2026-2027 SY Freshman Success Advisor

Title:

Freshman Success Advisor

Work Unit:

Office of Family and Community Engagement; Capital High School or Santa Fe High School

Reports To:

Department Administrator and School Principal

Contract Length:

9 months

Pay Schedule:

NEA Department Support- 9 Months

Overtime Status:

Exempt

Hours:

8 hours a day

Union Status:

NEA

Licensure:

None

All positions with Santa Fe Public Schools require a post offer/pre-employment background check. Some positions have additional requirements as established by Federal or State Rules and Regulations.

General Function:

The Freshman Success Advisor supports the successful transition of incoming ninth-grade students into high school by providing individualized academic, attendance, engagement, and resource support. The Advisor works closely with students, families, counselors, attendance coaches, teachers, and administrators to identify and address barriers to student success.

The Freshman Success Advisor focuses on ensuring that students, particularly those identified as at risk of academic failure, disengagement, or chronic absenteeism, develop positive connections to school, remain on track for graduation, and access available school and community resources. The Advisor serves as a key member of school attendance, wellness, and student support teams and works collaboratively to promote student achievement, engagement, and persistence through the freshman year and beyond.

Education/Training/Experience

(Basic minimum requirements are subject to change from time to time to meet the needs of the District.)

Minimum:

Associate's Degree in any field from an accredited institution.

Experience working with youth, families, schools, community organizations, or student support programs.

Preferred:

Bachelor's Degree in Education, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, or related field.

Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Experience supporting secondary students and families.

Knowledge of graduation requirements, attendance interventions, and student engagement strategies.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability to build positive relationships with students and families.

Knowledge of adolescent development and transition supports.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Ability to analyze student data and monitor progress.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and student information systems.

Ability to collaborate effectively with school staff, community agencies, and families.

Ability to identify barriers to student success and connect students with appropriate resources and supports.

Essential Job Functions

All functions are performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, safety and environmental regulations, facility and computer security policies and procedures. Functions are subject to change from time to time to meet the needs of the organization. Current essential functions include the following:

• Support incoming ninth-grade students with their transition from middle school to high school.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with freshman students and their families.
• Conduct regular check-ins with assigned students to monitor attendance, academic progress, engagement, and overall well-being.
• Identify students who may be at risk for academic failure, chronic absenteeism, disengagement, or dropping out and provide targeted support.
• Collaborate with school counselors, attendance coaches, administrators, teachers, and student support teams to develop intervention plans.
• Monitor student progress toward graduation requirements and communicate concerns to appropriate staff and families.
• Assist students in developing academic, attendance, and personal success goals.
• Connect students and families to school-based and community resources that address academic, social-emotional, behavioral, health, transportation, housing, or other identified needs.
• Support implementation of attendance improvement strategies and interventions aligned with district attendance expectations.
• Participate in student attendance meetings, wellness committees, attendance teams, and other school support structures as assigned.
• Conduct outreach to students and families through phone calls, emails, conferences, home visits, and other communication methods.
• Assist in identifying barriers that negatively impact student attendance, engagement, and academic success.
• Maintain accurate records of student contacts, interventions, referrals, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with school staff to support freshman orientation, transition activities, and engagement initiatives.
• Provide reports and updates regarding student progress and intervention efforts to school leadership and district staff as requested.
• Promote positive school climate, student engagement, and a culture of belonging among freshman students.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Salary Range:

$48,000+

Position Duration:

Two-Year Grant-Funded Position

Resources Used in Performing Job Include (but are not limited to):

Computer, phone, copier, and other office equipment.

Student information systems and data management platforms.

School and district student support resources.

Community agencies and partner organizations.

Attendance, engagement, and graduation tracking systems.

Physical/Cognitive Requirements:

Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the school campus for extended periods.

Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds.

Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff.

Ability to analyze data, solve problems, and make appropriate referrals.

Ability to travel between district locations and community sites as needed.

Environmental Conditions:

Primarily a school-based environment.

Frequent interaction with students, families, and staff.

Frequent interruptions and changing priorities.

Occasional attendance at evening events, meetings, or family engagement activities.

Personal Accountability:

• Demonstrates reliability through regular attendance and punctuality.
• Maintains confidentiality and professionalism.
• Completes assigned duties within established timelines.
• Demonstrates effective communication and collaboration.
• Uses district resources responsibly and efficiently.
• Maintains accurate records and documentation.
• Supports district goals related to student attendance, engagement, and graduation success.