Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

 Guidance Services are an important part of the total educational program at Valley Christian School. Through the services of the Academic/Career Advisor, assistance is provided to help students have a successful experience at VCS, achieve graduation goals, and direct them in career and college decisions. Advising is also provided in the areas of academic, spiritual development and student mentorship support. He/she will work under the supervision of the school administrator and coordinate efforts with the School Principals, Admin Team, and Teachers at VCS in class scheduling and other related duties assigned. 

Duties will involve not only the responsibilities ordinarily incumbent with the position at VCS but also those responsibilities related to the special spiritual ministry to which you are called, the training of the child in biblical Christian faith and practice. Employees play a vital role in carrying out the religious mission of instructing the next generation in the faith. In a very real sense, therefore, it is the expectation that you will strive at all times to understand, appreciate, and love the students entrusted to you for their fullest intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual development. As a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is expected that you will faithfully attend the regular services of your church as an example of the believer.

CONTRACTED BY: Valley Christian Head of School and Secondary Principal

TIME REQUIRED: Half to Three Quarter Time Position 

PAY INFORMATION:

Pay scale: $32,905 to $50,765 based on Experience, Education, and Certifications.
Pay is Pro-Rated for Part-Time positions based on the percentage of time worked.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Tuition waiver (90% for full time) for qualifying children (Part time Pro-Rated base on contracted hours)
• Full medical health insurance premium paid for employee only
• 401K matching up to 3% after 10 Months
• 8 Sick Days and 3 Personal Days
   

WORKING DAYS & HOURS:

•  4-day student week with teacher contracts totaling  172 days/Admin 191 days
• Typical  hours  full time: 7:15am–4:15pm, Monday–Thursday; approximately half of Fridays required for parent teacher conferences, In-service trainings, events, or other workdays.
• Part time work hours are pro-rated and determined based on agreed upon schedule and needs of job requirements.

Requirements

SPIRITUAL REQUIREMENTS:

•  Shall be a committed born-again Christian with Spirit-led Christian life and testimony.
•  Shall exhibit spiritual maturity and concern for the spiritual, social, emotional, and academic welfare of the students.
•  Commitment to a Biblical Worldview philosophy of education and life.
   

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Holds a minimum of a bachelor’s degree

2. ACSI Certification in Guidance Services or a related teaching area, or willingness to complete certification

3. Must be able to maintain confidentiality and exercise mature discretion when working with students, parents, and sensitive information

4. Specific experience in a middle school and/or high school setting reviewing transcripts, advising secondary students on class placement, and ensuring graduation requirements are met

5. Experience in class scheduling, including creating a master schedule and registering students in classes

6. Background and experience advising students on post–high school academic and career plans

7. Familiarity with the college admissions process and willingness to establish concurrent credit partnerships aligned with the mission of VCS to advance college-in-the-high-school opportunities

8. Experience assisting students and parents with college funding sources, including financial aid, scholarships, grants, and FAFSA applications

9. Experience or willingness to be trained in administering College Board and Advanced Placement assessments (PSAT, SAT, AP) and interpreting results for students, families, and administration

10. Experience in or ability to teach a high school course in College and Career Advisement

11. Demonstrates the ability to build excellent rapport with students and serve as a mentor and role model

12. Works effectively with school staff, administration, and faculty to achieve school objectives

13. Demonstrates a genuine love for students, parents, and staff, with a clear calling and passion for ministry within a Christian school

ADDITIONAL HIGHLY VALUED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Washington State certification with experience in Guidance Services or secondary counseling
• Knowledge of and experience with apprenticeship, vocational, and trade school pathways, including entry and placement processes
• Experience in business, industry, or skilled trades outside of a traditional school setting
                   

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

 A.  Spiritual Leadership

• Helps create an atmosphere of Biblical Christian spiritual awareness in the student body through his/her positive spiritual leadership, mentorship and life testimony.
•  Maintain an attitude of Christ-like helpfulness in all situations within the school.    
• Help students seek and find their God given gifts, talents, and purpose in pursuit of personal life choices and post high school plans. 

B.  Guidance & Student Services

I. Direct Student Advising & Instruction

•  Individual Advising (10th–12th): Meet regularly with each 10th–12th grader regarding college attainment and graduation requirements.
•  Senior Planning: Meet individually with seniors to finalize graduation and post-graduation plans.
•  Career Course Instruction: Teach a semester-long class for seniors covering Career Pathways and post-high school preparation.
•  Career Experiences: Coordinate professional experiences for juniors and seniors, including Career Day and job shadowing.
•  New Student Orientation: Collaborate with the Secondary Principal to lead orientations for incoming 7th graders, freshmen, and their parents to ensure smooth transitions.
•  Academic Counseling: Provide professional counseling services to all students in alignment with the VCS mission and core values.
•  Student Oversight: Advise and monitor student teacher aides, study halls, independent studies, and dual-enrolled students.

II. Testing & Academic Records

• Testing Administration: Oversee and coordinate all aspects of PSAT, SAT, ASVAB, and AP testing, including ordering, payment, and proctoring.
• Transcript Management: Access and review transcripts (grades 8–12) to track graduation progress; coordinate with the Registrar for permanent record storage and college application submissions.
• Data Analysis: Provide annual academic statistics and comparative data to identify student learning strengths and deficiencies.
• Academic Reporting: Ensure timely completion and mailing of sensitive college transcripts, references, and application materials.

III. College & Career Partnerships

• Concurrent & Dual Credit: Partner with colleges to develop concurrent credit programs and work with the Principal to facilitate VCS teacher certification for college-level instruction.
• Pathway Implementation: Help plan and implement programs that assist 7th–12th grade students in mapping high school and post-secondary career pathways.
• Recruitment & Visits: Arrange frequent campus visits, military recruitment sessions, and vocational field trips.
• Scholarship Facilitation: Manage specific scholarship opportunities and community programs, such as Miss Spokane Valley, EWI, and the State Fair Lilac facilitation.

IV. Communication & Promotion

• Stakeholder Information: Inform parents, students, and staff of financial aid, scholarships, and deadlines via newsletters (Panther Tales), Parent Nights, and the school website.
• Digital Presence: Create and maintain the VCS Guidance Services webpage, including scholarship resources and statistical data.
• Program Promotion: Assist in promoting VCS high school offerings to current families and the public using alumni statistics and college attendance data.

V. Administrative & Professional Duties

• Scheduling: Partner with the Secondary Principal and Registrar to manage course registration and student scheduling for grades 8–12.
• Senior Class Advisor: Serve as the Senior Class Advisor, overseeing graduation procedures and implementation.
• Internal Collaboration: Participate in regular staff and administrative team meetings to ensure consistent communication.
• Professional Development: Attend relevant workshops and counselor consortium (e.g., Washington Council, ACSI) to remain current in the field.
• General Support: Remain available to serve in a support capacity for school events, such as service projects and retreats.