Program Counselor, College Readiness/Retention Programs

Wichita; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Wichita State University seeks a dedicated professional to join TRIO Talent Search on the Wichita Main Campus. You will work directly with middle and high school students, mentoring them toward college readiness, monitoring progress, and ensuring federal TRIO compliance.

The role is full-time, on-site, collaborating with Marshall Middle School and North High School, managing program participation, counseling, and documentation to support student success.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of financial literacy and federal financial aid programs.
• Experience with student populations in educational programs.
• Strong communication skills, including presentations.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred.
• Basic computer skills and software familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with school administrators and community partners.
• Identify eligible students for the program and monitor their academic progress.
• Build partnerships and relationships at multiple levels.
• Maintain accurate student records and ensure federal compliance.

Skills

Communication skills

Bilingual EN/SP

Financial aid knowledge

Student support experience

Basic computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Department: TRIO Talent Search

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: $18.00-19.06 based on experience

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8a-5p

Export Compliance Requirement:No export control requirement.

Be the Reason a Student Says, “I’m Going to College.”

If you’re the kind of person who sees potential before others do…

If you believe access to education shouldn’t depend on zip code…

If you’re energized by mentoring youth and watching confidence grow in real time…

TRIO Talent Search is looking for you!

Assigned Schools:

Marshall Middle School and North High School (plus walk-in support as needed)

This isn’t a desk job. It’s boots-on-the-ground, sleeves-rolled-up, future-building work. You’ll work directly with middle and high school students, many of whom will be first-generation college students, guiding them toward academic persistence, high school graduation, and postsecondary enrollment. You’ll serve approximately 290 students annually, ensuring each one receives meaningful, documented, and compliant federal TRIO services. The heart of this job? Relationships.

What You’ll Actually Be Doing:

Collaborate with school administrators and community partners

Identify eligible students for the program & monitor their academic progress (intervening when needed)

Building partnerships & relationships along the way at various levels

Maintaining accurate student records and ensuring federal compliance

Yes, there’s documentation — because impact matters, and so does accountability.

You’ll Thrive Here If You:

Connect easily with youth across diverse backgrounds

Know how to balance encouragement with structure

Can pivot quickly when student needs shift (because they will)

Are organized enough to manage data while staying fully present with students

Understand referral networks and aren’t afraid to collaborate

Believe that mentorship can literally change a life trajectory

You are intentional. Strategic. Consistent.

In a world where conversations about equity, opportunity gaps, and educational access dominate headlines, this is where the real work happens, one student at a time. If you’re ready to build futures, we want to hear from you.

Job Summary

Coordinates program participation which includes, but is not limited to, identifying program participants, facilitating program application, and providing counseling and advising services.

Essential Functions

• Identifies, recruits and selects new program participants. Facilitates the application process by assisting with application completion and coordinating the application selection committee.
• Meets on a routine basis with program students to review academic progress and graduate school preparation.
• Facilitates education to program participants on a variety of topics which assist with graduate school preparation.
• Assists in the development and administration of program evaluation tools. Collects and supplies evaluation data necessary for grant submission.
• Coordinates program communication to inform and educate the campus community and community at-large of program events and activities.

Job Duties

• Recruitment of eligible students, including identifying and selecting students for relevant program services and activities.
• Educate and support students on the college admissions and financial aid process to enhance students’ chances of entering a postsecondary institution.
• Facilitate individual and group study sessions and conduct and/or present ACT, financial aid, and career workshops for students and their parents.
• Collaborates with public school personnel and establishes relationships with community agencies to identify students for program participation and to develop a plan of supporting services for students.
• Assists program staff and may teach one course during the Middle School Summer Enrichment Program for twenty-five (25) middle school students.
• Arranges and accompanies students on field trips, college campus visits, and other related activities.

Required Education and Experience

• Qualifications for this position are strictly defined by the approved grant proposal.
  See the education qualifications in the "Additional Information for Posting" section below.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of financial literacy, federal financial aid programs, and scholarships.
• Familiar working with student populations and/or similar educational opportunity programs.
• Strong communication skills, including presentations and/or public speaking.
• Understanding of problems faced by low income and potential first-generation college students.
• Competent with basic computer systems and software applications.
• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency preferred.

Additional Information

Per the requirements of the grant, eligible candidates must possess:
A Bachelor's degree in education, social science, psychology or related field.
One (1) year experience providing social services to and working with eligible participants.
One (1) year experience in providing personal and/or career counseling.
The chosen candidate is expected to maintain membership in TRIO professional associations; write articles for the quarterly newsletter; and travel to local, regional, and national training seminars and conferences.

Physical Requirements

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Frequent 60-90%
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Frequent 60-90%
Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Frequent 60-90%
Ability to travel in a vehicle for distances including but not limited to across city, county, and state. Rare 0-30%