Counselor, TRIO Upward Bound

Position Summary

Serves students in the TRIO Upward Bound program, a federally funded grant designed to support limited income and potentially first-generation students in reaching their academic goals including high school and college graduation. Upward Bound Counselors work in area high schools and provide advising and mentoring, assist in course selection, assist students and families in applying for federal financial aid and scholarships, and assist students in identifying and applying to post-secondary institutions. Counselors also plan and implement cultural enrichment activities, college tours, Saturday classes, and organize a six-week summer program.

Primary Duties Performed

• Conducts individual and group advising sessions with Upward Bound students related to course selection, major and career exploration, college entrance preparation and financial literacy.
• Assists with new student recruitment efforts, including facilitating orientations, meeting with students to conduct intake interviews, and facilitating presentations to various stakeholders including students, parents, and area middle and high schools.
• Develops and updates individualized education plans for students.
• Administers assessments and inventories and assists in conducting follow-up surveys with graduates.
• Assists students and families in applying for federal financial aid such as completing the FAFSA
• Assist students in identifying and applying for scholarships.
• Maintains student files, tracks contacts, maintains student records, and completes reports.
• Builds and maintains cooperative working relationships with students, families, high school instructors, counselors, administrators, and community organizations.
• Plans, implements and facilitates personal, academic and career development classes during Saturday and Summer academies.
• Plans and implements cultural enrichment activities, college tours, Saturday and Summer academies.
• Plans and facilities workshops including those for students and parents as well as training workshops for tutors, facilitators and student workers.
• May supervise and oversee tutors, facilitators and student workers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the area of education, counseling required, and at least two years’ experience working with target student population.
• Applicant must also possess strong communication, organizational, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Master’s degree in education, counseling or related field is preferred.
• Experience in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting students served by the project is preferred.
• Previous experience working for TRIO Student Support Services or other TRIO programs is preferred.

Working Conditions

• Requires staff to work two Saturdays a month beginning in October – April of each year.
• Requires traveling with students on multi-day college tours and field trips throughout the year.

Physical Requirements:

• None