Position: Academic Advisor of Native American students
Supervisor: School Site Principal (Collaboration with Director of Native American Programs)
General Job Description: The Academic Advisor of Native American is responsible for 9-12th grade Native American students completing high school. The Academic Advisor will seek to empower Native American students to achieve their academic goals by encouraging students to pursue college or career goals, assist students to apply for scholarships by ensuring Native American students have fulfilled requirements, assist students with college entrance requirements and are on track to graduate from high school. This role involves working closely with Native American students in high school settings, collaborating with teachers to implement academic interventions and support systems. A school counselor will be assigned as a mentor for the SSA licensee.
Job duties & responsibilities
1. Assist Native American students with course selection, facilitate registration and college entrance requirements (i.e. Navajo Government course, Navajo Language course).
2. Monitor academic progress, provide interventions for at-risk students, and offer guidance on personal issues impacting school performances. Collect specific data to monitor Native American student progress. (i.e. # of Native American students served,etc.)
3. Track GPA and course credit to ensure timely graduation.
4. Advise students on post-secondary opportunities, including college applications, scholarships, vocational training, and if necessary, assist with job-search skills. (i.e. Chief Manuelito)
5. Work with teachers, staff, and parents to support student success and facilitate necessary, and, if necessary, connect students to outside resources.
6. Communicate accurately with Native American secondary students, parents, community and FMS staff.
7. Manage resources to ensure the best use and promote positive student behavior in a safe and healthy environment.
8. Plan and coordinate with teachers on providing culturally appropriate activities and events (i.e. Assist teachers to submit requests for culturally relevant consultant speakers, workshops and Field Trips).
9. Assist Navajo Language Teacher with Din� Language Proficiency Assessment (DLPA) and Oral Navajo Language and Culture test standard based assessment (ONLC-T-SBA).
10. Support the Johnson O'Malley parental cost request process (i.e track, distribution, etc.).
11. Provide guidance to the Din� Club sponsor.
12. Support teachers to incorporate culturally relevant activities into mainstream classrooms.
13. Attend and participate in PLC meetings and school meetings.
14. Maintain confidentiality.
15. Accept other responsibilities as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
Additional duties
1. Meet with the Director of Native American Programs three times a year. (Initial-August, mid-December and end of year-April).
2. Serve as a liaison with middle schools/elementary, when necessary.
Qualifications: Must have a 5 year alternative license that is granted by the state to allow time for completion of a School Counseling graduate program while assisting the school district as a Student Success Advisor (SSA). This license is not a guidance counseling certification and does not allow a Student Success Advisor to provide mental health counseling. Must work toward a counseling license.
Knowledge: Knowledge of higher education financing, college and career readiness, and/or postsecondary education entrance process is strongly desired. Stay abreast of current Federal, State and Navajo Nation compliance. Being bilingual in Navajo is an advantage. Must have passion for helping students succeed.
Skills: Must have strong oral, written communication, and organization skills. Must be detail oriented, accurate and timely with assigned tasks. Must demonstrate the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast paced environment, work both independently and within a team, facilitate effective collaboration, and resolve conflict.
Physical Requirements: Ability to perform the job and access the environment for which you are hired. The following may be required: sitting, standing, bending, walking, reaching, squatting, kneeling. Ability to lift up to 50lbs related to equipment/office supplies/associated materials.
Equipment/Technology: Must know how to properly operate or be willing to learn to operate all multimedia equipment including current technology. Must be proficient with technology including databases, various software programs, internet tools and communication tools.
Work Environment: Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Interruptions of work are routine. Flexibility and patience are required. Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignments without direct supervision. After hours work may be required.
Terms of Employment: Salary and work calendar established yearly by the district.