[2025-2026] Workforce Development Counselor - High School

About KIPP NYC: 

KIPP NYC Public Schools is a non-profit network of 18 free, public charter schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. We partner with families and communities to create joyful and rigorous schools in pursuit of a more just world. In 1995 we started our first middle school, KIPP Academy, in the Bronx, with a vision that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. Today, our network consists of eight elementary schools, nine middle schools, one high school, and KIPP Forward, a comprehensive program to support our students and alumni in choosing and preparing for the educational and career paths that fit their goals and sense of purpose. KIPP NYC currently serves more than 12,000 students and alumni, has a staff of more than 1,000 (8% of whom are alumni), and continues to grow!

About KIPP NYC College Prep High School:

In August 2009, KIPP NYC College Prep High School (CPHS) opened its doors to serve students graduating from KIPP middle schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Upper Manhattan, as well as other New York City students seeking a rigorous, college-preparatory high school program. KIPP NYC College Prep builds on the key elements of their successful elementary and middle schools, including more time in school, a focus on student achievement, highly qualified and committed faculty, and a school culture that supports success in learning. Located in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, CPHS currently educates over 2,000 students in grades 9-12 across two locations.  Over 90% of students enroll in at least one type of rigorous academics, including (16) Advanced Placement (AP), (17) Dual Enrollment, and (13) Honors courses. In addition to a wide range of electives and over 25 clubs, there are 13 varsity and junior varsity sports programs. Last, CPHS provides a comprehensive college and career counseling department to ensure students engage in enriching summer programming, develop individual career plans, are fully prepared for the SAT college entrance exam, and go on to enroll in a college or career opportunity that meets their interests, abilities, and financial needs. Since its founding, 99% of CPHS students have graduated from high school, 91% have matriculated to a 2- or 4-year college, and 49% have received a college degree in 6 or more years.

Position Overview:

The Senior College and Career Counseling Team works to ensure that every graduate from KIPP NYC College Prep High School is admitted into a best-fit college or career program through close guidance in the college and career research, applications, and financial aid process. Our larger College and Career department works to prepare students for senior year through summer programs, career readiness lessons, and professional interactions to have the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose. Typically 10-15% of our student population is interested in matriculating to a specific work based program within a CUNY, a CTE program, or the military. We support all students in finding the best fit post-secondary option that will lead to their fulfilment. The Workforce Development Counselor will provide close guidance and intensive career counseling to these students by helping them to make informed decisions on their post-secondary pathway and ensuring they matriculate to a program that best aligns with their interests and aptitudes and prepares them for a career in a high-demand industry with sustainable wages. The Workforce Development Counselor works closely with our students, staff, families, local colleges, CTE programs, and community partners through the counseling process. The Workforce Development Counselor reports to the Director of College and Workforce Development Counseling.

Duties and Responsibilities:

General responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

The KIPP NYC College Prep Workforce Development Counselor delivers targeted in-depth CTE/career and post-secondary counseling for seniors who are on a 2-year college or career credentialing/CTE/military track. The Workforce Development Counselor will help design individual career plans for students, supporting students in their 12th grade Senior College and Career Counseling (SCCC) course, with the goal of facilitating the transition of students from high school to a best targeted CTE/military program match or career-aligned community college program match. This includes working directly with each student to assist in providing a variety of services including but not limited to:

