Academic Counselor (Yakima County)

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Academic Counselor will join the Educational Talent Search (ETS) team in the University of Washington’s Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity, College Access Unit. Under the supervision of the Director for Educational Talent Search, the counselor will develop, plan, and deliver services to low-income and first-generation students and their families in the Toppenish, Wapato, and Mount Adams School Districts to promote post-secondary education. The position helps refine and implement ETS objectives, procedures, practices, and policies and serves as a primary point of contact for students and the public seeking information about ETS.

The counselor monitors student performance and identifies students who may need additional support or intervention. Duties also include assisting with recruitment, maintaining applicant and participant records, processing data, preparing reports for annual performance reporting and compliance, and maintaining program promotional materials, website, student and social media presence, and communication systems.

The position is based in Yakima County and requires driving and commuting to target schools. It is primarily in-person and student-facing, with remote or hybrid options during school breaks and summer when consistent with business needs and approved by the supervisor and unit leadership. During recruitment season and throughout the year, the position requires availability for evenings and some weekends, travel to remote locations with occasional overnight stays, and loading and transporting admissions materials, displays, and other equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 2–3 years of experience working in programs serving middle school and high school students and/or students; equivalent education and/or experience may substitute where permitted.
• Experience maintaining and reviewing student records.
• Knowledge of admissions, financial aid, and career development.
• Experience updating and maintaining computer systems and proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe applications.
• Strong public speaking skills and ability to present the University positively to diverse populations.
• Ability to set and meet goals, make independent decisions, multitask, and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated in-person communication, social media, and writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team, and to take both leading and supporting roles.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and database software tools.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, presentation, and computer skills.
• Experience with leadership in event planning and implementation.
• Flexibility and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Availability to work evenings and some weekends during recruitment season and throughout the year.
• Ability to travel to remote locations, including occasional overnight stays.
• Ability to load and transport admissions materials, displays, and other equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Past participation in TRIO programs.
• Bilingual ability.
• Experience with federal regulations and federal TRIO programs supporting the educational development of low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students.
• Personal experience overcoming barriers similar to those faced by students served by the project.
• Understanding of partner schools and communities in the Toppenish, Wapato, and Mount Adams region, Washington state college access programs, and college admission requirements.
• Experience with FileMaker Database in addition to Microsoft Office and Adobe applications.
• Ability to organize and plan program activities and services, manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet tight program deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct weekly advising sessions at each target school, monitor student progress, and communicate with students, families, teachers, and guidance counselors to support student success and address obstacles.
• Advise students on course selection and placement in advanced coursework; arrange tutoring, behavioral interventions, or referrals to service agencies when needed.
• Monitor students’ completion of college, financial aid, and scholarship applications, FAFSA, and college enrollment requirements for the annual performance report.
• Prepare, edit, and maintain online and print materials related to program policies, procedures, and operations.
• Serve as a liaison with teachers, counselors, and support staff at target schools.
• Represent ETS at meetings and other functions on and off campus.
• Assist with recruiting eligible students for ETS.
• Support the Director in maintaining participant information in the database for annual performance reporting.
• Assist in developing communication tools, including flyers for students and families about program events and actions students need to take.
• Coordinate with the ETS Director to ensure compliance with UW youth protection requirements and register services in UW’s Youth Protection database.
• Provide writing support and arrange tutoring for college application and scholarship essays, SAT practice essays, and school assignments.
• Help prepare recruitment materials, collect and enter applicant data, and assist with reviewing applicants for program admission.
• Process online data-collection information, compile and enter data, and generate reports required for annual performance reporting, compliance, and program success.
• Help maintain promotional materials, the website, student and social media presence, and systems for collecting information and communicating with stakeholders and the public.
• Travel to target schools and remote locations; load and transport admissions materials, displays, and other equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The University describes its staff benefits as outstanding and refers applicants to its benefits information webpage; specific benefits are not listed in the posting.
• Opportunities for professional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level