Academic Counselor

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The UW Educational Talent Search (ETS) program in the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity is hiring an Academic Counselor, whose payroll title is Counseling Services Coordinator. Under the supervision of the Director for Educational Talent Search, the counselor develops, plans, and delivers services to low-income and first-generation students and their families in the Marysville, Mt. Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley School Districts to promote post-secondary education. The position helps refine and implement ETS objectives, procedures, practices, and policies, and serves as the main point of contact for students and the public seeking information about ETS. The counselor monitors student performance and identifies students who need additional support or intervention; supports recruitment and applicant review; manages participant data and reporting; and helps maintain program promotional materials, website, student and social media presence, and systems used to collect information and communicate with stakeholders. The position is contingent on continued grant funding. The position is part of OMA&D’s College Access unit, which works with K-12 school districts, two-year colleges, and community coalitions to expand postsecondary access for underserved communities. OMA&D describes its environment as fast-paced and mission-oriented, with a commitment to diversity and excellence. This is a regular, 100% FTE position on first shift.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 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.
Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
Experience maintaining and reviewing student records.
Knowledge of admissions, financial aid, and career development.
Experience updating and maintaining computer systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe applications.
Experience with online data collection tools such as Google Forms, WordPress, and Microsoft Teams.
Ability to organize and plan program activities and services, manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet tight program deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Past participation in a TRIO program.
Bilingual ability.
Experience with federal regulations and federal TRIO programs supporting low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students.
Personal experience overcoming barriers similar to those faced by the students served by the project.
Understanding of partner schools and communities in the Mount Vernon, Marysville, and Sedro-Woolley region, as well as Washington state college access programs and college admission requirements.

Responsibilities

Conduct weekly advising sessions at each target school and monitor student progress.
Communicate with students, families, teachers, and guidance counselors to support students and help overcome obstacles to 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 the annual performance report.
Prepare, edit, and maintain online and print materials about program policies, procedures, and operations.
Act as a liaison with teachers, counselors, and support staff at target schools.
Represent ETS at meetings and other functions on and off campus.
Work with the ETS Director to review, select, and enroll eligible program participants who reflect the diversity of target schools.
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.
Research, create, and maintain an online calendar and database of opportunities for participants.
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 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 data from online collection systems, compile and enter data, and generate reports required for the APR, compliance, and program success.
Help maintain program promotional materials, website, student and social media presence, and systems used to collect information and communicate with stakeholders and the public.
Perform other duties as assigned.