Next Steps Advisor

25-26 Next Steps Program: 

Next Steps Advisor Job Description 

Summary  

Earn to Learn’s Next Steps Program is dedicated to supporting Arizona high school students in their pursuit of postsecondary education and career readiness. The Next Steps Advisor plays a key role in fostering a college-going culture by providing guidance on college applications, financial aid, and career exploration. 

This part-time position involves working closely with school staff and community partners to support students in successfully transitioning beyond high school. Advisors receive professional training to enhance their skills, build meaningful connections, and gain valuable experience in education and student support. 

This role offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact while developing professional expertise in mentorship, advising, and college access. 

Commitment  

Next Steps Advisors commit to working from September to May, starting with a mandatory orientation. Advisors are strongly encouraged to live near their assigned area to better support their students. 

* We also offer semester-only positions from September to December or January to May for those who are only available for one semester. * 

Primary Responsibilities  

• Meet weekly with high school students and their families to provide guidance on college and career pathways. 
• Introduce career exploration activities and encourage early college planning. 
• Support students in researching colleges, completing applications, and understanding financial aid options. 
• Help students review admissions offers, financial aid packages, and career choices. 
• Provide additional resources such as resume building, job searching, and interview skills to prepare students for their future careers. 
• Deliver presentations in classrooms, assemblies, and clubs to promote college and career readiness. 
• Organize and lead family workshops on financial aid, career exploration, and the college admissions process. 
• Coordinate college campus visits and arrange on-site visits from college representatives. 
• Build strong relationships with principals, counselors, and teachers to support student success. 
• Partner with community organizations to provide college and career services beyond school hours. 
• Collaborate with school staff to integrate career exploration into classroom activities. 
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions and progress. 
• Collect data to assess program impact and improve services. 
• Participate in ongoing training to enhance advising skills. 
• Stay informed on best practices in college admissions, financial aid, and career exploration. 
• Attend monthly meetings and professional development sessions with Earn to Learn staff. 

Professional Boundaries & Communication  

• Personal phone numbers and email addresses should not be shared with students. 
• Advisors may not engage with students on social media or allow students to follow their personal accounts. 
• Advisors must use their assigned Earn to Learn (ETL) email for all student and school-related communications. 
• It is the advisor's responsibility to have access to a laptop or device with internet access, a working microphone, and camera 
• All in-person meetings must take place on campus or at an approved school-related event. One-on-one meetings in off-site locations (e.g., coffee shops) are not allowed. 
• WhatsApp is exclusively used for team updates, reminders, and advisor community discussions focused on collaboration and support. 

Student Confidentiality & Documentation  

• Advisors must maintain the confidentiality of student information and never bring sensitive documents home.  
• All student progress should be documented in the advisor portal with mentee tracking.  
• Any external requests for student records should be directed to NSP@earntolearn.org. Student information is private and should not be shared without proper authorization.  

 Program Responsibilities & Benchmarks  

• Advisors are responsible for assisting students with college applications, college searches, and post-secondary planning.  
• Advisors should track their interactions with mentees and adhere to program benchmarks for engagement and support hours.  

Conduct & Professionalism  

• Advisors should dress in business casual attire and follow any specific dress codes required by their assigned sites.  
• Advisors must wear or have the Earn to Learn Next Steps logo present while on-site.  

Timesheet Submission  

Advisors are required to submit a completed timesheet every two weeks. Timesheets should accurately reflect all hours worked, including meetings, training, and other program-related activities. Submissions must be made by the designated deadline to ensure timely processing and payment. 

*Please note that no off-site hours will be accepted unless explicitly instructed to do so by the program coordinator or site supervisor. All hours must be completed on-site as required by the program. *  

Program Supervisors  

Next Steps Program Coordinators:  

• Aimee Miranda (aimee@earntolearn.org)  
• Jamie Hinojosa (jamie@earntolearn.org)  

Advisors are required to meet with their coordinators once a month and participate in monthly virtual live training.  

Qualifications  

• At least 1 year of college experience (currently enrolled in college or recent graduate with an associate or bachelor's degree within the last 4 years from an accredited institution). 
• Available to serve at a local high school or college access program for a minimum of 2-3 days per week. 
• Ability to effectively work with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. 
• Strong communication skills: able to share ideas, listen actively, and engage in constructive feedback. 
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience influencing others positively and achieving goals. 
• Independent, analytical thinker who exercises discretion and sound judgment. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Proficient in using computers, including Microsoft Office and Google Suite. 
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects. 
• Willingness to handle complex and detailed tasks. 
• High energy, creativity, and a strong sense of responsibility. 
• Ability to take initiative and develop innovative programs in the high school setting. 
• Successfully pass federal and state background screenings. 
• Provide documentation of eligibility for service (e.g., birth certificate, passport, transcripts). 
• Reliable transportation to travel to and from the assigned service site. 
• Must be at least 18 years old. Documentation of age and citizenship will be required during the selection process. 
• Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident. Proof of eligibility will be required.