Academic Advisor

About the role

The Advisor for Upward Bound is responsible for the implementation of program objectives in order to meet program needs. The role includes helping plan, implement, and co-facilitate new student orientations, developing and implementing program curriculum, assisting in the development and facilitation of the engagement component (advising sessions), and helping plan and implement new innovations as required by the Department of Education and other programmatic innovative services.

Responsibilities

• Program Development (15%): Help plan, implement, and co-facilitate new student orientations to include parents and their families. Help develop and implement program curriculum in alignment with each grade level. Assist in the development and facilitation of the engagement component (Advising sessions). Help plan and implement new innovations as required by the Department of Education and other programmatic innovative services.
• Participant Recruitment (30%): Assist the Executive Director and Assistant Director in monitoring recruitment protocols for assigned school sites. In cooperation with the Executive Director and Assistant Director, assist with reviewing and revising recruitment protocols, tools, and strategies to fit the needs of the school sites assigned. Recruit students following the approved program protocol and eligibility standards. Use informational materials, screen applications for appropriate documents, and verify recruitment eligibility using established program protocols and criteria. Conduct intake interviews, rate candidates, and recommend the selection of program participants to the Director and Assistant Director. Conduct timely/regular contacts with potential students and their parents to get complete program applications.
• Academic Advising (45%): Provide advising services to participants at school sites, online, and where appropriate. These services include, but are not limited to, personal problem-solving, academic advice, building positive peer support, enhancing communication skills, career planning, academic skill-building, study skills techniques, and motivational counseling. Conduct needs assessment and develop Individual Learning Plans (ILPs). Check students' A-G progress. Conduct college admissions and financial aid advising with senior participants. Document all student contacts and services using the Participant Service Sheets (PSS), service contacts, student case notes, Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), academic assessments/goals, senior tracking information, attendance rosters, and the alumni tracking forms (student and registrar). Conduct timely/regular student follow-up contacts at school sites and online. Provide support to students with financial award letters and scholarships.
• Six-Week Summer Academy (5% AY, 100% Summer): Support with recommendations and recruitment of student participants. Support with screening of submitted student applications for the summer academy. Assist with Summer Academy recruitment presentations at school sites as needed. Assist with the interview process for summer academy staff as needed. Must be able to transition to the Residential Advisor position during the 6-week Summer Academy. The Residential Advisor must live on campus with students in the residence halls. Must be able to travel with students during any Summer Academy overnight activities. Attends mandatory RA trainings and activities. Is responsible for a group of 10-12 students during the summer.
• Other duties as assigned (5%): Experience working with high school students. One or more years of previous experience as a youth leader, tutor, camp counselor, or equivalent. Must be able to maintain a schedule to serve three assigned school sites El Cajon Valley High School, Morse High School, and Mount Miguel High School. Must be able to maintain a schedule that requires in-person performance of duties at the assigned school sites. Must be able to adhere to common working hours; Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM at assigned school sites and the SDSU campus. Must be able to work a minimum of one Saturday each month during the academic year.

Requirements

• Experience working with high school students. One or more years of previous experience as a youth leader, tutor, camp counselor, or equivalent.
• Minimum Education: None
• Minimum Experience: One or more years of previous experience as a youth leader, camp counselor, or equivalent.
• Preferred Qualifications: Has the experience and skills necessary to help students attain and achieve their academic goals. Demonstrates an ability to work independently at in-person and remote sites. Can work collaboratively with key high school counselors and teachers at their assigned schools. Bachelor’s Degree in education, counseling, psychology, or a related field. Four years of progressively successful experience in a role similar to that of this position. Two years of experience in advising/mentoring high school students. Experience coordinating events for groups. Knowledge of TRIO programs and regulations, or of other outreach programs with similar goals and objectives as TRIO programs. Experience working with the populations served by the three school sites assigned.

Qualifications & Special Skills

• Experience working with high school students. One or more years of previous experience as a youth leader, tutor, camp counselor, or equivalent.
• Must be able to maintain a schedule to serve three assigned school sites El Cajon Valley High School, Morse High School, and Mount Miguel High School. Must be able to maintain a schedule that requires in-person performance of duties at the assigned school sites. Must be able to adhere to common working hours; Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM at assigned school sites and the SDSU campus. Must be able to work a minimum of one Saturday each month during the academic year.