Program Counselor, College Readiness/Retention Programs

Department: TRIO Talent Search

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Pay range is $17.75 to $19.25/hr, determined based on qualifications

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8a - 5p

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

Do you thrive in helping students realize their full potential for academic success?
If so, the work that Program Educational Advisors do at TRIO Talent Search may fulfill that need. By assisting students at assigned schools, you will contribute to students persisting in school, graduating from high school, and entering postsecondary education institutions. Help build a positive learning environment through exposing students to the services and activities of the program. The satisfaction of witnessing students' long-term success while helping to create a better and more educated society is gratifying for those who demonstrate a passion for this type of work.

This role is assigned to serve students in the following schools: Hamilton Middle School and West High School; may also serve students from other schools on a walk-in basis.
You'll be responsible for tracking students through high school graduation, admission to postsecondary institutions, and financial aid received; for collecting and entering data into the program's database on services provided to students as well as data related to students’ academic progress; for submitting weekly reports on all services and activities undertaken.
This role provides services to 291 students each year, documenting each student's eligibility for federal TRIO program services and maintaining comprehensive information on eligibility and services provided in student files.

Skills needed:
Communicate effectively with all constituencies and continuously monitor and improve program practices in response to changing student needs.
Responsible for being knowledgeable about campus and community referral sources and when needed, assist faculty, staff: students and community organization members through consultation.
A go-getter who can work with a range of youth age groups preparing for their next phase of educational needs.
Make personal connections with youths in a manner that encourages them to ask questions, return for continued information and assistance.
Organized and focused to handle the dynamics that come with these age groups.

Job Summary

Coordinates program participation which includes, but is not limited to, identifying program participants, facilitating program application, and providing counseling and advising services.

Essential Functions

Identifies, recruits and selects new program participants. Facilitates the application process by assisting with application completion and coordinating the application selection committee. Meets on a routine basis with program students to review academic progress and graduate school preparation. Facilitates education to program participants on a variety of topics which assist with graduate school preparation. Assists in the development and administration of program evaluation tools. Collects and supplies evaluation data necessary for grant submission. Coordinates program communication to inform and educate the campus community and community at-large of program events and activities.

Job Duties

• Recruitment of eligible students includes identifying and selecting students for relevant program services and activities.
• Educate and support students on the college admissions and financial aid process to enhance students' chances of entering a postsecondary institution.
• Facilitate individual and group study sessions and conduct and/or present ACT, financial aid, and career workshops for students and their parents.
• Collaborates with public school personnel and establishes relationships with community agencies to identify students for program participation and to develop a plan of support services for students.
• Assists program staff and may teach one course during the Middle School Summer Enrichment Program for twenty-five (25) middle school students.
• Arranges and accompanies students on field trips, college campus visits, and other related activities.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in education, communications or related field
• Two (2) years of experience in higher education advising or related field

Required License/Certifications/Training:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of financial literacy, federal financial aid programs, and scholarships
• Familiar working with student populations and/or similar educational opportunity programs
• Strong communication skills, including presentation and/or public speaking
• Understanding of problems faced by low income and potential first-generation college students
• Competent with basic computer systems and software applications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in social sciences (education, counseling, sociology, psychology or related field)
• Prior TRIO and/or GEAR UP experience or other educational opportunity programs or organizations

Additional Information:

The chosen candidate is expected to maintain membership in TRIO professional associations; write articles for the quarterly newsletter; and travel to local, regional, and national training seminars and conferences.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Ability to travel in a vehicle for distances including but not limited to across city, county, and state.

Additional Physical Requirement:

N/A