College & Career Counselor

JOB ID: 26000010

Milton Hershey School (MHS) is one of the world’s best pre-K through 12th grade private schools, where approximately 2,200 students from disadvantaged backgrounds are provided with a cost-free home and a top-notch character & career-focused education.  Thanks to the generosity of Milton and Catherine Hershey in 1909, the school is fully endowed today, with the resources to ensure students can thrive.  The school has prepared over 12,000 graduates to lead fulfilling and productive lives and is expanding to serve more students.

MHS is seeking a mission‑driven College & Career Counselor. This role is profoundly impactful and unlike counseling positions in traditional high schools. Because every MHS student comes from an economically disadvantaged background and because career readiness is a founding principle of MHS, our counselors take a holistic, highly personalized, and involved approach to preparing students for success after graduation.  The College & Career Counselor plays a central role in helping students discover their strengths, explore career pathways, and build the academic, professional, and personal readiness needed for long‑term success.

This is an on-site position in Hershey, PA.  This position offers a highly competitive salary range & includes a benefits package. Key Responsibilities include:

Individual & Group Counseling

• Provide one‑on‑one and group guidance sessions to help students develop meaningful post‑graduation plans.

• Monitor academic and behavioral performance and offer proactive, strength-based advisement.

Career Exploration & Skill Development

• Conduct assessments and deliver classroom lessons to help students identify interests, aptitudes, and career‑aligned skills.

• Advise students on selecting coursework that aligns with their chosen career pathways.

Work‑Based Learning & Career Readiness

• Facilitate authentic work experiences, including job shadowing, internships, and on‑campus employment.

• Collaborate with MHS staff to ensure students gain real‑world exposure and professional competencies.

Post‑Secondary Planning

• Guide students through planning for employment, trade programs, certificate programs, and college pathways.

• Support students in completing college applications, FAFSA forms, and all related documentation.

• Consult with the MHS Scholarship Program to ensure students’ plans align with available financial resources.

College & Program Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with colleges, training programs, and post‑secondary institutions.

• Plan, lead, and debrief campus visits and tours to support informed student decision‑making.

Assessment & Testing Coordination

• Coordinate and facilitate state and national standardized exams.

Events & Extended Availability

• Plan and execute special events related to college and career readiness.

• Work occasional days outside the standard school week to meet the program needs and ensure student support.

The MHS Difference - Success in this role requires:

• Extensive availability to students for individualized planning and support.

• Deep collaboration with teachers, houseparents, administrators, and parent/sponsors.

• A commitment to the culture of excellence, compassion, and teamwork that defines Milton Hershey School.

• A passion for helping students overcome barriers and achieve life‑changing outcomes.

• This is more than a counseling role, it is an opportunity to shape futures, open doors, and empower students to build lives of purpose and possibility.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in School Counseling (required).

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in School Counseling and/or College & Career Counseling, preferably with students from economically disadvantaged settings.

• Demonstrated ability to inspire, guide, and advocate for youth, with a strong commitment to ensuring success for every student.

Technical Skills

• Experience using Student Information Systems such as Infinite Campus or PowerSchool.

• Knowledge of Trauma‑Informed Care principles and effective response strategies.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications.

• Experience using Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Canvas, Schoology, or Google Classroom.

• Ability to facilitate standardized exams and analyze test data to inform student planning.

Professional Competencies

• Strong collaboration skills and a proven record of effective teamwork.

• Exceptional time‑management, organization, and multi‑tasking abilities.

• Excellent verbal, written, and platform communication skills.

• A proactive, solutions‑oriented mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.

• Willingness to participate in and lead student extracurricular activities as part of the school’s whole‑child approach.

• Candidates must demonstrate a high degree of integrity as all staff are role models for students.