Outreach Counselor, GEAR UP (Richford, Vermont)

Do you enjoy working with middle and high school students? Are you energized by the enthusiasm of teenagers? As a VSAC GEAR UP Outreach Counselor you’ll help students explore the possibilities their future can hold and help them create a plan to get there.

This opening for an Outreach Counselor is in our VSAC GEAR UP program and is based at Richford Jr. / Sr. High School. The position also serves GEAR UP after high school students, who are GEAR UP students, statewide, that are supported during their first year after high school.

This position is full-time, 47 weeks per year (5 weeks off during summer months) and great benefits including an annual 401k contribution. The target start date for this position is ASAP with a strong preference for on or before October 14th.

Key Attributes: • flexibility • eagerness to learn • success when working independently • comfort creating and maintaining relationships with people in a variety of settings.

The Successful Candidate Will: • create a curriculum plan to cover the full spectrum of career and college planning services • meet with students regularly in groups and individually • offer workshops and presentations to students and parents • develop rapport with middle and high school students and their families, area school staff and faculty, and agency and college personnel.

Experience and Qualifications: • a master’s degree in counseling, education or related field preferred • experience working with youth in educational settings • an understanding of the socioeconomic and academic needs of first-generation, modest income students and families • excellent communication and organizational skills • a working knowledge of adolescent development, career development, post-secondary options and financial aid • solid group presentation skills • familiarity with public school systems. You do not need to meet 100% of the experience and qualifications listed to be considered.

Our work is often focused on the people in our society who benefit from additional support and information to attain their college and career goals, including members of the BIPOC & LGBTQ+ community as well as other groups. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who fully understand the perspectives, strengths, and challenges of the communities that we serve. If you think this might be a good fit, please apply.

Applicants must have a valid driver’s license verified by a Motor Vehicle Record Report, a willingness to travel up to 1,000 miles a month, a properly inspected, registered, and insured motor vehicle for business use, and must provide their own workspace when working away from VSAC offices. This position requires a background check.

The salary range for this position is $50,000 – $52,000 with 5 weeks off in the summer months.

VSAC offers a comprehensive benefits package. Additional benefits include:

• Two options for Medical, Dental, & Prescription Drug Plans
• Employer contribution to either a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account depending on your Medical plan selection
• Eligibility for annual salary increases and merit bonuses • Paid Time Off (PTO); 15 Vacation, 4 Personal, 12 Medical (Sick) Days, and 11 Paid Holidays pro-rated based on FTE
• Employer contribution of 10% of employee’s base salary rate to their 403(b)-retirement plan with no matching requirement.
• Tuition Assistance

VSAC values employees’ work-life balance, proven by its hybrid work model combining remote and in-office work. VSAC is also committed to staff well-being, demonstrated by its wellness offerings, onsite gym, and partnership with Marathon Health’s South Burlington clinic to provide opportunities for staff to improve and maintain their physical and behavioral health for free or low cost depending on the employee’s benefit plan.