Academic Counselor - 9th GradeThis position offices in-person, on campus.Role SummaryThe Academic Counselor - 9th Grade at Valor Christian High School serves as the primary academic and counseling contact for a full grade-level caseload of approximately 300 students annually. This role provides comprehensive academic and transitional support to freshmen while helping them build a strong foundation for success throughout high school. This position requires balancing a dual-cycle workload, supporting both current 9th-grade students and incoming 9th-grade families during the spring semester. In partnership with the 9th Grade Seminar Team, Deans, and Social- Emotional Services (SES), the counselor delivers proactive academic guidance, monitors student progress, and supports students through their Freshman year. The role emphasizes early high school planning, including academic skill development, 4-year planning, and introduction to college and career platforms (Scoir). Additionally, the counselor plays a key role in grade-level scheduling, family communication, and high-touch support for students with complex needs, while contributing to broader departmental initiatives such as college programming and events. This position serves as the lead planner and executor of Valor's College Days/Fair as well as the main point of contact for college representatives visiting our campus.Valor Christian High School is a decidedly Christian, college preparatory school whose core values honor a biblical foundation. Valor employees are faith-filled, joyful believers who are active in a local, Christian church whose beliefs are in alignment with the school's Statement of Beliefs. They are both called and committed to the school's vision and mission and seamlessly integrate faith into their daily work. You will be most successful if you have a true servant's heart, a teachable spirit, a love for the Lord Jesus Christ, and a commitment to the school's beliefs and values.ResponsibilitiesPossess and Model a Growing Relationship with ChristPursue full devotion to Christ and live a life that reflects that authenticityModel the fruits of the spirit in communications, relationships and daily workDemonstrate teachability and a willing heart for serviceEmbody others-centered, servant-leadership in all interactionsDemonstrate Trustworthy Commitment to Valor's Christian CommunityAccept and uphold Valor's values and beliefs as found in the Statement of Beliefs, Christian Community Policy, and Valor Culture DocumentAccept and abide by all affirmations in Valor's Annual Statement of CommitmentBe relationally involved in the life/lives of our students with a heart of service and missionSeamlessly and deliberately integrate Biblical truth and Christian values into daily workEffectively represent Valor's academic brand to college admissions officersCommunicate in a thoughtful and professional mannerGet to know the uniqueness of each academic department and banner items that showcase Valor's academic productCollect, analyze, understand and present the overall academic dataPrimary ResponsibilitiesCommunicate promptly and effectively with students and parentsProcess class requests and facilitate scheduling each semesterConsistently monitor a caseload of students (GPA, grades, and teacher feedback) to ensure their successful progression against the school's graduation requirementsFacilitate and/or lead Care and Concern meetings and participate in additional student support meetings as needed with students, parents, and teachers to provide academic guidance, recommendations, and support strategiesIn concert with the Academic Services team, review eligibility for extracurricular participationPartner with Valor's social-emotional services department, 9th Grade Seminar Teachers, and the Dean's Office to support students struggling with various difficulties and handle day-to-day issues that may ariseServe as the primary contact for 9th-grade students experiencing concussions, surgeries, or long-term illness; coordinate academic plans in partnership with appropriate support teamsSecondary ResponsibilitiesCoordinate with the college representatives who are visiting Valor as well as college fairsPlan and orchestrate Valor's College Day/Fair every FallPartner with the 9th Grade Seminar teachers to coordinate class visits in the fallWork with incoming students and families with questions and needs prior to attending Valor, coordinate with World Languages, Math, and English to facilitate placement testingOrganize weekly announcements about academics to keep our families informedServe Wholeheartedly as an Exceptional TeammateUphold and embody Valor's culture as set forth in the Valor Culture DocumentModel servant leadership, grace and love in all relationships and interactionsDevelop relationships with colleagues with goals of teamwork, relational unity and spiritual growthProvide team support regarding all matters, processes and initiativesDemonstrate loyalty to teammates in action and wordAssist Team members to facilitate school-wide winsDemonstrate a Commitment to Fulfilling Valor's Vision and MissionAssume collaborative responsibility for Operating Plan Goals and Fiscal stewardshipBe a culture- keeperDemonstrate a Commitment to GrowthParticipate in Valor Team meetings, Chapel and weekly meetings with Team/SupervisorDemonstrate teachability and receptivity to feedbackPursue professional, personal, and spiritual growth and developmentParticipate in the broader ministry of Valor by the contributing of time, talent and treasure beyond assigned role responsibilitiesRelationshipsDirector of Academic and College CounselingAcademic and College CounselorsRegistrarParentsStudentsDean of Academic Services and the Academic Support TeamTeachers, including 9th Grade Seminar TeachersDeans of StudentsSocial-Emotional Services TeamResultsThis position will have excellently guided students and families through a successful transition to high school by providing proactive academic counseling and individualized support. They will have effectively managed a high-volume caseload, including scheduling and course planning, while maintaining strong student and family relationships. As a result of their exceptional planning and coordination, Valor's College Days, College Fairs, and on-campus college visits will have been executed successfully and without issue.Education, Experience, and Required CompetenciesBachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related discipline required; Master's degree preferredPrevious college counseling or college admissions experience is preferredAdministrative and customer service skills that demonstrate exceptional care for people and detailsAbility to navigate difficult conversations with students and families with grace and truthStrong written and verbal communication skills are requiredSolid biblical and theological foundation and understandingStrong critical thinking skills, ability to problem solve, quick learner and intentional relationship builderExpertise in Microsoft Office,Scoir, Student Information System (SIS) databases and Google SuiteEfficient work pace, manage multiple tasks, and oversee systems and processesPhysical DemandsThe same basic physical demands described here are the same for all employees to successfully perform the essential functions of their jobs. Employees must periodically lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and could occasionally be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral/depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Work EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics are varied and include classroom, office, and outdoor events while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is also varied.Position TypeB schedule:Traditional school calendar with additional weeks prior to school starting and after school ends, including one week in the summer. This position offices in-person, on campus.Hours Per WeekFull-time, Exempt. Occasional night, weekend, and summer work as needed.SupervisorDirector of Academic and College CounselingBenefitsMedical, dental, vision, and life insurance403(B) Retirement Plan with immediate vesting and employer contribution matchingProfessional development opportunitiesThree on-campus dining options for free daily lunchPay Range$58,000 - $62,000/yearStart DateJuly 27, 2026#J-18808-Ljbffr