College and Career Transition Coach - Pekin/Van Buren

Indian Hills Community College; Pekin (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Indian Hills Community College seeks a Para Professional I to provide direct services supporting college and career preparation for high school juniors and seniors, including first-generation and low-income students, with duties split between Pekin and Van Buren High Schools.

You will collaborate with counselors and teachers, manage case load, and guide students through admissions, financial aid, and course placement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience in secondary and/or postsecondary education settings preferred.
• Experience in programs serving low-income, minority, ELL and first-generation students and families preferred.
• Demonstrated focus on student success.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in using computers and technology for daily tasks.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Assist students – individually or in groups – with developing academic, college and career goals and plans.
• Collaborate with school counselors, administrators and teachers to support academic success, career exploration, goal setting, leadership development, college planning and campus visits for students served.
• Responsible for case management including tracking, proactive communications, follow-up with students, faculty and other resources to increase student success.
• Provide high school juniors and qualified seniors with information regarding career exploration, college admissions processes, educational offerings at different postsecondary institutions, financial aid processes, scholarships, college entrance exams, assessment testing and course placement and other related information.
• Assist first-year college students with course selection, creation of academic plans, registration process and facilitating the transfer of students between two-year and four-year colleges/universities.
• Work in collaboration with IHCC’s Connect 2 College team.
• Assist with college orientation sessions and recruitment/enrollment events involving target school districts.
• Collect and analyze student data and confer with school and college staff to identify and refer students in need of more intensive support to tutoring, extended learning, mentoring and counseling.
• Monitor attendance, academic performance, and assist with college prep course selection and enrollment in AP/dual credit courses.
• Conduct parent/family outreach and education activities to strengthen partnerships and support college selection and financial planning.
• Collaborate with school staff to set high expectations and develop a rigorous curriculum for career and postsecondary success.
• Support a smooth transition from 12th grade to postsecondary education or training for qualified students and families.
• Connect students and families with community and higher education resources to support planning for postsecondary education.
• Serve as a resource for school staff, students, parents/families and community members.
• Participate in professional development as directed by IHCC.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Secondary/postsecondary edu experience

Student-centered approach

Strong communication

Tech proficiency

Flexible schedule

Diversity and inclusion

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

This person will be responsible for providing direct services to support college and career preparation and postsecondary success to high school juniors, high school seniors who are low income, potential first-generation college students and/or have a disability and first-year college students from area school districts as assigned. In addition to serving students, the coach will work with parents/families, school district staff and community college staff. This position will be split between Pekin High School and Van Buren High School.

Vision:

Indian Hills Community College is dedicated to empowering students and enriching communities, preparing leaders who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Mission:

Indian Hills Community College changes lives by inspiring learning, diversity, social enrichment and regional economic advancement.

Core Values:

Indian Hills Community College is committed to belonging, community, diversity, excellence, innovation, integrity, service and success.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in secondary and/or postsecondary education settings.
• Experience in programs serving low-income, minority, ELL and first-generation college students and families preferred.
• A demonstrated focus on student success.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in using computers and other forms of technology to carry out daily tasks.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule.

• Assist students – individually or in groups – with developing academic, college and career goals and plans.
• Collaborate with school counselors, administrators and teachers to support academic success, career exploration, goal setting, leadership development, college planning and campus visits for students served.
• Responsible for case management to include: tracking, proactive communications, follow-up with students, faculty and other resources to increase student success.
• Provide high school juniors and qualified seniors with information regarding career exploration, college admissions processes, educational offerings at different postsecondary institutions, financial aid processes, scholarships, college entrance exams,
• assessment testing and course placement and other related information.
• Assist first-year college students with course selection, creation of academic plans, registration process and facilitating the transfer of students enrolled at two-year colleges to four-year colleges/universities or four-year colleges/universities to two-year colleges as needed.
• Work in collaboration with IHCC’s Connect 2 College team.
• Assist with college orientation sessions and other recruitment and enrollment events that include the target school districts.
• Collect and analyze student data and confer with school and college staff to identify and refer students served in need of more intensive academic support to appropriate services such as tutoring, extended learning, mentoring and counseling.
• Monitor attendance, academic performance, work with counselor to ensure college prep course selection, enrollment in Advanced Placement and dual credit courses, credits needed for graduation and process toward goals for all students served.
• Conduct parent/family outreach and education activities to strengthen family/school partnerships and facilitate college selection and financial planning.
• Collaborate with school staff to establish high expectations for students served and develop a rigorous/relevant curriculum to build the foundation needed for success in careers and postsecondary education.
• Support a smooth transition from 12th grade to postsecondary education or training for qualified students and families.
• Connect students served and their families with community and higher education resources to support success in school and facilitate planning for postsecondary education.
• Serve as a resource for school staff, students, parents/families and community members.
• Participate in professional development, as directed by IHCC.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Responsible To:

Dean, Enrollment Services

Position Level:

Para Professional I - Exempt - Special Funding, at will employment on a letter of employment

Employment Length:

3.5 Term, Full Time, Benefits

Schedule:

9 hrs/day, Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday