College Ready Academy Peer Advisor

New Visions for Public Schools • New York, NY

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

New Visions for Public Schools is seeking two College Ready Academy (CRA) Peer Advisors to serve as a vital support system for students in the CRA, facilitating access to college and a smooth transition to postsecondary journey. As a CRA Peer Advisor, you will leverage your training and experience as a postsecondary coach or advisor to provide actionable guidance to high school students. You will work closely with program leadership and school counselors to engage and outreach to students, manage student caseloads, facilitate workshops, and provide direct academic and advising support.
This role operates on a cyclical calendar to meet students' changing needs:
Fall Semester: Focused on college list-building, essay support, and intensive financial aid application support including families.
Spring Semester: Shifts focus to award letter comparison, scholarship procurement, and navigating "senioritis" to ensure students are fully prepared for college enrollment.
2 positions: one based in the Bronx (Roosevelt Education Campus) and one based in Brooklyn (Prospect Heights Educational Campus)

Requirements

• Previous experience as a peer coach (e.g., New Visions Bridge, CUNY CCB4A, College Advising Fellow, CARA, SLN College Transition Coach) is strongly preferred or other relevant postsecondary advisory experience
• Must have cleared fingerprinting with the NYC Department of Education (NYCPS).
• Emotional Intelligence: Ability to adapt to different school environments and build trust with diverse constituencies, including students, families, and high school staff.
• Relationship-Building: Ability to quickly establish trust and rapport with students through active listening, reflecting back what students share, and normalizing uncertainty through the postsecondary process.
• Organizational Rigor: Ability to track data, maintain detailed case notes, and communicate milestone progress effectively.
• Teamwork: Excellent interpersonal and teaming skills.
• Proactive Communication: Ability to identify challenges early — whether with an individual student or a new program — and manage up by flagging concerns to supervisors with clarity and appropriate urgency.
• Collaboration: Ability to interface effectively with diverse constituencies, including students, families, and New Visions staff.
• Flexibility: Willingness to grow and support as this new pilot program develops including ability to navigate new processes, provide feedback and be adaptive as we make program refinements.
• Ability to travel onsite to NYC public schools
• Ability to traverse a school environment, including accessing multiple floors, to attend meetings and facilitate learning activities
• Ability to traverse an office environment to attend meetings and interact with colleagues
• Ability to operate a computer and other relevant technology, such as phones, screens, printers, and tablets
• Ability to carry up to 10 pounds (such as for a laptop and carrying case)
• The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience as a peer coach (e.g., New Visions Bridge, CUNY CCB4A, College Advising Fellow, CARA, SLN College Transition Coach) is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide granular, step-by-step guidance on complex college applications and financial aid milestones, including: Applications: College list-making, college applications, FAFSA, NYS TAP, and DreamTAP application completion. Advanced Planning: CSS Profile requirements (where applicable) and application navigation for Opportunity Programs (ASAP, SEEK, EOP, HEOP). Decision Support: Award letter comparison and final commitment guidance.
• Maintain the integrity of the shared student tracker by documenting every advising interaction, milestone progress, and case note.
• Participate in weekly caseload reviews with the Program Lead to identify opportunities for students and to outreach to "at-risk" students who may need additional support.
• Provide on-site support during the College Now program (Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM), including facilitating study halls, managing classroom logistics (laptop carts/setup), and creating a welcoming environment.
• Help manage dinners for students on site for College Now.
• Lead transition efforts during the critical post-graduation period: monitor student enrollment status, assist with housing/deposit questions, and ensure students complete all pre-college requirements (e.g., orientation, course registration).
• Host virtual office hours (Wednesdays & Saturdays) for 1:1 advising and assist in planning/facilitating monthly virtual workshops for students and families.
• Chaperone events such as city-wide college fairs on the weekends.

Benefits

• holiday pay
• Paid Time Off (PTO) beyond what is required under NYC law

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed