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Academic Guidance Counselor - Job Opportunity at Gary Middle College

Gary, United States
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: May 27, 2025
On-site
USD 45,000 - 55,000 per year, reflecting the non-profit charter school setting in Indiana with consideration for the specialized dual-credit program management responsibilities and urban location factors

Benefits

Comprehensive retirement planning with 401(k) and employer matching to build long-term financial security
Complete healthcare coverage including medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee wellbeing
Health savings account and flexible spending account options providing tax-advantaged healthcare cost management
Life insurance coverage ensuring family financial protection
Generous paid time off policy supporting work-life balance and personal wellness
Employee assistance program offering confidential counseling and support services
Referral program rewarding employees for bringing quality talent to the organization

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic academic planning by creating individualized pathways that accelerate student success and post-secondary readiness
Lead comprehensive student development initiatives spanning academic achievement, career exploration, and social-emotional growth
Orchestrate complex scheduling systems integrating high school and dual-credit college coursework to maximize graduation and degree completion outcomes
Manage critical college readiness assessments and programming that directly impact student post-secondary opportunities and success rates
Facilitate strategic partnerships with higher education institutions to expand student access to advanced academic opportunities
Execute comprehensive college application and financial aid guidance processes that remove barriers to higher education access
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with families through proactive communication and conference facilitation

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's Degree in School Counseling

Experience

Two or more years of successful Guidance Counseling as demonstrated by annual performance evaluations

Required Skills

Experience in reviewing student transcripts, scheduling & graduation requirements Knowledge of college/university admissions processes, scholarship programs, and other educational opportunities Commitment to the mission and organizational goals of Gary Middle College

Certifications

Valid Indiana License Indiana Guidance Counselor license
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Charter schools and alternative education models are experiencing significant growth as families seek personalized learning approaches, with the K-16 dual enrollment model becoming increasingly popular for accelerating student pathways to post-secondary success Educational institutions are placing greater emphasis on competency-based learning and individualized academic planning, requiring counselors who can navigate complex dual-credit systems and non-traditional graduation pathways There is a growing focus on serving at-risk student populations and addressing educational equity, particularly in urban environments where traditional educational models have historically underserved communities

Role Significance

Likely working as part of a small administrative team of 3-5 professionals in a charter school environment, collaborating closely with teachers, administrators, and external college partners
This is a mid-level professional position with significant autonomy in student guidance and academic planning, requiring independent decision-making on complex scheduling and graduation requirements while reporting directly to school leadership

Key Projects

Implementation of comprehensive dual-credit programming partnerships with community colleges Development of individualized academic pathways for at-risk student populations College readiness assessment and intervention programs Financial aid and scholarship application support initiatives

Success Factors

Deep understanding of both traditional high school requirements and college-level academic standards to effectively guide students through dual-enrollment pathways Strong relationship-building skills to work effectively with students who have experienced academic or personal challenges in traditional educational settings Comprehensive knowledge of financial aid systems and scholarship opportunities to remove economic barriers to post-secondary education Cultural competency and trauma-informed practices essential for serving urban student populations with diverse life experiences Systems thinking ability to manage complex scheduling coordination between high school and college course requirements

Market Demand

Moderate to high demand, driven by expansion of charter school networks and increased emphasis on alternative education pathways for underserved student populations

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Indiana guidance counselor licensure and transcript analysis expertise are fundamental requirements for managing the complex academic planning and graduation verification processes central to this role Dual-credit program coordination skills are essential given the school's core mission of integrating high school and college coursework for accelerated student pathways Cultural competency and understanding of urban education challenges are critical for effectively serving the Gary Middle College student population and building trust with families

Beneficial Skills

Master's degree in school counseling would provide advanced training in counseling theories and techniques particularly valuable for working with at-risk student populations Experience in non-traditional educational settings would offer valuable perspective on alternative approaches to student engagement and academic support Bilingual capabilities could enhance communication with diverse family populations in the Gary area Knowledge of trauma-informed educational practices would support effective work with students who have experienced significant life challenges

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work within an innovative K-16 model that allows students to earn full associate degrees before high school graduation, representing cutting-edge educational programming
Focus on serving students who have faced significant challenges in traditional educational settings, requiring specialized counseling approaches and trauma-informed practices
Direct partnership with Ivy Tech Community College creating unique dual-credit coordination responsibilities not found in traditional high school counseling roles
12-month position providing year-round student support and program development opportunities

Career Growth

Advancement to leadership roles typically occurs within 3-5 years with demonstrated success in student outcomes and program development

Potential Next Roles

Director of Student Services or Dean of Students positions within charter school networks College admissions counselor or academic advisor roles in higher education institutions Program coordinator positions in educational non-profits focused on college access and student success

Company Overview

Gary Middle College

GEO Academies operates as a national non-profit charter school network with an innovative K-16 educational model that allows students to earn college degrees while completing high school, positioning Gary Middle College as part of a larger educational reform movement focused on accelerating student pathways to post-secondary success

Established player in the charter school sector with recognition for innovative dual-enrollment programming and focus on serving students who have struggled in traditional educational environments
Located in Gary, Indiana, serving a predominantly urban student population with partnership connections to Ivy Tech Community College, positioning the school as a key educational access point in the Northwest Indiana region
Mission-driven environment focused on educational equity and student empowerment, with emphasis on collaborative problem-solving and individualized support for both students and staff members
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