Program & Outreach Advisor

CSU Careers • Bakersfield, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The CSUB Project Rebound program supports the success of the formerly incarcerated by offering the opportunity and resources needed to successfully transition and acclimate to a college campus. The program is an alternative to the revolving door policy of the criminal justice system and instead encourages students to excel in a course of study. The program offers special admissions for those who might not normally qualify for university acceptance due to application deadlines and minor academic deficiencies. Project Rebound recognizes the importance of access to a quality education for all and assists motivated individuals to prepare, apply, enroll, and graduate with a university degree. Under the general supervision of the Director, the Project Rebound Program & Outreach Advisor provides outreach, recruitment, and academic success support to prospective and enrolled Project Rebound students. The position independently delivers individualized pre-enrollment advising, admissions-related support, and academic planning within established university and program guidelines to support student access, transition, and retention. The incumbent conducts recruitment presentations, facilitates information sessions and orientations, maintains ongoing communication with students throughout the admissions and matriculation process, and serves as a liaison with campus and community partners to support coordinated service delivery. In addition, the position provides administrative and program support by leading student assistants, maintaining recruitment and student data, coordinating events and workshops, and collaborating with Admissions, Financial Aid, Academic Advising, and Care Team partners to assess student needs, make referrals, and recommend admissions eligibility and academic pathways in accordance with established policies.

Requirements

• EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or job-related field and two (2) years of recent related experience. Specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the appropriate knowledge, and abilities may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. A master’s degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of the professional experience.
• LICENSES – Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
• SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES (SKA’s) – Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Working knowledge of the practices, procedures and activities of the program to which assigned.
• General knowledge of methods and problems of organizational and program management.
• General knowledge of research and interviewing techniques, and the ability to acquire such knowledge of the organization, procedures, and activities of the Project Rebound program.
• Ability to rapidly acquire a working knowledge of Project Rebound objectives and its relationship to the total campus operations.
• Ability to interpret and apply program rules and regulations, gather and analyze data, reason logically, and draw valid conclusions.
• Must be an advocate for formerly incarcerated students.
• Ability to effectively communicate with small and large groups in carceral settings.
• Knowledge of issues that impact currently incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Ability to be a productive, accountable, and supportive team member.
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and professional manner.
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated organization and time management skills with the ability to manage own priorities and multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Intermediate computer skills and competence with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
• Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure, policies and procedures.
• Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel throughout the Central Valley and San Joaquin Valley.
• Must be able to work occasional holidays and adjust working hours to meet special jobs.
• May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience advocating for the needs of formerly incarcerated students.
• Experience collaborating with statewide entities supporting educational attainment for formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment utilizing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

Responsibilities

• Outreach Recruit prospective Project Rebound students in the Central Valley to CSUB through in person and virtual presentations at correctional facilities, community colleges, email correspondence, the utilization of referral lists, community events, and post release programs.
• Provide individualized pre-enrollment services (e.g., academic assessment, admissions advising, and financial aid) within established procedures to prospective students to help them prepare to apply for admission.
• Provide direct assistance to prospective Project Rebound students to support a timely matriculation in CSUB.
• Serve as a liaison to build and maintain strong positive relationships and partnerships with campus constituents, local community colleges, correctional facilities, and other relevant stakeholders and partners by sharing beneficial information/updates to best support the academic success of prospective and current Project Rebound students.
• Schedule and conduct admissions presentations at local correctional facilities, local community colleges, transitional housing, and other related venues that support formerly incarcerated individuals following defined parameters and structured formats.
• Coordinate and facilitate information sessions and orientations for prospective and newly admitted Project Rebound students.
• Connect matriculated students with campus and community resources that support students’ academic success and basic needs by providing phone, in-person, and email referrals.
• Communicate with parole and probation officials as needed on behalf of prospective and current students.
• Partner with University Outreach to recruit eligible students.
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of building the transfer bridge between Bakersfield College Rising Scholars and Project Rebound program in partnership with the Office of Special Admissions.
• Maintain regular contact with enrolled and prospective Project Rebound students currently incarcerated to provide support and assistance as they are released and through the admissions process.
• Administrative Program Support & Special Projects Input and monitor prospective student recruitment data and documents.
• Develop and update electronic and printed outreach and promotional materials for the program.
• Provide lead direction for student assistants in their daily tasks, projects, and scheduling.
• Maintain a welcoming and supportive environment for Project Rebound students and staff.
• Coordinate and support opportunities for Project Rebound students to build a sense of community within the program, campus community, and other Project Rebound programs across the state.
• Participate in Student Affairs, University, and Project Rebound Consortium activities.
• Keep abreast of current trends and practices in the field.
• Coordinate program initiatives by organizing and supporting events and workshops that provide student success resources.
• Assist with Care Team meetings for at-risk students by sharing relevant information, tracking academic progress, and supporting follow-up actions in collaboration with Basic Needs and Care Team staff.
• Serve as a liaison representative within the Project Rebound consortium and with other CSU Project Rebound Programs to share information and best practices.
• Academic Success Planning Provide academic planning including support with course selection each term and the development of educational plans.
• Provide academic planning related to withdrawals, plans for recovery for academic notice and avoiding academic disqualification.
• Offer guidance that considers students' financial aid status and participation with the department of Rehabilitation, personal learning preferences, learning strengths and challenges as it relates to course load and selection.
• Review curriculum materials and available resources to identify opportunities to support and improve student performance.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Financial Aid, and Academic Advisory School to develop programs and curriculum materials, ensuring updated educational goals.
• Track students from matriculation to first year to ensure accurate data academic records, including student transcripts, grades, and program evaluations.
• Review admissions documents and transcripts, provide eligibility assessments and recommendations, and process admissions decisions as referred, in accordance with campus requirements.

Benefits

• CSUB offers a best-in-class benefit package for eligible employees that includes an array of medical plans, choice of dental plans, vision coverage, retirement participation in CalPERS, CSU tuition waiver, up to 24 vacation days per year, sick leave with unlimited accrual, 15 paid holidays per year and more!
• See our benefits website for additional information.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees