Program Advisor at Reading High School - TRIO Upward Bound Programs

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Program Advisor for the Upward Bound Programs (UBP) operating with Reading High School students. The role focuses on organizing college preparation services, developing programs, and recruiting participants across grant-defined districts, with office space at Penn State Berks.

The advisor will coordinate events, advise on college readiness and financial aid, and build partnerships with schools and community partners.

Qualifications

• Understand and articulate unit policies and federal grant guidelines in oral and written communication.
• Demonstrated experience in providing direct college preparation services to 9th- through 12th-grade students.
• Experience working with low-income, first-generation high school students from different backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Organize, develop, and implement social, educational, and service-learning programs for Upward Bound Programs participants.
• Recruit students and coordinate parent/student events and community partner engagement.
• Advise, tutor, or refer participants on college readiness, financial aid, health and wellness, career services, and scholarships.
• Develop and implement academic year and summer programming in compliance with federal guidelines.
• Maintain effective relationships with school districts, community partners, and campus offices.

Skills

Policy understanding

Federal grant guidelines

Student counseling

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in counseling or related field

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Upward Bound Programs (UBP), includes five federally funded TRIO grants through the Department of Education: four of them are Upward Bound (UB) in addition to one Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS). Two of these grants serve students at Reading High School. These grants help high-school students gain academic skills and motivation to continue their education beyond high school.

At Penn State, UBP is located within The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity.

UBP is seeking a Program Advisor to work with approximately 100 students attending Reading High School. Office space at Penn State Berks will also be provided and shared with an additional Reading High UBP program advisor.

A UBP program advisor assists in organizing, developing, and implementing social, educational, and service-learning programs/activities for Upward Bound Programs’ participants. The successful candidate will be responsible for student recruitment and programming for grant-determined school district population, parent/student events, and community stakeholders. The counselor will advise, tutor, or refer program participants on various student services including high school course selection, college readiness, financial aid, health and wellness, career services, academic advising, student leadership, and diversity and inclusion. Additionally, the counselor will develop and implement academic year and summer residential programming in compliance with federal guidelines as outlined in the grant and develop and maintain effective working relationships with school districts, community partners, and campus and University-wide offices.

This position will require occasional evening and weekend hours, as well as some overnight travel for UBP meetings, retreats, and conferences. The program advisor will also reside in a residence hall(s) during the annual UBP Summer Academy to help implement programming and supervise students.

Required Qualifications

• Understand and articulate unit policies and federal grant guidelines in oral and written communication
• Demonstrated experience in providing direct college preparation services to 9th- through 12th-grade students
• Experience working with low-income, first-generation high school students from different backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in counselor education, college student personnel, psychology, social work, education, higher education administration, or a STEM field
• Knowledge and experience with federally funded TRIO programs
• Familiarity with second language learners as many of our students are bilingual

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.

Required Certifications: None

Background Checks/Clearances

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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