Program Facilitator/Upward Bound Program

Job Summary

The main objective of the Upward Bound at OPSU program is preparing rural high school students who are economically disadvantaged and/or potential first-generation college students for entrance into and persistence in postsecondary education. The Program Facilitator reports to the Director of the program.

Responsibilities

• ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Recruit and screen program participants and provide individual counseling services at target high schools. Monitor student academic progress and consult with high school staff.
• Analyze and screen student applications and family financial data for program eligibility.
• Coordinate instructional/tutorial services for weekly sessions at individual target schools.
• Review and analyze student academic records for academic deficiencies and coordinate remedial services; monitor student academic progress and revise educational plan as required.
• Maintain up-to-date project and individual counseling records and assist with other data collection as required.
• Provide effective personal, academic, career and financial aid counseling to program participants at target high schools and on OPSU campus.
• Plan and execute quarterly cultural events for program participants.
• Travel to target schools to provide project services.
• Coordinate student tutors for assisting at target schools.
• Plan and execute group presentations on postsecondary entrance requirements, ACT preparation, financial aid, study skills and other relevant topics.
• Assist Director with extensive planning for and coordination of 6-week summer residential component for program participants on OPSU’s campus.
• Participate in staff/professional development and professional organizations, which promote educational opportunity/access.
• Provide leadership in Director’s absence.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
• ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Ability to provide comprehensive counseling services which result in participants enrolling in postsecondary education.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and necessary software applications.
• Ability to input and track student information and progress using Excel and Student Access programs.
• Ability to effectively plan and execute program activities assigned by the Director.
• Ability to work effectively with target school staff to identify potential participants and coordinate program services.
• Ability to advocate for first-generation and/or low-income program participants seeking postsecondary education
• Ability to work Saturdays as needed during academic year and evenings during the Summer Session.
• Ability to interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations, the University community and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to relate effectively to students and parents and demonstrate sensitivity to the special needs of target population;
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines and manage multiple assignments.
• Ability to travel extensively to target schools.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds required for the loading, transporting, and unloading of supplies.
• Ability to transfer supplies as needed to participant locations.
• Must possess valid Oklahoma Driver 's License for the transportation of students along with other necessary driving requirements as set by the State of Oklahoma.
• Ability to spend lengthy time riding/driving with extensive travel to target schools.
• Ability to safely transport program participants in University vehicles.
• Requires commitment, long hours and a high energy level.
• Ability to safely transport program participants in University vehicles.
• Ability to transfer supplies as needed to participant locations.
• Must have a strong work ethic and lead by example.
• Must be a professional, credible and respected representative of the institution internally and in the community
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to act ethically and socially responsible
• Must be able to lift more than 50-lb. objects; frequent bending, stooping, and walking.
• Can be exposed to a variety of weather conditions for periods of time.
• Ability to communicate in a courteous manner
• Other duties as assigned by Director of Upward Bound or designee.
• The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Qualifications

• QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED:
• Bilingual.
• Previous experience working with disadvantaged high school youth.
• Previous TRIO experience.
• EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor' s degree required.
• Three years of previous experience in education, counseling, social work, or related area.
• A background check will be required of the successful applicant.

About Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU): OPSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is the first public Hispanic Serving Institution in Oklahoma. The university is a baccalaureate degree granting institution located in Goodwell, Oklahoma. Rooted in “Progress through Knowledge,” OPSU is committed to promoting excellence in the preparation of students for success in a global community. Our university achieved multiple rankings by the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings: #3 Best Value Regional Colleges West; #8 Top Public Colleges for the Western Region; and #17 Best Regional Colleges West. U.S New and World Report also recognized OPSU as one of the top ten universities in Oklahoma, standing out of our affordable tuition rates.