Upward Bound Program Advisor at Clairton & McKeesport High Schools (Student Advocacy Specialist)

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

Upward Bound Programs is seeking a Program Advisor (Student Advocacy Specialist) for program operations in the Clairton City and McKeesport Area School Districts. This role is part of the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity. The 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, advising, tutoring, or referring program participants on various student services, and development and implementation of academic year and summer residential programming in compliance with federal guidelines. The individual will provide services to students with a focus on assisting non-senior students to complete rigorous coursework, assisting senior students to graduate high school on time and matriculate to postsecondary education, and tracking postsecondary progress for six years after high school graduation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• 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
• Must work one Saturday per month from September through May
• Significant summer obligations in June and July
• Weekend and evening work frequently required
• PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check
• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in providing direct college preparation services to 9th- through 12th-grade students
• Experience working with low-income, first-generation high school students from diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge of and experience with federally funded TRIO programs

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level