Academic Counselor - TRIO Student Support Services

Holyoke Community College is housed on a multi-million-dollar, 135-acre campus, equipped with state-of-the art technology in specialized learning facilities. HCC serves over 9,000 students annually, and provides a variety of recreational and cultural activities, from sports programs to music festivals, for students and community members alike. The college's strongest assets continue to be an innovative spirit, a sincere concern for students and a commitment to strive for even greater success. These are the values which have created a tradition of excellence spanning more than six decades, and which are enabling Holyoke Community College to meet today's challenges.

TRIO Student Support Services is a long established federally funded program designed to assist students who are first generation to college, have a financial need (low-income), and / or have a documented disability. The Academic Counselor of TRIO SSS will report to the TRIO Programs Director and will work collaboratively with other TRIO SSS staff and related support personnel at the College to perform the following responsibilities :

Provides academic, career, retention and financial aid / literacy counseling to an assigned cohort of TRIO SSS students in the program.

Provides academic planning, advising, and monitors student academic progress for new and continuing TRIO SSS students.

Consults with faculty, Office for Students with Disabilities and Deaf Services (OSD / DS), Financial Aid Office, the Center for Academic Program Support (CAPS), the Advising, Careers, and Transfer Center (ACT) and TRIO SSS staff, on behalf of program participants.

Plans and / or facilitates TRIO SSS Program Day, workshops, cultural activities, and events for program participants.

Provides outreach initiatives to students through class presentations, college events and collaboration with campus success programs.

Establishes confidential records and contributes to program record keeping system.

Participates in all other operational aspects of the project, including program planning and development.

Performs other duties as assigned.

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : We welcome and encourage applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated below, to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them for the responsibilities of this position. It is preferred that this document be uploaded separately from the resume, cover letter, and references.

REQUIRED :

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Human Services;
• Three years’ experience in TRIO or similar programs that serve underrepresented groups, preferably low-income, disabled, and / or first-generation students OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience;
• Demonstrated experience working with college students;
• Ability to work independently and as a team member;
• Strong Computer skills; Good oral, written and interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty, staff and student body.

PREFERRED :

Part-time, non-benefited, MCCC Unit position

Hourly Rate : $35.31

Hours : 18.5 hours / week

Funding Source : Grant-funded through August 31, 2025. Continuation after August 31, 2025 is contingent upon funding.

Holyoke Community College is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and college policies. The College prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence. Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination, harassment, retaliation or sexual violence shall be referred to the College’s Affirmative Action and / or Title IX Coordinator, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

Salary : $35