TRIO Upward Bound Academic Counselor

Alabama-A; Normal (AL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The TRIO Upward Bound Program seeks an academic counselor to guide participants from high school to college, under the direction of the TRIO Upward Bound Director.

Responsibilities include advising, data entry, outreach, and coordinating with schools; occasional weekends and travel may be required. A bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) and two years of relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (master’s preferred) in education, psychology, social work, or related field.
• Two years of experience working with low-income, first-generation students who have an academic need.
• Team player with excellent communication, written and organizational skills, strong customer service orientation, effective problem solving; able to work independently and adapt to change quickly.
• Ability to work with students, faculty and staff while maintaining a professional demeanor.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and experience with low-income, first-generation students and individuals with disabilities or similar populations.

Responsibilities

• Assist with recruitment of eligible program participants and program advocacy.
• Available to work seven weekends a semester and required special events as requested.
• Academic advising sessions and documenting all advising interactions.
• Assist with data entry and maintaining data in the database.
• Assist the Program Coordinator, as needed.
• Assist with supervision of TRIO Upward Bound Program participants.
• Assist with communication with target school personnel and liaise to guidance counselors.
• Assist with participant assessments to determine counseling needs.
• Travel for TRIO-related trips and activities with program participants; some overnights may be required.
• Maintain accurate student information and adhere to confidentiality standards.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Social media

Public speaking

Problem solving

Independent work

Team oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree (master's preferred) in education, psychology, social work, or related field

Job description

Summary:

The TRIO Upward Bound Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education to provide outreach and support to help low-income, potential first-generation college, and individuals with disabilities progress through the academic pipeline from high school to postsecondary programs. The goal of the program is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

This position is under the supervision of the TRIO Upward Bound Director, provides guidance and academic counseling services to participants on but not limited to career planning, higher education, other counseling services regarding student academics, general advising related to their overall academic plan and success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with recruitment of eligible program participants and program advocacy
• Available to work seven (7) weekends a semester and required special events as requested
• Academic advising (individual and?small group) sessions and documenting all advising interactions
• Assist with data entry and maintaining data in the database
• Assist the Program Coordinator, as needed
• Assist with supervision of TRIO Upward Bound Program participants
• Assist with the effective communication with target school personnel, key personnel,act as a liaison to guidance counselors to support advising efforts and to share major-specific advising information with TRIO Upward Bound participants.
• Assist with participant assessments to determine the extent of academic, personal, and career counseling needs
• Travel for TRIO-related trips and activities with program participants involving some occasional overnights during each component and ability to travel as needed for training or conferences
• Maintain accurate student information and adheres to the strict confidentiality standards
• May prepare special and recurring reports regarding status of participants
• Demonstrate engagement in our community by attending education related community meetings as necessary
• Performs other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as Departmental/University needs indicate, as assigned

Minimum Position Requirements (including certifications, licenses, etc.):

• Bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in education, psychology, social work, or related field from an accredited college/university
• Two years of experience working with low-income, first-generation students who have an academic need.
• Team player with excellent communication, written and organizational skills, strong customer service orientation, effective problem-solvingability to work independently and adapt to change quickly.
• Ability to work with students, faculty and staff while maintaining a professional demeanor.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and experience with low-income, first-generation students and individuals with disabilities or similar populations, required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Microsoft Office.
• Social media.
• Public speaking/Presentations.
• Problem solving.
• Independent worker.
• Team oriented.