• Provide small group career and post-secondary counseling in a classroom setting in order to explore career options based on an interest and aptitude assessment, complete individualized in-depth career plans, and set up work based learning opportunities.
• Support a caseload of 60-70 12th grade students enrolled in the Senior College and Career counseling (SCCC) program, guiding them through submission of applications to targeted post-secondary programs (CUNY, CTE) and matriculation into a best-match program.
• Assist with the completion of financial aid applications and other continuing support services such as ACCES-VR, CD, ASAP, whenever available and appropriate.
• Work with Director of College and Workforce Development Counseling to support in planning and leading community college and career trips and team events (Senior Brunch, College and Career Fair, year-round CTE site visits, Summer Programs Fair, College and Career Commitment Ceremony).
• Collaborate with Director of College and Workforce Development Counseling and the Transition Counselor on targeted partnerships and opportunities.
• Maintaining weekly grades and daily attendance in PowerSchool for your sections/caseload of seniors.
• Collaborate with the KIPP Forward Workforce Manager to design and implement a transition process to transfer seniors onto the caseload of the post-secondary KIPP Forward Workforce Advisor.
• Manage the application process for ACCES-VR, a state-funded vocational support program that provides significant college funding for students with IEPs or 504 Plans. This process includes assisting 60-80 eligible students with IEP and 504 Plans to obtain the documentation to complete the intake process, maintaining a strong working partnership with our school’s assigned ACCES-VR coordinator, and scheduling and overseeing successful completion of intake meetings with the coordinator for all eligible students either at school or at the ACCESS-VR offices.
• Continually improve upon the SCCC curriculum, lesson plans, and career plan to implement with students.
• Arrange and lead career exploration field trips with local businesses, community colleges, CTE and vocational programs, and organizations that target the participation of all students on caseload in collaboration with the Transition Counselor.
• Research and network with post-secondary certification programs for high-demand industries, organize afterschool info sessions, and communicate with our college, persistence and career counseling staff in order to share resources with all students.
• Successfully maintain all required systems and data management (ie. PowerSchool, Overgrad, and DeansList).

KIPP NYC is looking for exceptional staff who have a strong interest in building a school of excellence from the ground up.  We are seeking individuals from all backgrounds who believe in KIPP NYC's mission and who have the potential to excel as educators and leaders within our building.

A successful Workforce Development Counselor at KIPP NYC College Prep will have:

• Zest, grit, hope, love, social intelligence, gratitude, and a sense of humor
• A passion for being part of a team-oriented, mission-driven school culture
• Knowledge of youth and vocational/workforce development process (experience with counseling New York high school students or work within a CTE program a plus)
• Knowledge of CUNY application process and financial aid
• Demonstrated experience working with traditionally under-served students and their families from diverse socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds
• At least two years of experience working with groups of students (i.e. teaching, counseling). Special Education background preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited educational institution
• The ability to learn new technology platforms and databases quickly
• The ability to work on some Saturdays for our signature College and Career events
• Bilingual Spanish/English speaking and writing skills preferred
• Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• A “whatever it takes” mentality and willingness to adapt to changes and help teammates when needed
• The ability to work in a fast paced environment that is deadline and goal driven
• The ability to learn new tasks and skills quickly and ask for and be open to feedback

KIPP NYC offers a competitive salary ranging from $70,829 - $142,270. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience relevant to the role, NYS initial or professional certification, and longevity within the KIPP network. KIPP NYC will evaluate a candidate’s years of experience, certification, and longevity at point of hire to determine the step/level a new hire will be placed within our teacher salary scale.

KIPP NYC offers a generous benefits package including, but not limited to, the following:

• Robust benefits that include medical, dental, and vision. 
• Generous Time-Off including 5 school vacation weeks, sick and personal days, and an extended summer break. 
• Up to 12 weeks 100% parental leave.
• Bright Horizon Back-up Child and Elder care.
• Employer paid Life Insurance  and Short term/Long term disability.
• Employee incentives including 8 Weeks paid Sabbatical after 10 years, annual professional development funds, and tuition reimbursement. 

This description is intended to describe the type of work being performed by a person assigned to this position.  It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the employee.

This role is based in NYC and will require travel to our schools. If you relocate outside of a commutable distance or out of the state of NY, your employment will be subject to review, which may include separation from KIPP NYC. It is important that you notify HR if you move or have plans to relocate.

KIPP NYC LLC does not offer visa sponsorship or work authorization. 

KIPP NYC LLC is an anti-racist organization that believes in the importance of being diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment that includes employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving students and families throughout New York City. BIPOC, women, gender expansive, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

KIPP NYC LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIPP NYC LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.