Student Development Counselor Upward Bound

Vermont State; Vermont; On-site; USD 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Vermont State University invites applications for an Upward Bound Student Development Counselor. The role focuses on coordinating tutoring and counseling for eligible students, assessing needs through school and home visits, and providing college selection and financial aid guidance for seniors.

The position supports career exploration, organizes student activities and events, and offers residential counseling during a six-week summer program, while maintaining detailed participant records and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education or related field; master's desirable.
• 2–4 years of relevant counseling or teaching experience.
• Experience in high school settings and post-secondary admissions knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and provide tutoring and counseling to eligible students.
• Assess student needs via school/home visits and maintain communication with families.
• Provide college selection and financial aid counseling for seniors.
• Develop personal learning plans and assist with career exploration and internships.
• Organize open houses, college fairs, and student development activities.
• Coordinate summer program activities and residential counseling during six-week sessions.
• Maintain records and report on program participants; support grant-related tasks.
• Demonstrate inclusivity and excellent customer service across modalities.

Skills

Counseling skills

Interpersonal communication

Planning and organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in education or related field

Master's degree desirable

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinate and/or provide individual tutoring and counseling to eligible students regularly during the academic year and as a daily part of summer programs. Assess students' academic, personal and life skills through regular high school and home visits to determine areas of need; maintain regular communication between the home, school, and Upward Bound Office; develop, maintain and monitor personal learning plans with eligible students. Provide college selection and financial aid counseling for eligible high school seniors including, visiting colleges and college fairs, assisting with applications and counseling on financial aid matters. Assist with the development and implementation of career exploration for eligible students, including inventories, values clarification, résumé writing and interests matching for summer internships and future college majors/minors. Assist with open houses, parent nights and other target school events at participating schools. Coordinate a variety of student activities, including community service projects, college fairs, college visits, student leadership conferences, and other student development conferences or activities. Assist with planning of Saturday Sessions, including providing workshops and student activities to enhance student development. Develop and maintain resource lists for social and educational services for resource and referral information. Assist with recruitment of students, eligibility assessment, program planning efforts and preparation and implementation of the summer program. Provide residential counseling and supports to students and staff during the six week campus academic program. Assist in carrying out post-secondary placement of students and provide assistance to students and families throughout the college application and financial aid application process. Demonstrate inclusivity and provide excellent customer service in all modalities, including in-person, telephone, e-mail, video call, live chat, texting, and the like. Compile and maintain appropriate records on program participants and activities, as well as perform routine administrative tasks and prepare reports related to grant funding. Confer regularly with Upward Bound and other University staff and community service providers. Attend relevant local, regional and national professional meetings. Perform related tasks as assigned.

Upward Bound Student Development Counselor:

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Direct supervision is received from the Director of Upward Bound.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Partial administrative and functional supervision of summer student workers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree in education, behavioral sciences or a related field or other appropriate discipline, with master's degree desirable, plus 2 to 4 years of relevant counseling or teaching experience, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Knowledge: Strong base of general knowledge and skills relevant to the program, such as counseling, working with community action agencies, educational program design, understanding of post-secondary opportunities and admissions policies/processes, and the like. Experience working in a high school setting or in providing basic personal and academic counseling. Knowledge of community resources and agencies related to a variety of student needs. Understanding of the psychological and cultural characteristics of economically and educationally disadvantaged students, particularly in a rural setting.

• Familiarity with post-secondary and financial aid application processes and college readiness activities.

Skills: Excellent counseling skills. Good planning, administrative, organizational, and supervisory skills. Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills. Proven record of accountability and follow-through with the ability to meet deadlines.

Abilities: Ability to deal effectively with and serve as a program representative to students, parents, secondary and post-secondary school personnel, community agencies, funding agencies, and the like, as well as various College personnel, requiring skills in individual counseling, coordinating and public presentation. Demonstrated positive attitude regarding Vermont State University and a desire to improve student outcomes. Demonstrated ability to support a diverse community and promote diverse perspectives and cultures.

Scheduled Hours Weekly: 37.5 Budgeted Wage for this Position: 44,000-50,000 Exempt Status: Exempt Grade: S11 Job Posting Responsibilities: Unit Determination: Professional, Administrative, Technical - VSC United Professionals

At the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS), our mission is grounded in empowering students and strengthening communities across Vermont. When you join our team, you become part of a dedicated, statewide community that believes in the transformative power of education - not only in the classroom, but in careers, lives, and local economies. VSCS encompasses Vermont State University, the Community College of Vermont, and our System Office, with 12 centers, 5 campuses, and more than 10 additional learning sites across the state. Deeply rooted in our communities, we provide affordable, flexible, and innovative programs designed to meet the needs of today’s learners - from recent high school graduates to adult students reentering the workforce. Through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to workforce development, we help build a vibrant, resilient Vermont. Our employees are key to this mission. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for growth, and a workplace culture that values collaboration, diversity, and purpose. If you’re passionate about education that makes a real and lasting difference, we invite you to grow your career with the Vermont State Colleges System - and help shape the future of our students, our communities, and our state.