Lead Academic Advisor, TRiO Talent Search Program(Grant-Funded)
Prairie State College

Job Info

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Posting Number:

S0372P

Classification:

Staff

DBM Rating:

B22

Position Number:

059

Position Title:

Lead Academic Advisor, TRiO Talent Search Program(Grant-Funded)

Position Type:

Grant Funded

Status of Position:

Staff - Full Time

Union:

Support Staff

FLSA:

Non Exempt

Position Summary:

The Lead Academic Advisor will support the Program Director in the administration, implementation, coordination and delivery of all program activities and services to participants in grades 6-12 who have the potential to be the first generation in their family to attend College. The services provided include but are not limited to: connections to high quality tutoring, advice and assistance in secondary and postsecondary school course selection (dual enrollment); assistance in preparing for college placement examinations and completing college admission applications; information on the full range of federal student financial aid programs and scholarships; and assistance in completing financial aid applications including FAFSA.

Reporting and Supervisory Relationships:

This position reports to the Director of Educational Talent Search.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Works directly with the Director to ensure that the goals and objectives of the Educational Talent Search ("ETS") project are met.
2. Conducts outreach, recruitment of eligible participants in targeted middle and high schools.
3. Provides financial aid and personal finance counseling to support ETS participants achieve their educational and personal goals and off-set the cost of college attendance.
4. Provides academic advising and counseling information services to participants through structured individual and group meetings in an effort to help students stay in school to earn their high school diploma.
5. Provides professional support and assistance in college-wide activities related to student admission, financial aid, academic advising, registration, orientation, graduation, and overall guidance in an effort to meet program participant's needs.
6. Helps with the coordination of programming relative to the ETS Project, particularly those related to recruitment, retention and graduation.
7. Plan and/or conduct workshops on time management, goal setting, career exploration, financial aid, college exploration, life skills and other topics appropriate topics.
8. Oversees/plans College Tours and Cultural Activities with the guidance of the Director.
9. Helps to develop/cultivate and maintain a strong network of relationships between the TS project, the community, target school officials, etc. Serve as the liaison for collaborative efforts involving the coordination of the Talent Search Project services, events and activities.
10. Leads the development and implementation of age and grade level appropriate curriculum/workshops for the middle school components.
11. Helps seniors and parents with financial aid and admissions applications and educates participants regarding the availability of financial aid.
12. Inputs, updates and maintains student information by entering it into Blumen database on a daily and weekly basis and submits weekly reports that document and account for services rendered to participants.
13. Performs public speaking activities; develops and conducts workshops on time management, goal setting, career exploration, financial aid, college exploration, life skills and other topics appropriate for pre-college students
14. Assists the Advisor to deliver/implement target schools' services, parent workshops, and field trips, etc. in an effort to ensure program participants participant in services and stays abreast of the TS services.
15. Supports and participates in both in- and out-of-classroom lives of ETS participants in an effort to enhance their development and learning experiences.
16. Maintains detailed records of all aspects of participants' progress including academic, social, personal, etc., that would aid, or impede their overall success.
17. Assists with filing participant's documents when needed
18. Monitors participants' academic progress by way of weekly contact in schools, phone calls, electronic communications and other written correspondence.
19. Develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates assigned participants Individual Academic Plan (IAP).
20. Assesses and monitors participants' Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) to ensure participants are on track for graduation.
21. Assists the Director with completing the programs' Annual Performance Report.
22. Conducts appropriate referrals for participants as necessary.
23. Actively engages in the promotion and marketing of the ETS program
24. Assists with all aspects of program review and student retention efforts such as surveys, focus groups, orientation sessions, parent workshops and intervention groups.
25. Builds and maintains positive working relationships with PSC faculty, administrators, and parents/guardians to assist program participants with academic advising, counseling, consultation, referral, and information services.
26. Leads the TS Department with the assistance from the Dean of Equity and Inclusion in the absence of the TS Director.
27. Performs other duties as assigned for the betterment of each program participant consistent with the role and required functions of this position, especially as required by the terms of the ETS grant.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

Some evening, weekend, and overnight hours are required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

The employee typically works indoors in an environment protected from the weather. Travel is required 3-4 days per week to targeted middle and high schools. Physical activities include the ability to carry appropriate recruitment materials sometimes weighing up to 40 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or other human services field is required. 2. Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with participants from low-income, disadvantaged educational backgrounds. 3. Demonstrated ability to assist participants in a culturally diverse environment. 4. A minimum of two-years of experience advising, counseling, or volunteer work in a related field and working with economically and educationally disadvantaged persons. 5. FAFSA knowledge and experience in financial aid and financial literacy. 6. Working knowledge along with comfort level in assisting participants with college and university admissions, transfer policies, and financial assistance processes. 7. Proven commitment to target participant population. 8. Proven Leadership Experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience working with TRIO Programs.
2. Experience working in a community college.
3. Working knowledge of Title IV-Federal Financial Aid.
4. Outstanding programming skills designed at enhancing the quality of the academic and personal lives low-income, first-generation and disabled participants.
5. Experience with Datatel Colleague.
6. Experience with Blumen software.

Anticipated Work Hours and Days:

Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Salary:

39,953- 59,930 Salary is commensurate with experience

Posting Date:

06/13/2024

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All applications must be completed electronically.

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