Director of College and Career Counseling

Civitas Schools is an educational management organization, which operates three campuses of Chicago International Charter School (CICS).  We serve approximately 2,100 students in grades Kindergarten through Grade 12, on three sites: CICS Ralph Ellison High School, CICS Northtown Academy High School, and CICS Wrightwood Elementary School.  Civitas Schools provides urban students with an outstanding college preparatory experience rooted in high expectations for student achievement and civic responsibility.

Civitas Schools creates and sustains learning communities that value rigorous instruction, relevant curricular design and responsible leadership. Our mission is to create life long learners who possess 21^st century intellectual skills, strong belief in self, cultural competence to be successful in any environment, and a commitment to making a positive impact within their community.  

To support the advancement of this vision, CIVITAS SCHOOLS and its employees are committed to:

• Making student-centered decisions that drive high quality teaching and learning.
• Holding high expectations for all members of our learning communities while providing appropriate levels of support.
• Valuing and developing all of our employees by providing instructional coaching, transparent evaluation, and high quality professional development.
• Incorporating the voice of teachers and families into the decision-making and problem solving process.

Teachers are expected to demonstrate a commitment to professionalism, equity, cultural competence, high expectations, and developmental appropriateness.

Position Title: Director of College and Career Counseling 

Location:  CICS Ralph Ellison – 1817 W. 80^th Street, Chicago, IL 60620

Reports to: School Director or Associate Director

Position Summary: 

Informed by the school’s mission, the Counselor will ensure that all students receive academic support and guidance for high school course selection and progression in addition to receiving individual postsecondary planning that supports students in identifying their strengths and definition of the most optimal course of action. A major emphasis should be placed on college readiness and preparation, from 9^th grade through graduation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Director of College and Career Counseling will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Serve as a resource for individual students, teachers, parents, guardians, and the school as a whole 

Serve as an active member on the schools intervention team

Meet with students of need to address areas of concern (attendance, grades, credits, etc.)

Design student support plans as necessary

Collaborate with teachers to design programming for classrooms and/or support the roll out of student specific interventions

Work with parents to build their knowledge of the post secondary process and supports the family’s efforts to complete college and financial aide applications.

Credentials:

A Master’s degree and appropriate IL certifications (Type 73) or appropriate provisional license are required.  Minimum two years of work experience.  Strength of academic background, professional experience, interview performance, and references will be considered during the selection process. Illinois State Board of Education certification for specified teaching assignment and Highly Qualified Status and required. Must have a knowledge of and the ability to manage school electronic systems (i.e. PowerSchool, Naviance). Candidates acquainted with collegiate networks are preferred.

Personal attributes:

All Civitas staff must:

Support the mission and vision of our organization and schools

Be passionate about teaching students in urban areas

Set high goals for our students and themselves

Work tirelessly to attain these high goals

Have strong knowledge and skills in their content area and in the art of teaching

Be strong analytical and critical thinkers, willing to engage in debate and discourse

Be ready to be part of a collaborative team

Be open to receiving coaching and support

Demonstrate initiative, persistence an resiliency

Be results oriented

Be reflective listeners