activities. From wine tasting and hiking to rafting, fishing, skiing, and surfing -- all within a two-hour drive -- the family-friendly Central Valley has much to offer.

Wonderful College Prep Academy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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