Postsecondary Success Counselor - TX

Justworks, Inc.; Houston (TX); Sur place; USD 46 000 - 47 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Justworks, Inc. in Houston is seeking a Postsecondary Success Counselor to serve as the primary relationship manager for SJLI Higher Pathways scholars, guiding them through college, transfer, and career pathways.

Under supervision, the PSC will develop individualized Success Plans, conduct regular check-ins, coordinate referrals to campus resources, and support enrollment, financial aid, degrees, and credentials across multiple postsecondary pathways.

Responsabilités

• Manage an assigned caseload of Scholars and serve as the primary relationship, navigator, and case owner throughout each scholar's postsecondary journey.
• Develop, maintain, and regularly update an individualized Success Plan for each scholar that reflects goals, milestones, barriers, resource needs, referrals, and next steps.
• Conduct proactive outreach and regular substantive check-ins in accordance with departmental expectations, adjusting support based on pathway and stage.
• Build trusting, culturally responsive relationships that promote belonging, self-advocacy, resilience, accountability, and long-term engagement with SJLI.
• Identify barriers early; coordinate interventions and escalate concerns to the Higher Pathways Regional Manager as needed.
• Implement re-engagement strategies for scholars who become disconnected and document outreach and follow-up actions.

Description du poste

Employment type Full-time employee Department Houston Office Work location SJLI Houston Office Compensation $33.17 – $34.14 per hour
Final compensation will depend on the location and level at which the candidate is hired

About this job

POSTSECONDARY SUCCESS COUNSELOR

Position Title: Postsecondary Success Counselor

Reports To: Higher Pathways Regional Manager

Location: Southern Region - Houston Office

Position Summary:

The Postsecondary Success Counselor (PSC) is the primary relationship manager, case owner, and navigator for an assigned caseload of scholars ages 18-25 participating in SJLI's Higher Pathways program. Working under the supervision of the Higher Pathways Regional Manager, the PSC provides proactive, relationship-centered support across the full postsecondary journey, helping scholars navigate college, transfer, trade and technical education, professional credentials, military service, employment, entrepreneurship, educational re-entry, and other pathways into adulthood.

The PSC works with each scholar to develop and maintain an individualized Success Plan that connects postsecondary goals, career aspirations, financial realities, well-being, and adult-life needs. Through regular check-ins, case management, resource navigation, and coordinated referrals, the PSC monitors progress, identifies barriers early, supports re-engagement when a scholar becomes disconnected, and helps ensure that scholars remain connected to opportunity as their pathways evolve.

Within Higher Pathways' 'one scholar, one plan, one team' model, the PSC remains the scholar's consistent point of contact even when specialized Career Development Counselors, Workforce Connections Counselors, mental health providers, educational institutions, or other partners become involved. The PSC is responsible for maintaining continuity, following through on referrals, documenting progress, and helping scholars move toward Higher Pathways' long-term outcomes: Postsecondary Success, Career & Economic Mobility, Civic Engagement, and Lifelong Well-Being.

Responsibilities

Scholar Relationship, Case Management, and Individual Success Planning

• Manage an assigned caseload of Higher Pathways scholars and serve as the primary relationship, navigator, and case owner throughout each scholar's postsecondary journey.
• Develop, maintain, and regularly update an individualized Success Plan for each scholar that reflects postsecondary and career goals, milestones, barriers, resource needs, referrals, and next steps.
• Conduct proactive outreach and regular substantive check-ins in accordance with departmental dosage and engagement expectations, adjusting the level of support based on scholar need, pathway, and stage of transition.
• Build trusting, culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate relationships that promote belonging, self-advocacy, resilience, accountability, help‑seeking, and long‑term connection to SJLI.
• Identify emerging barriers and changes in scholar circumstances early; develop appropriate action steps, coordinate interventions, and elevate significant concerns to the Higher Pathways Regional Manager as needed.
• Implement re‑engagement strategies for scholars who become disconnected from school, employment, or SJLI services, documenting outreach, barriers, and follow‑up actions until the scholar's status is clarified.

Postsecondary Navigation, Persistence, and Completion

• Support scholars in navigating college enrollment, course registration, academic planning, transfer, financial aid and FAFSA/CADAA processes, scholarships, graduation requirements, and other postsecondary milestones.
• Provide navigation and planning support across multiple pathways, including two- and four-year colleges, trade and technical education, professional credentials, military pathways, employment, entrepreneurship, educational re‑entry, and other postsecondary options.
• Monitor scholar persistence, pathway status, progress toward degrees or credentials, and major transition points; intervene early when academic, financial, logistical, or personal barriers may interrupt progress.
• Connect scholars to campus and institutional resources such as academic advising, tutoring, accessibility services, financial‑aid offices, student success centers, mentorship, and other supports, and follow through to help ensure access.
• Support scholars whose original educational pathway changes or is interrupted by helping them assess options, develop a re‑entry or transition plan, and remain connected to a viable pathway toward their long‑term goals.
• Engage families, when appropriate and with scholar consent, to support understanding of postsecondary planning, financing, transitions, and available resources.

