Academic Counselor EOC

East Central University•Ada, OK

37d

About The Position

Some travel is required throughout our nine-county target area that includes: Carter, Comanche, Garvin, Johnston, Murray, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Seminole, and Stephens counties. The Academic Counselor reports to the Educational Opportunity Center Director. Counselors serve disadvantaged participants in the target area by providing personal, vocational, and educational counseling to promote a decrease in secondary dropout rates and increase post-secondary admission. Post-secondary dropouts will be encouraged to re-enter the mainstream of education. The Educational Opportunity Center is a grant-funded TRIO program. From the Department of Education website: “The Educational Opportunity Centers program provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. The program also provides services to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants. An important objective of the program is to counsel participants on financial aid options, including basic financial planning skills, and to assist in the application process. The goal of the EOC program is to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education institutions."

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
Must be able to relate to participants, teachers, counselors, and administrators in a positive manner.
Must exhibit an aptitude, interest, and ability to work effectively with disadvantaged participants.
Demonstrate professionalism and professional ethics.
Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
Must possess technology skills.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or pursuant of master’s degree in counseling or related field is preferred.
Prior TRIO experience preferred.
Teaching or counseling experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify and select eligible participants for project services
Provide personal, career and education counseling to participants
Aid in participants gaining admission or readmission postsecondary institutions
Disseminate financial aid information and assist participants in securing adequate financial aid
Travel to target area schools, public events, and other gathering places to provide stated services
Orient the faculty and staff of target area secondary and postsecondary institutions to the goals and objectives of the project through personal contact and group meetings
Establish a working relationship with community agencies through personal contact and group meetings
Provide information about career opportunities and options in postsecondary education to meet the individual needs of participants
Encourage enrollment in GED programs if needed
Provide motivational, career, and academic workshops and information sessions
Employ retention and motivational techniques
Must have a strong work ethic and lead by example
Must be a professional, credible and respected representative of the institution internally and in the community
Demonstrated willingness and ability to act ethically and socially responsible
Must be able to lift more than 20-lb. objects; frequent bending, stooping, and walking
Can be exposed to a variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time
Ability to communicate in a courteous manner
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by Director of EOC or designee