Upward Bound Advisor

Washburn University•Topeka, KS

1d•$40,000 - $49,999•Onsite

About The Position

Washburn University’s Upward Bound Program is directly sponsored by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. This position is responsible for providing individual guidance to 60 low-income, first-generation, or at-risk students representing youth in underserved communities as they navigate graduation requirements and postsecondary entry and completion. This is a grant-funded position, contingent upon the continued availability of grant funding.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, education, behavioral/social sciences, social work, or a related field.
Minimum of two years of experience advising, mentoring, or delivering academic support services to low-income, first-generation students.
Experience with Microsoft Office.
Demonstrated knowledge of high school graduation requirements.
Demonstrated knowledge of college entrance requirements and processes.
Proven ability to display sensitivity to issues affecting low-income, first-generation students.
Proven ability to foster and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with internal and external partners, particularly parents/guardians.
Proven ability to communicate and interact professionally with the public and co-workers.
Proven ability to organize, communicate, and maintain documentation.
Demonstrated attention to detail.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience working in a TRIO program.
Bilingual, Spanish.

Responsibilities

Provide individual guidance to approximately 60 low-income, first-generation, or at-risk students as they navigate high school graduation, postsecondary education entry, and completion.
Recruit eligible participants, design, and maintain individual success plans.
Continually monitor and document participants’ academic progress.
Plan and lead after-school tutoring for Washburn Upward Bound events and opportunities.
Support participants enrolling in, remaining engaged with, and successfully completing a rigorous high school curriculum that prepares them for postsecondary education. Services include academic advising, course selection guidance, tutoring, progress monitoring, and encouragement to enroll in appropriately challenging coursework, such as honors, Advanced Placement (AP), dual-credit, and other college-preparatory classes.
Plan and implement workshops and activities that support skills development, motivation, and College, Career, and Life Readiness.
Meet regularly with counselors, teachers, social workers, and other staff to support student academic progress and project objectives.
Meet regularly with parents/guardians; design/present at parent/guardian workshops; and assist with community referrals for parents as needed.
The advisor regularly works with parents and participants who do not speak English fluently, and many are Spanish speakers; the ability to translate may be necessary.
Establish and maintain required data records of project and participant activities, including student eligibility, progress, and academic performance; student, parent, and community partner engagement and referrals; and other project management record-keeping. Ensure documentation is collected at the time of service and participant records are entered promptly.
Assist with planning and leading local and regional college visits.
Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.