Adult-Life Navigation, Supportive Services, and Well‑Being

• Help scholars navigate practical barriers related to housing, transportation, food, technology, financial stability, wellness, family responsibilities, and other basic or adult‑life needs that may affect postsecondary or career progress.
• Provide warm referrals to internal and external supportive services, including mental health and wellness providers, emergency assistance, community resources, and other specialized supports when needs extend beyond the PSC role.
• Maintain responsibility for follow‑through after referrals by checking whether the scholar successfully connected to the resource, identifying additional barriers, and updating the Success Plan as needed.
• Support scholars in accessing SJLI scholarship, emergency‑support, and other resource processes in accordance with program guidelines and available funding.
• Recognize when a scholar's needs require specialized, clinical, crisis, or other professional intervention and promptly follow SJLI escalation, safety, confidentiality, and referral protocols. The PSC role does not provide clinical mental health treatment.

Career Coordination, Placement, and Economic Mobility

• Integrate career goals and milestones into each scholar's Success Plan so career development begins early in the postsecondary experience and intensifies as scholars approach graduation, credential completion, workforce entry, or other major transitions.
• Explore career interests and readiness with scholars and coordinate referrals to Career Development Counselors for career assessment, Career Action Planning, professional readiness, internships, networking, graduate‑school exploration, and related preparation.
• Coordinate referrals to Workforce Connections Counselors for employer engagement, job and apprenticeship placement, workforce-system connections, industry opportunities, and other economic‑mobility supports.
• Retain primary case‑management responsibility while specialized career staff provide services; monitor referral completion, incorporate career milestones into the Success Plan, and ensure the scholar experiences a coordinated rather than fragmented support system.
• Collaborate with career staff on internships, work‑based learning, entrepreneurship resources, employment transitions, and placement strategies, particularly for scholars approaching degree or credential completion.
• Track relevant career outcomes and transition points, including internships, work‑based learning, employment, continued education, and other positive destinations, and communicate emerging needs or barriers to the regional team.

Transitions, Alumni Engagement, and Community Connection

• Support structured transitions from SJLI's high school programs into Higher Pathways by helping graduating scholars understand available services, complete initial planning, and establish an ongoing point of contact.
• Participate in and support postsecondary orientation, A Different World college immersion, alumni gatherings, workshops, group sessions, campus visits, enrichment activities, retreats, and other scholar‑facing programming as assigned.
• Encourage and connect scholars to mentorship, networking, leadership, volunteer, advocacy, research, civic‑engagement, and community‑contribution opportunities that reinforce purpose and connection to SJLI.
• Help cultivate alumni relationships that extend beyond immediate service needs and create opportunities for scholars to support younger cohorts through mentorship, knowledge transfer, and community leadership.

Data, Documentation, and Program Accountability

• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential documentation of scholar contacts, Success Plans, goals, services, barriers, referrals, pathway changes, follow‑up actions, risk indicators, and outcomes in designated case‑management or CRM systems.
• Meet departmental expectations for substantive scholar engagement, documentation, referrals, follow‑through, and performance indicators. Outreach attempts alone do not constitute completed scholar support unless otherwise defined by departmental tracking standards.
• Monitor caseload data and use scholar‑level information to prioritize outreach, identify students requiring increased support, and inform individual case strategies.
• Participate in regular supervision, case reviews, data reviews, and program learning cycles; communicate caseload trends, emerging concerns, successes, and service gaps to the Higher Pathways Regional Manager.
• Contribute accurate information to program, grant, evaluation, and organizational reporting as requested and ensure services are delivered in alignment with program commitments and established procedures.

