Advocate Counselor

FOREST HILLS COMMUNITY HOUSE•New York, NY

9h•$24

About The Position

Queens Community House is seeking a qualified and mission-driven Advocate Counselor to provide comprehensive academic, career, and social-emotional support to students enrolled in the Learning to Work (LTW) program at Queens Satellite High School for Opportunity. LTW is an alternative pathway to high school graduation for youth ages 16 and older, funded by the NYC Department of Education and implemented in collaboration with DOE school staff. Students participate in structured academic supports and are placed in paid internships for up to 10 hours per week. The Advocate Counselor plays a critical role in student engagement, post-secondary planning, case management, and family collaboration to ensure positive outcomes for program participants.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or a related field
Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with youth, preferably in a NYC high school or alternative education setting
Strong commitment to youth development, educational equity, and social justice
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, multitasking, and communication skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment and discretion
Proficiency with computers and digital tools (Google Workspace preferred) and willingness to learn new systems
Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and ability to meet required schedules

Responsibilities

Welcome students daily and take school attendance to foster positive engagement
Conduct ongoing attendance outreach, including home visits and worksite visits
Facilitate communication and structured meetings between students and teachers
Develop and implement individualized post-secondary plans (college, training, or employment) within 60 days of enrollment
Provide a minimum of two (2) individual counseling sessions per student per month: One focused on academic progress One focused on career exploration and advisement
Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files and document all student interventions weekly using Google Forms
Connect students to internal and external resources and make referrals as needed
Facilitate advisory groups using established curricula and discussion-based learning in areas including: Job readiness and career exploration Conflict resolution and mediation Leadership development and civic/political education Community service and youth employment Gender identity groups and psychoeducation
Support eligible students with the CUNY and FAFSA application process
Refer students selecting LGCC, QCC, or BMCC as their first or second choice to the CASP Case Manager
Introduce students to the internship program and refer appropriate participants to the Internship Coordinator
Conduct regular check-ins with internship students to support work–school balance
Maintain ongoing communication with parents and guardians to support student success and address family needs
Work closely and collaboratively with DOE school staff
Meet weekly with the Program Director and come prepared with agenda items
Ensure required follow-up is completed with program graduates in July and February
Attend mandatory agency-wide meetings, quarterly staff meetings, and parent-teacher conferences
Demonstrate initiative, flexibility, and responsiveness to school and program needs