Upward Bound Program Advisor at Clairton & McKeesport High Schools (Student Advocacy Specialist)
About The Position
TRIO Upward Bound Programs is seeking a Program Advisor (Student Advocacy Specialist) for program operations in the Clairton City and McKeesport Area School Districts. At Penn State, Upward Bound Clairton/McKeesport (UBCM) is located within The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity, which serves as a catalyst and advocate for Penn State's diversity and inclusion initiatives. The UBCM Program Advisor assists in organizing, developing, and implementing social, educational, and service-learning programs/activities for Upward Bound Programs’ participants. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of working effectively with high school students in a team environment, will serve as the Penn State on-site program liaison/contact with school district personnel, and will be responsible for student recruitment and programming for grant-determined school district population, parent/student events, and community stakeholders. This individual will be responsible for providing services to students with a focus on meeting the core objectives of the project: Assisting non-senior students to complete rigorous coursework and pass to the next grade level each year; Assisting senior students to graduate from high school on time; Assisting senior students to matriculate to postsecondary education for the fall semester immediately following high school graduation; Assisting with tracking the postsecondary progress of students served for six years after high school graduation.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree
- 1+ years of relevant experience
- Demonstrated experience in providing direct college preparation services to 9th- through 12th-grade students
- Demonstrated experience in working with low-income, first-generation high school students from diverse backgrounds
- Outstanding interpersonal skills
- Excellent verbal and written communications
- Effective analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- The ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- PA State Police Criminal Background Check
- PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form
- Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check
- Valid driver’s license
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of and experience with federally funded TRIO programs is preferred
Responsibilities
- Student recruitment and programming for grant-determined school district population, parent/student events, and community stakeholders
- Advising, tutoring, or referring program participants on various student services including high school course selection, college readiness, financial aid, health and wellness, career services, academic advising, student leadership, and diversity and inclusion
- Development and implementation of academic year and summer residential programming in compliance with federal guidelines as outlined in the grant
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with school districts, community partners, and campus and University-wide offices
- Understanding and articulating unit policies and federal grant guidelines in oral and written communication
- Assisting non-senior students to complete rigorous coursework and pass to the next grade level each year
- Assisting senior students to graduate from high school on time
- Assisting senior students to matriculate to postsecondary education for the fall semester immediately following high school graduation
- Assisting with tracking the postsecondary progress of students served for six years after high school graduation
- Collaborating with school district personnel to assist participants with scheduling high school courses, providing academic counseling, and support services necessary to ensure completion of a rigorous curriculum
- Reviewing and monitoring participants’ academic progress to guide implementation of grade-level appropriate activities, focused on postsecondary goals integrated with a salient career focus
- Assisting participants with applying to postsecondary education and navigating the enrollment process
- Providing information about financial aid, assisting participants with applying for aid, and interpreting financial aid packages
- Coordinating and chaperoning postsecondary campus tours and career focused field trips
- Developing and maintaining a network of professional relationships with postsecondary institutions and community agencies
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Robust retirement plans
- Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
- 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