Program Collaboration and Operations

• Collaborate closely with Career Development Counselors, Workforce Connections Counselors, Educational Equity staff, Operations & Finance, Development, and other SJLI teams to support seamless scholar experiences and organizational priorities.
• Coordinate with colleges, training providers, community‑based organizations, mental health providers, employers, and other partners as appropriate to help scholars access resources and opportunities.
• Maintain consistent communication and availability within SJLI's hybrid work environment and participate in team meetings, supervision, professional development, regional planning, and organizational activities.
• Support program events, workshops, travel, field experiences, college visits, retreats, and other activities, including occasional evening, weekend, or overnight responsibilities as required.
• Perform any and all other duties consistent with or assigned to the position's scope and organizational needs.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Education, Higher Education, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Youth Development, Sociology, or a related field.
• Minimum two (2) years of relevant professional experience supporting youth or young adults through postsecondary advising, college persistence, counseling, coaching, case management, alumni services, workforce navigation, or related programming.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusting, culturally responsive relationships with young adults while maintaining professional boundaries, confidentiality, consistency, and accountability.
• Working knowledge of postsecondary pathways and systems, including college enrollment and persistence, transfer, financial aid, scholarships, trade and technical education, credentials, workforce pathways, and educational re‑entry.
• Experience assessing needs, developing individualized plans, coordinating referrals and resources, tracking progress, and following through across multiple service providers or systems.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to barriers related to housing, transportation, financial stability, wellness, food access, technology, employment, and other basic or adult‑life needs.
• Strong communication, facilitation, organization, documentation, time‑management, relationship‑building, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to manage a dynamic caseload and competing priorities.
• Experience using case‑management, CRM, student‑information, or other data systems to document services and outcomes and use information to guide practice.
• Demonstrated commitment to culturally responsive, trauma‑informed, equity‑centered, and community‑based approaches that reflect the lived experiences of young adults of color.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to travel throughout the assigned market or region and to other SJLI locations as required.
• Strong commitment to the goals, guidelines, principles and values of the Social Justice Learning Institute.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Counseling, Education, Higher Education, Social Work, Psychology, Student Affairs, Youth Development, or a related field.
• Experience supporting first‑generation college students, opportunity youth, alumni, and young adults from historically impacted communities.
• Knowledge of higher education, financial aid, transfer pathways, workforce training, apprenticeships, credential programs, and community‑resource systems within the assigned region.
• Experience with stop‑out prevention, re‑engagement, basic‑needs navigation, scholarship or emergency‑support processes, and transition planning for young adults.
• Experience developing or facilitating workshops, group programming, alumni engagement, mentorship, or postsecondary transition activities.
• Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish).

Equal Opportunity Employer:

SJLI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, particularly those from underrepresented communities and those with lived experiences relevant to our work with youth of color. SJLI is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the youth we serve.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment for this position are consistent with those of a typical office setting. However, this role requires regular travel within Harris County, Dallas County and/or beyond for meetings, school visits, youth events, college visits/tours, retreats and community engagements. The position may require standing for extended periods, lifting up to 25 pounds, and navigating various community settings. Evening and weekend work is often necessary to accommodate youth and their family’s schedules. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations:

The Educational Equity Programs Director must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to anti‑discrimination laws, labor laws, and laws governing non‑profit organizations. They must also adhere to SJLI's policies and procedures, including those related to ethics, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest. Given the focus on youth, familiarity with and strict adherence to laws and best practices related to working with minors is essential, including mandatory reporting requirements, youth safety protocols, and data privacy regulations.

Background Check and Clearances:

Employment with SJLI is contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background check and any required clearances or certifications, as applicable to the position. This includes, but is not limited to, criminal background checks, child abuse clearances, TB testing, and verification of eligibility to work with youth. The Senior Manager must also maintain any relevant certifications or clearances throughout their employment.

At‑Will Employment:

Employment with SJLI is on an at‑will basis, meaning that either the employee or the organization can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, unless otherwise specified by applicable law or a written employment agreement. However, SJLI is committed to fair employment practices and open communication to ensure a positive and productive work environment for all employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Social Justice Learning Institute ("SJLI") is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.SJLI prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on any characteristic protected by applicable law, including, but not limited to: age (40 and over), race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, reproductive health decision‑making, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sexual orientation, veteran or military status, protected medical leaves (including requesting or taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, off‑duty and off‑premises use of cannabis, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.The Organization is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay and other compensation, benefits, discipline, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.Employment decisions at SJLI are based on legitimate, job‑related qualifications, skills, experience, performance, and others business considerations. In carrying out our mission, SJLI values mission alignment, community‑centered practice, culturally responsive approaches, and the ability to contribute positively to the communities we serve, particularly historically underserved communities. Nothing in this policy shall be interpreted or applied in a manner inconsistent with applicable law.The Organization will conduct a confidential, prompt, and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation or any violation of this Equal Employment Opportunity Policy. Where appropriate, the Organization will take corrective and remedial action. SJLI strictly prohibited retaliation against any team member who, in good faith, reports concerns, provides information, participates in an investigation, or otherwise exercises rights protected by law or this policy.We are all responsible for upholding this policy and fostering a workplace characterized by dignity, respect, inclusion, and belonging. Team counters? Wait: The paragraph continues but we note it.