High School Counselor
The Opportunity:
Rooted School Vancouver is the third public school to open in the Rooted School network and the first in Washington state. Southwest Washington projects more than 1,600 job openings in IT and STEM every year without enough local talent to meet that growth. Rooted Vancouver seeks to change that by offering a broad range of industry-based credentials and work-based learning opportunities for students during high school. After four years with us, students have a chance to earn a college acceptance in one hand and a job offer in the other.
Overview of the Role:
As the High School Guidance Counselor at Rooted School Vancouver, you are positioned at the heart of our students’ educational and personal development journey. Your role is fundamental in guiding students through their high school experience, ensuring they are prepared for success both academically and emotionally. This involves providing comprehensive support that spans academic advising, college preparation, career exploration, and personal growth.
You will work individually with students to help them understand and navigate their high school curriculum choices, aligning these with their future aspirations. This includes facilitating access to courses leading to industry certifications and advising on the pursuit of higher education, ensuring students are well-equipped for the next stages of their lives.
Beyond academics, you are tasked with supporting students’ emotional and social development. This includes offering counseling services to help students manage the challenges of high school life, from interpersonal issues to stress management and planning for the future.
In collaboration with teachers, parents, and external partners, you will create a supportive environment that fosters growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Your role also involves coordinating college readiness programs, such as SAT/ACT preparation workshops, college tours, and application assistance, ensuring students have the resources and information to make informed decisions about their post-secondary education.
Your contribution will be pivotal in empowering our students to overcome barriers, achieve their potential, and pave the way for financial independence and success. At Rooted School Vancouver, you will join a mission-driven team dedicated to disrupting the cycle of poverty and creating a future where every student can thrive. This is an opportunity to make a profound impact, inspiring students to pursue their dreams and navigate their way to a brighter future.
Above all, you will help us determine how we will fulfill the Rooted Promise.
Deadline to apply: Until Filled
Start Date: August 1, 2025
The Foundation of How We Work Together
We want teammates who demonstrate a passion for and commitment to Rooted's mission
We want teammates who have an unwavering commitment to radical transparency and radical open-mindedness (that, regardless of how much you know about something, you could be wrong)
We want teammates who thrive in a startup environment (comfort with frequent, focused change and ambiguity, and strong initiative)
We want teammates who have knowledge, skills, and abilities related to cultural competence and equity
We want teammates who have knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others
We want teammates who have the ability to recognize each person as a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage
We want teammates who have the ability and desire to establish positive relationships with persons regardless of race, gender, physical limitation, sexual orientation or religious belief, with an active commitment to equal opportunity for all persons
We want teammates who supports a positive school environment that celebrates, respects and values diversity, where learning is made relevant and meaningful to students of various cultures
We want teammates who have experience serving in a low-income or high-needs population or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to strengthening engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with a diverse population
We want teammates who have knowledge of and/or are committed to project-based learning in Technology
We want teammates who are deeply invested in restorative practices for our students and team
We want teammates who have knowledge of career and technical education programs.
We want teammates who exhibit an exceptional ability to execute at a high level while concurrently building secure attachments with students
We want teammates who have experience in school(s) which rely heavily on project-based learning as a means to develop content knowledge and skills (preferred)
We want teammates who have experience in school(s) which rely heavily on digital curriculum as a means to develop basic content knowledge and skills (preferred)
We want teammates who are committed to researching and remaining abreast of best practices that may advance our mission
Areas of Responsibility Include (but are not limited to):
Leadership and Strategy in Guidance Department
Lead the guidance department, establishing and regularly updating personalized graduation plans for each student.
Spearhead initiatives to integrate academic advising with personal growth and career exploration.
Supporting Data-Based Accountability Goals
Monitor and report on student credit attainment and progress towards graduation.
Analyze and report on data related to projected graduation rates, identifying areas for intervention and support.
Serve as the coordinator for standardized testing, ensuring compliance with testing protocols and supporting student preparation.
Guiding Student College and Career Planning
Develop, review, and adjust personalized graduation and post-graduation plans for each student, aligning with their goals and aspirations.
Establish and nurture partnerships with employers, colleges, and universities to facilitate internship, mentorship, and further education opportunities.
Assist students with job and college application processes, including essay writing, application completion, and interview preparation.
Provide resources and support for SAT, ACT, and PSAT preparation, including organizing informational meetings and study support sessions.
Providing Social and Emotional Supports for Students
Foster trusting relationships with students, offering a safe space for them to share and seek guidance.
Deliver coping strategies and support for students and staff, addressing stress management, conflict resolution, and emotional health.
Conduct staff training sessions focused on emotional support techniques and the importance of mental well-being in educational success.
Organize and implement anti-bullying initiatives and lessons for students, ensuring a respectful and inclusive school environment.
Additional Duties
Collaborate closely with the Founding School Leader and instructional team to ensure a cohesive approach to student development.
Engage in continuous professional development to stay informed on best practices in guidance counseling and student support.
Perform other duties as assigned by the School Leader, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to the school’s mission and values.
Qualifications:
Experience working with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds with a commitment to valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Valid Washington School Counselor Certificate, or able to obtain one.
A completed post-baccalaureate and/or a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
At least two years of experience working within the public school system, preferably in Washington
Ability to build consensus and relationships among students, staff, and families
Excellent communication skills
Solid understanding of current Washington’s Graduation Pathways requirements
Experience fostering the academic, social, and emotional well-being of students
Demonstrated ability to utilize both qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision making
Bilingual preferred
Compensation:
Full-time salary starting at $53,500 and increasing based on certificated experience, with additional compensation for advanced degrees or specialized roles. Rooted School Vancouver offers the exact same comprehensive benefits package as other public school educators in Washington State, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid leave.
To Apply:
If you're as excited about this role as we are, please click on the following link and submit an application to our Application Review Committee. If you have any questions, please contact us at work@rootedschoolvancouver.org.
Rooted School Vancouver (RSV) values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Rooted School Vancouver is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Steven Carney, Founding Executive Director
Mailing Address: 2005 SE 192nd Avenue, Suite 200, Camas, WA 98607-7475
Email: steven@rootedschoolvancouver.org
