The Educational Talent Search Program is designed to identify qualified youth in grades six through twelve with the potential to enroll in college after high school. The program provides support services that will improve academic performance, increase motivation, expose students to college campuses, promote financial literacy and facilitate transitions from one level of education to the next. The Educational Talent Search Outreach Advisor reports to the Program Coordinator of Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search.
This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Incumbents may not perform all the duties listed, while in other cases, related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities the ability to perform the essential functions. Identify, recruit, and retain participants for the Educational Talent Search Program to ensure that the US Department of Education program stipulations are met. Complete comprehensive needs assessments on each participant and develop individual educational plans to include academic advisement, virtual or face-to-face tutoring, and mentoring that will promote students' educational persistence from year to year. Collect, compile, analyze, and document complete participant records in compliance with the US Department of Education and grant regulations. Develop and facilitate workshops for participants, and occasionally parents, that demonstrate and encourage post-secondary access and success in areas of STEM, financial aid, admissions, financial literacy, study skills, test-taking skills, note-taking skills, critical thinking, standardized test preparation, resume writing, interviewing skills, etc. Advocate with college admissions and financial aid offices to ensure senior participants are admitted into post-secondary institutions, thus guaranteeing program objectives are met. Facilitate workshops with students one-on-one and in small group settings to assist with registration for
ACT & SAT
examinations; college admissions and financial aid applications; essay development, ordering academic transcripts, completing residency determination, reviewing student aid reports, ordering tax transcripts, reviewing financial aid award letters, drafting financial aid letters of appeal, and resolving student loan default status to promote the program objectives of college enrollment, retention, and persistence. Collaborate with target school administration and community agencies to secure support in referrals of potential students, facilities usage, mentors, etc., to achieve the program's goals and objectives. Conduct follow-up with participants to verify college enrollment/re-enrollment in compliance with program objectives. Market and promote the program's mission and objectives by conducting publicity campaigns aimed towards the community, local educational agency administration, and target school personnel. Assist the Program Coordinator with planning, organizing, and implementing
ACT & SAT
prep, STEM camps and summer academies to meet the federal mandate of rigor for program participants. Compile and submit weekly reports to the Program Coordinator. Plan and lead educational and cultural awareness field trips and activities. Attend staff meetings and internal in-service training as scheduled. Attend professional development and in-service training at least two times per year. Collect, compile, and analyze data for submission of the Talent Search Annual Performance Report to the US Department of Education, which guarantees continued funding for the program. Preserve the security of program files and sensitive participant information in compliance with the US Department of Education. Perform other professional or job-related duties as assigned. Acquire computer/technology competencies as appropriate to the position. Maintain security of personal computer access. Serve on college committees as directed by the supervisor. Perform other professional or job-related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Interest in working with middle and high school students. Knowledge of the college admissions and financial aid processes. Ability to follow directions to implement evidence-based programs. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite and data management software. Effective interpersonal and oral communication skills. Excellent organizational skills to document services accurately and meet deadlines. Ability to work with frequent interruptions and effectively handle multiple assignments. Conduct weekend and overnight travel and activities. Ability to effectively establish positive relationships with students from various socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, including first-generation college students. EDUCATION and
EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience demonstrates possession of the requisite knowledge, skill, and abilities.
REQUIREMENTS
Education/Skills Required:
Bachelor's Degree. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required to fulfill job-related duties and responsibilities.
Preferred:
Master's Degree; Bilingual. One year of proven experience working with middle and/or high school students.
Experience Required:
A minimum of one year of advising, recruitment, counseling, coaching or tutoring experience
Preferred:
Two years of proven experience working with middle and/or high school students.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to assist individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must regularly lift and move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to focus. May require travel.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while performing this job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to assist individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This position description covers the essential functions and duties associated with this position. Other duties may be assigned by the President or appropriate supervisory personnel. The college reserves the right to alter duties, responsibilities, conditions, working hours, and job title as necessary. James Sprunt Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College prohibits discrimination against any person (including staff, faculty or student body) on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, or age. If you need accommodations please contact 910-296-2400.