College Advisor - College Passport
About The Position
University Settlement partners with over 40,000 New Yorkers annually in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, aiming to foster healthy, stable, and remarkable lives. With a history dating back to 1886, the organization combats poverty and inequality through effective social services developed in collaboration with the community. As the first Settlement House in the United States, it continues its mission by meeting New Yorkers where they are, actively listening, and promoting cooperation. The College Advisor will be part of an interdisciplinary team focused on increasing the number of disadvantaged youth who graduate high school and enroll in post-secondary education. This is achieved through one-on-one advisement, workshops, and on-campus college exploration. The role operates within the University Settlement Society Talent Search program, serving partnered local high schools and middle schools. The ideal candidate will have experience with admissions and financial aid, facilitation and curriculum design, and a commitment to positive youth development. Key attributes include independence, creativity, energy, and flexibility.
Requirements
- Bachelors degree in Counseling, Education or related field required
- Two years of experience in youth development, preferably employment and career-oriented programs
- Knowledge of and ability to apply positive youth development principles to working with young people
- Demonstrated skill in curriculum development
- Ability to facilitate groups and other learning activities and to foster team cohesion
Nice To Haves
- Previous work as college or financial aid counselor preferred
- Willingness to travel between the offices of The Door/University Settlement and our local high school partners
- Proficiency in Spanish, French, or Mandarin strongly preferred
Responsibilities
- Work one-on-one with young people to develop and set individualized personal educational and career goals related to secondary school success and post-secondary opportunities.
- Act as a member of an interdisciplinary team supporting each young person's goal achievement, including facilitating relationships between volunteers, interns, and participants.
- Provide advisement in the selection and admissions process for post-secondary opportunities, including two- and four-year public and private universities, vocational programs, and service initiatives.
- Provide advisement in all aspects of the financial aid process, including scholarships and opportunity programs.
- Assist out-of-school youth with entering secondary school or equivalent.
- Support in-school youth in obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Organize special events, workshops, and presentations on college access, affordability, and the value of higher education for youth, parents, and specialized populations (e.g., non-native English speakers, foster care youth).
- Collect and maintain case records according to data-management procedures and contractual obligations.
- Prepare students for a successful transition to post-secondary opportunities, including developing Freshman 101 activities and organizing trips to local and out-of-state colleges and universities.
- Demonstrate an understanding of and practice the principles of positive Youth Development.
- Provide intensive coordination and integration of necessary services, including monitoring of Talent Search space and documenting participants' progress toward goals.
- Participate in case conferencing.
- Provide crisis intervention as needed.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary staff in the development and facilitation of agency-wide programming and events.
- Handle any appropriate responsibilities and functions as assigned by supervisor and/or director.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
