Counselor, TRIO Upward Bound

St. Louis Community College; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 39,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Louis Community College, Forest Park campus, is seeking an Upward Bound Counselor within the TRIO program. The role involves advising high school and college-bound students, guiding course selection, and helping families apply for federal financial aid and scholarships.

You will plan and implement summer and Saturday activities, maintain records, build partnerships with schools and community organizations, and support students in achieving graduation and postsecondary goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or equivalent in education or counseling; minimum two years' experience with target student population.
• Strong communication, organizational, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Master’s degree preferred; TRIO experience and overcoming barriers is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct individual and group advising sessions with Upward Bound students on course selection, major and career exploration, college entrance preparation, and financial literacy.
• Assist with new student recruitment, including orientations, intake interviews, and presentations to students, parents, and area middle and high schools.
• Develop and update individualized education plans for students.
• Administer assessments and inventories and assist in conducting follow-up surveys with graduates.
• Assist students and families in applying for federal financial aid such as the FAFSA, and help students identify and apply for scholarships.
• Maintain student files, track contacts, maintain student records, and complete reports.
• Build and maintain cooperative relationships with students, families, high school instructors, counselors, administrators, and community organizations.
• Plan, implement, and facilitate personal, academic, and career development classes during Saturday and Summer academies.
• Plan and implement cultural enrichment activities, college tours, and workshops for students, parents, tutors, facilitators, and student workers; may supervise tutors, facilitators, and student workers.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education or counseling

Master’s degree preferred in education, counseling, or related field

Job description

Counselor, TRIO Upward Bound

VP, Student Affairs’ Office, St. Louis Community College | Forest Park campus | Full-Time, Non-Academic Affairs | Job Number 26-00511

Salary: $46,154 | Closes November 3, 2026

Position Summary

Serves students in the TRIO Upward Bound program, a federally funded grant designed to support limited income and potentially first-generation students in reaching their academic goals including high school and college graduation. Upward Bound Counselors work in area high schools and provide advising and mentoring, assist in course selection, assist students and families in applying for federal financial aid and scholarships, and assist students in identifying and applying to post-secondary institutions. Counselors also plan and implement cultural enrichment activities, college tours, Saturday classes, and organize a six-week summer program.

Primary Duties

• Conduct individual and group advising sessions with Upward Bound students on course selection, major and career exploration, college entrance preparation, and financial literacy.
• Assist with new student recruitment, including facilitating orientations, conducting intake interviews, and presenting to students, parents, and area middle and high schools.
• Develop and update individualized education plans for students.
• Administer assessments and inventories and assist in conducting follow-up surveys with graduates.
• Assist students and families in applying for federal financial aid such as the FAFSA, and help students identify and apply for scholarships.
• Maintain student files, track contacts, maintain student records, and complete reports.
• Build and maintain cooperative relationships with students, families, high school instructors, counselors, administrators, and community organizations.
• Plan, implement, and facilitate personal, academic, and career development classes during Saturday and Summer academies.
• Plan and implement cultural enrichment activities, college tours, and workshops for students, parents, tutors, facilitators, and student workers; may supervise tutors, facilitators, and student workers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education or counseling, and at least two years of experience working with the target student population.
• Strong communication, organizational, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Master’s degree in education, counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Experience overcoming barriers similar to those facing the students served, and previous TRIO experience, are preferred.

Working Conditions

Requires staff to work two Saturdays a month from October through April each year, and to travel with students on multi-day college tours and field trips throughout the year.