College and Career Advisor

Hamilton County Department of Education; Tennessee; On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton County Department of Education seeks a dedicated college and career advisor for East Hamilton High to guide students in planning for postsecondary education and careers. You will conduct individual and group sessions, coordinate FAFSA workshops, and collaborate with counselors to support each student’s goals.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years in college/career awareness; a Master’s degree and FAFSA knowledge are highly valued; strong communication and organizational

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in counseling or related field.
• 3+ years in college and career awareness/access or related field.
• Knowledge of financial aid processes and college admissions requirements.
• Experience with college entrance exams and scholarship processes is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Guide and assist students in developing college and career plans through individual and group sessions.
• Support students' post-secondary goals across two- or four-year colleges, certificates, apprenticeships, and other paths.
• Collaborate with School Counselors to promote comprehensive student support.
• Develop and deliver college and career workshops, including FAFSA sessions and campus visits.
• Maintain accurate senior records on college applications, financial aid, scholarships, and admissions outcomes.
• Analyze data and provide recommendations to school administration to improve college readiness.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Data analysis

College admissions knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree in Counseling or related field (preferred)

Tools

Common Application

FAFSA knowledge

TOEFL/ACT/SAT familiarity

Job description

Overview

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.

Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030.

The purpose of this job is to guide and assist students in developing career plans following high school.

East Hamilton High

East Hamilton High School is a diverse 9-12 school located in Ooltewah, Tennessee, just outside Chattanooga. We are recognized for excellence across academics, athletics, and the arts, and we are committed to preparing students for success in college, careers, and beyond. Our academic opportunities include a full range of Honors and Advanced Placement courses, as well as programs in business, AV production, and fine arts, ensuring that every student can discover and develop their unique talents.

East Hamilton offers educators a collaborative and supportive environment where the focus is always on what is best for students. Our faculty is united by a shared commitment to excellence and a belief in the power of teamwork. We value innovation, accountability, and professional growth, welcoming teachers at all stages of their careers who are eager to contribute to a thriving, student-centered school community.

We seek teachers who are passionate about their subjects, dedicated to their students, and inspired by the opportunity to make a lasting impact. At East Hamilton, you will find more than a workplace—you will find a professional home where your skills, ideas, and commitment to students are valued and supported.

Responsibilities

• Assists students and parents/guardians with college and career planning through one-on-one and group meetings, parent meetings, curriculum and college planning workshops, registering for college entrance exams and/or standardized tests, scholarship and financial aid applications, and scheduling campus tours.
• Provides all students with the support they need to gain admission to post-secondary opportunities that meet their goals and dreams. This includes but is not limited to two-or-four-year colleges, certificate programs, apprenticeships, military, and immediate employment.
• Collaborates with School Counselors to promote comprehensive student support.
• Creates a calendar and schedule of college and career workshops and information sessions including FAFSA workshops, college/career visits, essay writing workshops and scholarship information sessions.
• Maintains detailed senior class records for all students including college application information, FAFSA completion, scholarships applied, college acceptance and scholarships received through the use of electronic data management systems.
• Prepares reports and analyzes college acceptance statistics and scholarships received by students. Makes recommendations to school administration based on analysis.
• Monitors student registration activities and recommends solutions to academic difficulties.
• Maintains systematic and frequent contact with advisees.
• Serves as liaison and fosters intentional relationships with other advisors, colleges, and departments.
• Refers students to the appropriate specialized staff for such issues as comprehensive counseling, financial assistance, etc.
• Participates in the development, implementation, review, presentation, and revision of orientations for the first-time college students and transfer students.
• Provides information to parents through printed materials, workshops, meetings, and other appropriate forms of communication.
• Stays abreast of changing institutional information including admissions requirements, new programs, course changes, deadlines, important dates, costs, expanding facilities, updates in college-wide initiatives, transfer requirements, and state and federal mandates.
• Engages in professional development activities, including but not limited to, memberships in professional organizations.
• Interacts with the students, staff, parents and others in a respectful and professional manner.
• Develops advising materials and presentations to support individual and group student/parent sessions.
• Reviews and summarizes the most cited job skills by employers.
• Attends meetings as required.
• Follows established procedures to ensure assigned areas are safe.
• Works collaboratively with all stakeholders.
• Attends work and arrives to work on time.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law.
• Complies with accounting and financial policies and procedures involving the handling of money and property, as well as other Board policies.
• Uses computers and other technology to enter and access information related to essential job functions.
• Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
• May operate a motor vehicle to conduct various work activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Education/Experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s Degree in Counseling, Higher Education, Public Administration or similar degree preferred; certification in counseling preferred.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of three years' experience working in the field of college and career awareness/access and/or a related field required. Experience working in the higher education field strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of college financial aid, public and private college/university admissions requirements/processes required.
• Expertise with Common Application, FAFSA/Dream Act and standardized tests such as ACT, SAT, and TOEFL required.

Skills/Qualifications

• Necessary skills include excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational ability and the ability to meet deadlines. Experience in college admissions or high school college counseling, teaching experience, and computer skills are pluses.
• The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. The candidate will also have the ability to respond effectively to the needs of a diverse and demanding student and parent population; knowledge of colleges, their academic programs, admission policies, and financial policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with students, educators, college administrators, parents, and community members.
• Ability to coordinate, plan and organize.
• Ability to solve problems.
• Ability to analyze data and make recommendations based on the data.

Compensation

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience. Grade H Salary Scale