Academic Counselor (Yakima County)

University of Washington Medical Center•Yakima, WA

4d•$58,008 - $62,004•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity (OMA&D), College Access Unit, is hiring an Academic Counselor for the Educational Talent Search (ETS) team. Under the supervision of the Director for Educational Talent Search, the Academic Counselor (payroll title: Counseling Services Coordinator) develops, plans, and delivers services to low-income and first-generation students and their families in the Toppenish, Wapato, and Mount Adams School Districts, promoting post-secondary education. The counselor helps refine and implement ETS objectives, procedures, practices, and policies and serves as a primary contact for students and the public seeking information about ETS. The position monitors student performance and identifies students needing additional support or intervention. It supports recruitment by preparing materials, collecting and entering applicant data, and assisting with applicant review. The counselor processes online data-collection information, compiles and enters data, and generates reports for annual performance reporting (APR), compliance, and program success. The role also helps maintain promotional materials, the website, student and social media presence, and systems used to collect information and communicate with stakeholders and the public. Based in Yakima County, the position 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. The position is regular and 100% FTE. Evening and some weekend availability, travel to remote locations with occasional overnight stays, and transporting program materials and equipment are required during recruitment season and throughout the year.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 2–3 years of experience working in programs serving middle-school, high-school, and/or other students; equivalent education 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; 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, social media, and writing communication skills.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, and to take leading and supporting roles.
Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and database software tools.
Experience in event planning and implementation.
Flexibility and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Availability to work evenings and some weekends; travel to remote locations with occasional overnight stays; and 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 serving 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 maintaining and reviewing student records.
Experience updating and maintaining computer systems, with proficiency in Microsoft Office, FileMaker Database, 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.
Advise students on course selection and placement in advanced coursework, and arrange tutorial support, behavioral interventions, or referrals to service agencies as needed.
Monitor completion of college, financial aid, scholarship, FAFSA, and college enrollment requirements for annual performance reporting.
Prepare, edit, and maintain online and print materials about program policies, procedures, and operations.
Serve as a liaison with teachers, counselors, and support staff at target schools, and represent ETS at meetings and other on- and off-campus functions.
Assist in recruiting eligible students to ETS.
Support the Director in maintaining current participant information in the program database for annual performance reporting.
Help develop communications, including flyers for students and families about program events and actions students need to take to succeed.
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.
Perform other duties as assigned.