Academic Counselor (Yakima County)

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington in Seattle seeks an Academic Counselor to join the Educational Talent Search team within the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity. The role focuses on supporting low-income and first-generation students in Toppenish, Wapato, and Mount Adams districts through advising, recruitment, and data management.

Responsibilities include coordinating college applications, maintaining program records, developing outreach materials, and ensuring compliance with UW policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 2–3 years of experience in programs serving middle school and high school students.
• Experience in maintaining and reviewing student records; knowledge of admissions, financial aid, and career development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe applications, and database tools; strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Advising at target schools, monitoring student progress, and coordinating support services.
• Assist in recruitment of eligible students to ETS, including first-generation and low-income learners.
• Maintain and update the program database for APR reporting and compliance.
• Create and update program materials, flyers, and online content; liaise with teachers and counselors.
• Support writing and tutoring for college applications and scholarship essays; coordinate exam prep materials.
• Ensure compliance with UW Youth Protection requirements and related policies.

Skills

Public speaking

Multitasking

Team player

Communication skills

Computer skills

Event planning

Reliability

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe applications

FileMaker Database

Database software tools

Job description

Seattle, WA

Yakima, WA

Full time

REQ-0000138558

Job Description

Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity (OMA&D), College Access Unit, has an outstanding opportunity for an Academic Counselor to join the Educational Talent Search team.

About this Opportunity

Under the supervision of the Director for Educational Talent Search (ETS), the Academic Counselor (payroll title: Counseling Services Coordinator (NE S 6)) will develop, plan, and deliver services to low-income and first-generation students and their families in the Toppenish, Wapato and Mount Adams School Districts, promoting post-secondary education. The CSC/AC will help refine and implement ETS Program objectives, procedures, practices, and policies and serve as the main point of contact for students and the public for information about ETS. The Academic Counselor monitors student performance and identifies students in need of extra support or intervention. The Academic Counselor helps prepare recruitment materials, collect and enter applicant data, and assist in reviewing applicants for admission into the program. The Academic Counselor processes data from online data collection systems, compiles and input data, and generates reports required for the APR, compliance, and program success. The CSC/AC also helps maintain the program’s promotional materials, web site, student and social media presence and the systems utilized for collecting information and communicating with stakeholders and the public. This position plays a key role in ensuring ETS's program effectiveness and continuity.

Key Responsibilities

Advising (50%):

• Conduct weekly advising sessions at each target school, monitor student progress, and communicate with students, families, teachers, and guidance counselors to support students and overcome obstacles to their success. Advise students about course selection and placement in advanced coursework and arrange for tutorial support, behavioral interventions, or referral to service agencies when needed.

• Monitor completion of college, financial aid, and scholarship applications, FAFSA, and college enrollment requirements for annual performance report (APR).

• Prepare, edit, and maintain online and print materials related to program policies, procedures, and operations. At target schools, be a liaison with teachers, counselors, and support staff. Represent the ETS program in meetings and other functions both on and off campus.

Recruiting (10%):

• Assist with recruitment of new eligible students to ETS (2/3's first generation and low income).

Database Management (15%):

• Support the Director in maintaining the database program participant’s information up to date for the APR each year.

Communications (5%):

• Assist in developing communication tools such as flyers for students and families about program events and specific actions required by each student to succeed.

Compliance (5%):

• In coordination with the ETS director, ensure compliance with all UW youth protection requirements and register services with UW’s Youth Protection database.

Tutoring Support (10%):

• Provide writing support and arrange for tutoring for students for their college application and scholarship essays, SAT practice essays, and school assignments.

Other Duties as assigned (5%).

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

• Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 2-3 years of experience working in programs serving middle school and high school and/or students.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience in maintaining and reviewing student records. Knowledge of admissions, financial aid, and career development. Experience in updating and maintaining computer systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office, and Adobe applications.
• Strong public speaking skills and the ability to present the University in a positive way to diverse populations.
• A highly motivated self-starter with an ability to set and meet goals, to make decisions independently, and to multitask and prioritize in fast-paced environments. Fearless communicator with demonstrated in-person, social media, and strong writing skills.
• Team player who can play both leading and supporting roles.
• Must be comfortable with technology and have proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and database software tools.
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team. Strong communications, interpersonal, presentation, and computer skills.
• Leadership in event planning and implementation experience.
• Must be flexible and have the drive to work in a fast-paced work environment.
• During recruitment season and throughout the year, this position requires the availability to work evenings and some weekends; travel to remote locations with occasional overnight stays; and load and transport admissions materials, displays, and other equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Past TRIO participants, and/or bilingual preferred. Experience with federal regulations and with federal TRIO programs, which support the educational development of low-income, first generation, and underrepresented students. Personal experience overcoming barriers like those of the students served by the project.
• Understanding partner schools and communities in Toppenish, Wapato and Mount Adams region and Washington state college access programs and college admission requirements. Experience in maintaining and reviewing student records.
• Experience in updating and maintaining computer systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office, FileMaker Database, and Adobe applications. Must be able to organize and plan program activities and services, manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet tight program deadlines.

Working Conditions

• During recruitment season and throughout the year, this position requires the availability to work evenings and some weekends; travel to remote locations with occasional overnight stays; and load and transport admissions materials, displays, and other equipment.

About the Team

Established in 1968, the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (https://www.washington.edu/omad/) creates pathways to higher education for underserved communities, supports students through their academic journey, and fosters a campus climate that enriches the experience for all.

The OMA&D College Access unit implements programs focused on expanding educational access for underserved communities through partnerships with K–12 schools and districts, colleges and universities, and community coalitions. College Access provides programming beginning in middle school that helps students identify pathways to postsecondary education, prepare for college, explore careers, and gain admission to institutions of higher education, including the University of Washington.

Educational Talent Search is a in the College Access Unit and is a Federally Funded TRIO program that served Middle School and High School aged students from underserved communities. We help potential first-generation and income-eligible students explore career and educational opportunities and support them to their goal. Educational Talent Search- Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (https://www.washington.edu/omad/educational-talent-search/)

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$58,008.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$62,004.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW:

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment:

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 (https://policy.uw.edu/directory/po/executive-orders/eo-81-prohibiting-discrimination-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/) .

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail] .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080) .

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.