College and Career Readiness Advocate

Position Summary

The College Readiness Advocate will advance Mi Centro’s mission to assist high school students and adults for post-secondary education. This position involves one on one counseling services to prospective clients, collaborating with school staff, parents, and community partners, and advocacy and research assistance for students. The College Readiness Advocate should be able to provide guidance, resources, and support to help students navigate the college application process, access financial aid, and develop essential academic and life skills. They will be responsible for developing and facilitating WASFA/FAFSA workshops for clients and the community, and participate with the Mi Centro staff at community events, potentially including evenings and weekends.

Essential Job Functions

· Excellent bilingual Communication Skills (Spanish/English) – Comfortable speaking with a diverse array of individuals and groups.

· Able to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of community professionals, clients and the general public.

· Ability to creatively solve client challenges and address/circumvent obstacles.

· Ability to properly assess client need and connect students and families to resources that will improve their capacity to gain employment or access post high school learning opportunities.

· Stay up to date with the most recent Washington State and federal financial aid news.

· Demonstrates an ability to request and follow supervision as needed in the performance of assigned duties.

· Works collaboratively in a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary team in a manner that promotes mutual respect, open communication, and joint problem solving, and which values and builds the unique strengths of all team members.

· Fosters cooperation/trust with families and team members, adopting principles of family support.

· Experience in providing services equally without regard to clients’ culture, economic, learning and/or language backgrounds.

· Develop and implement college readiness programs and workshops for high school students.

· Provide one-on-one advising and support to students regarding college exploration, application, and enrollment.

· Collaborate with school counselors to identify students' college readiness needs and develop individualized plans.

· Coordinate college fairs, campus visits, and other events to expose students to post-secondary opportunities.

· Assist students in completing college applications, financial aid forms, and scholarship applications.

· Establish partnerships with colleges, universities, and community organizations to expand college access and resources for students.

· Monitor and track students' progress towards college readiness goals.

· Compile and analyze data to assess the effectiveness of college readiness initiatives and make recommendations for improvement.

· Provide workshops and resources for parents to support their child's college preparation and transition.

· Stay informed about changes in college admissions policies, financial aid programs, and other relevant topics.

· Engage in outreach events.

· Collaborate with Mi Centro's comprehensive programming.

Working Conditions

1. Work is performed in many community settings as well as on-site work in an office setting.

2. Work is performed primarily independently with supportive and coaching supervision.

3. Work is primarily performed while sitting and standing with driving required.

4. Work schedule needs to remain flexible to meet the needs of the target population.

Qualifications/Skills

1. Bilingual/Bicultural (Spanish/English) required.

2. Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development, Human Services, or a related field. (Social service experience may substitute for some education.)

3. Knowledge of Washington State and federal financial aid programs, resources, and benefits.

4. Experience with work, readiness, and college preparedness activities, as well as general knowledge in working with youth and age-appropriate support services.

5. Ability to accommodate flexible schedules and travel to various locations.

6. Pass the WSP background check.

7. Must have reliable transportation, a valid Washington State Driver’s License and Auto insurance as required by law.

8. Must be able to prioritize tasks and possess exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to use a computer to send e-mail, enter data, create reports and documents utilizing Microsoft Office

9. Must be professional, independent, self-starter.

10. Must work as an integral part of a larger team, promoting a positive work environment

11. Must be able to communicate effectively in writing and orally.

12. Experience in strength-based community activities.

Rate of pay “DOE”: $23-$26 with benefits included.

Submit cover letter to: priscila.desiderio@micentrowa.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Tacoma, WA 98405: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $26