Upward Bound Program Advisor at Clairton & McKeesport High Schools (Student Advocacy Specialist)

About the role

The Program Advisor (Student Advocacy Specialist) for the Trio Upward Bound Programs operates in the Clairton City and McKeesport Area School Districts. The position is located within The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity, which supports Penn State's diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Student recruitment and programming for grant-determined school district population, parent/student events, and community stakeholders
• Advising, tutoring, or referring program participants on various student services including high school course selection, college readiness, financial aid, health and wellness, career services, academic advising, student leadership, and diversity and inclusion
• Developing and implementing academic year and summer residential programming in compliance with federal guidelines as outlined in the grant
• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with school districts, community partners, and campus and University-wide offices
• Understanding and articulating unit policies and federal grant guidelines in oral and written communication
• Providing services to students with a focus on meeting the following core objectives of the project:
• Aiding non-senior students to complete rigorous coursework and pass to the next grade level each year
• Aiding senior students to graduate from high school on time
• Aiding senior students to matriculate to postsecondary education for the fall semester immediately following high school graduation
• Aiding with tracking the postsecondary progress of students served for six years after high school graduation

Requirements

• Experience collaborating with school district personnel to assist participants with scheduling high school courses, providing academic counseling, and support services necessary to ensure completion of a rigorous curriculum
• Experience reviewing and monitoring participants’ academic progress to guide implementation of grade-level appropriate activities, focused on postsecondary goals integrated with a salient career focus
• Experience assisting participants with applying to postsecondary education and navigating the enrollment process
• Experience coordinating and chaperoning postsecondary campus tours and career focused field trips
• Experience developing and maintaining a network of professional relationships with postsecondary institutions and community agencies
• Demonstrated experience in providing direct college preparation services to 9th- through 12th-grade students and in working with low-income, first-generation high school students from diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge of and experience with federally funded TRIO programs is preferred

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Skills

• Outstanding interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal and written communications
• Effective analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• The ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines

Benefits

• Salary Range: $44,628.00 - $64,668.00
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time
• 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children

Pay

$44,628.00 - $64,668.00

Schedule or Travel Requirements

• Must work one Saturday per month from September through May
• Significant summer obligations in June and July
• Weekend and evening work frequently required

Other Information

• This is a fixed-term appointment funded for one year from the start date with an excellent opportunity for renewal.
• This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
• This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
• Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.