Advisor - TRiO Talent Search

Abilene Christian University; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Abilene Christian University is seeking a Talent Search Advisor to assist low-income students in grades 6-12. The Advisor will prepare students for college through workshops and counseling, ensuring educational support and guidance.

The successful candidate will have at least a Bachelor's Degree and experience with disadvantaged students. Responsibilities include advising participants, coordinating with secondary schools, and assisting with financial aid procedures. This position requires good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Qualifications

• A minimum of one year experience working with disadvantaged students.
• Must be sensitive to the needs of educationally disadvantaged youth.
• Experience with financial aid forms and college/university procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist Project Participants in locating educational opportunities.
• Document potential for postsecondary education of Project participants.
• Provide academic guidance and counseling to Project participants.
• Assist Project Director with tasks and project evaluation.

Skills

Good communication skills

Working knowledge of database functions

Understanding of current technology

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work, or Psychology

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Google Docs

Lacai database

Job description

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and to be willing to support the Christian mission of ACU. The Talent Search Advisor is employed by Abilene Christian University through a United States Federal Government TRiO grant. The Advisor works with students in the 6th‑12th grade in the Abilene ISD school system. The majority of Project participants are low‑income students, with the potential of being first‑generation college students. The Advisor assists these students through workshops and counseling to prepare for and succeed in college. The Talent Search Advisor will be the front line of contact for all Project participants and will be primarily responsible for providing the benefits offered by the Project.

Basic Responsibilities

• Ensure Completion of Project Objectives
• Screen for Eligible Project Participants
• Advise Project Participants
• Assist the Project Director, as Assigned

A. Ensure Completion of Project Objectives

• Assist Project Participants in locating information on educational opportunities and financial aid.
• Assess the needs of Project participants and document potential for postsecondary education.
• Assist Project participants with the technical aspects of applying for admission to postsecondary institutions.
• Assist Project participants with the details of FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and financial aid in postsecondary institutions.
• Coordinate and work directly with secondary schools, community agencies, organizations, and postsecondary institutions to provide services to Project participants.

B. Screen for Eligible Project Participants

• Establish effective means of searching for, identifying, and selecting eligible Project participants in target schools.
• Document and verify the adequacy of financial aid applied for and received.
• Conduct a follow‑up effort to document and verify enrollment in postsecondary institutions.

C. Advise Project Participants

• Provide career and academic guidance and counseling to Project participants.
• Counsel students with respect to financial aid assistance (grants, loans, and other programs available).
• Collect grade reports for students enrolled in the Project and address areas needing improvement.
• Assist Project participants to initiate or resume a postsecondary educational program of study.

D. Assist the Project Director, as Assigned

• Provide input, suggestions, and recommendations in evaluating the overall effectiveness of the Project.
• Perform tasks assigned by the Project Director and/or TRiO Coordinator.

Qualifications

A. Professional

• Required: a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in one or more of the following areas: Education, Counseling and Guidance, Social Work, Psychology.
• Preferred:
• A minimum of one year experience working with disadvantaged students.
• Experience in career identification and awareness.
• Experience with financial aid forms and college/university financial aid procedures.
• Must be aware of the nature of educationally disadvantaged youth and be sensitive to their needs.

B. Personal

• Must be highly organized and able to multi‑task.
• Must maintain a positive attitude under moderately stressful conditions.
• Must have highly developed communication skills and be willing to work as a team member.

Professional Development Requirements

1. Skills Required

• Good communication skills.
• Working knowledge of database functions.
• Understanding of the current technology to develop and maintain proper records of students and their activities.

2. Training Modules Required

• Microsoft Office Software
  • Word
  • Excel
  • Publisher
• Google
  • Gmail
  • Google Docs
  • Google Calendar
• Lacai database

Physical Demands

• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Some work during weekends and nights required (for conference travel and/or student events).

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.