COUNSELOR/ACADEMIC COORDINATOR

College: DCC

Department: Student Affairs

Sub department: Student Affairs

Type of Appointment: Unclassified - Administrative/Staff

Duties and Responsibilities:

35% — Participant Intake, Assessment, and Action Plan Development
Facilitate participant onboarding by collecting and processing recruitment data, scheduling and conducting intake appointments, and verifying eligibility in coordination with the program director. Coordinate assessments and develop individualized instructional plans (IEPs) tailored to participants' academic needs.

35% — Program Planning and Administration
Oversee the academic operations of the program, including instruction and complementary workshops, ensuring compliance with DOE and College regulations. Contribute to program sustainability by assisting with grant proposals and annual performance reports. Support staff recruitment efforts, including interviewing instructors and tutors, and organize key events such as awards celebrations and cultural activities. Engage and communicate with community stakeholders to support veteran participants.

15% — Participant Progress Monitoring and Counseling
Monitor participants' progress in alignment with individualized instructional plans (IEPs). Provide academic counseling to support goal achievement while proactively engaging with participants requiring additional assistance.

10% — Outreach and Recruiting
Recruit and promote the Veterans Upward Bound program by interacting with various agencies and other governmental, private, and community resources to identify and recruit military veterans.

5% — Documentation and Reporting
Maintain accurate records of participant progress and ensure proper documentation for internal and external reporting purposes.

Required Education: 8-10 years of related work experience

Required Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in conducting client interviews, understanding needs, determining program eligibility, and ensuring access to vital social and health care service programs.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in adult education and career planning, guiding adult learners to set and achieve their educational and career goals.

Must have transportation for off-campus travel. Must possess a valid Louisiana Driver's license.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: N/A

Required Licenses or Certifications: N/A

Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Social work, or an Education-related field.
Master's Degree

Preferred Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience working with veteran population. Experience with client intake and with recruiting adults for similar programs.

Military Veterans are preferred, but not required.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge:

Understanding of DOE and TRIO program regulations, particularly Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program guidelines.
Familiarity with academic counseling principles, including developing Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs).
Knowledge of veteran populations, including their unique needs, challenges, and military documentation (e.g., DD214).
Awareness of community, governmental, and educational resources available for veterans.
Proficiency with database systems such as Blumen and other student information systems.
Skills:

Strong organizational and project management skills to coordinate workshops, events, and program logistics.
Effective communication skills, including the ability to engage with diverse populations such as veterans, stakeholders, and community partners.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software for documentation and reporting.
Counseling skills, particularly in career and academic advising for nontraditional students.
Analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate participant progress and program outcomes.
Abilities:

Ability to build rapport with veterans and assess their needs effectively.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team setting.
Ability to plan and execute workshops, events, and other programmatic activities.
Sensitivity to cultural and socio-economic diversity and the ability to create an inclusive and supportive environment.
Preferred Experience:

Previous experience working with TRIO programs or similar federally funded initiatives.
Experience in academic counseling, especially with adult learners or veteran populations.
Experience in recruiting, marketing, or community outreach.
Prior experience using Blumen or other student management software.
Additional Attributes:

Commitment to student success and program mission.
Adaptability and creativity in addressing participant and program needs.
Willingness to travel for professional development or program activities.

Benefits: As a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, DCC has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, term life, disability, accident, vision, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), holidays (14 per year, typically includes longer break at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits and Employee Assistance Program. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Passing pre-employment criminal background screen is required as a condition of employment. DCC is an equal opportunity/equal access employer. DCC is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.