About Us
Brilla Public Charter Schools is a network of K-8th grade schools that currently serves 1,800 students from Mott Haven, University Heights, and other neighborhoods in the Bronx. The network is growing from its current four elementary and two middle schools to five elementary and five middle schools educating some 4,000 students in the Bronx and Paterson, NJ. The Charter Management Organization (CMO) for Brilla Schools Network is Seton Education Partners, an organization inspired by the Catholic educational tradition, that also manages the Seton Teaching Fellows missionary program and El Camino, an optional after-school Catholic faith formation program. At the heart of the Seton educational mission is our dedication to help students become young men and women of good character and spirit who are prepared for excellence in high school, college, and beyond.
Brilla combines a Classical approach to education – an emphasis on a content-rich curriculum, inquiry-driven instruction, and virtue formation that fosters an appreciation of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness – with individualized instructional support. We approach the formation of our students holistically and maintain high academic expectations. Ours is a joyful community that honors the dignity of each student, our staff members, and the families we serve.
Position Overview
Reporting to the school principal, the School Counselor plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Brilla graduates by guiding them through the critical transition from middle school to high school. This dedicated individual is tasked with ensuring that every student is placed in a high-performing, college preparatory high school that aligns with their academic abilities, interests, and long-term educational goals. As a year-round position, the counselor is expected to work during the summer and over school breaks to provide continuous support and counseling services. A key part of this role involves partnering closely with families, going the extra mile to address their needs, and contributing to the support of our alumni, ensuring their ongoing success and connection to our community.
Core Competencies & Responsibilities
- Student Counseling: Provide one-on-one counseling sessions to students and their families, offering advice on high school selection, application processes, and preparation for high school admission exams
- School Partnerships: Build and maintain strong relationships with high-performing, college preparatory high schools to stay informed on admissions criteria, processes, and opportunities for Brilla graduates
- Application Assistance: Assist students and families in completing high school applications, financial aid forms, and scholarship applications, ensuring all materials are submitted accurately and on time
- Workshop Facilitation: Develop and facilitate workshops for students and parents on topics related to high school placement, such as understanding the high school admissions process, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities
- Data Tracking and Reporting: Maintain systems of detailed records of students' high school application processes, outcomes, and post-placement progress. Report data and insights to the principal and relevant stakeholders
- Continuous Education: Stay informed on the latest trends and changes in high school admissions, including standardized test requirements, to provide up-to-date advice and support
- Planning and Facilitating Student Sessions: Work with campus leaders to inform, develop and teach a high school readiness program during 7th and 8th grade advisory blocks
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree or higher
- Possession of counselor degree or certification (preferred)
- Relevant high school or college admissions counseling experience with demonstrated results
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Spanish language proficiency (preferred)
Working Conditions:
- This is a year-round position, requiring work during the summer, occasional evenings, and weekends to meet the needs of our students and their families.
- The School Counselor will be based on-site at one of our middle schools and report directly to the Principal.
- Occasional travel to high schools, educational fairs, and conferences will be required.
Brilla provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees.
The base pay range for this position is $100,000-$110,000 per year. Pay may vary within the stated range, depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits will be provided.