Talent Search Lead Advisor

Overview

The salary range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00 per hour depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

The San Diego State University (SDSU) Talent Search Program is an educational opportunity program housed within the Institute for Transformative Education (ITE). ITE promotes college access and completion for underserved students through excellence and innovation in education. Talent Search is funded by the Department of Education to assist low-income, first-generation, culturally diverse high school students as they prepare for postsecondary education.

There are a total of 6-8 staff members, including management and support personnel, in this program.

The Lead Advisor will be responsible for a caseload of approximately 75 students at designated school sites, and for providing coaching for 3-4 advising staff utilizing an existing professional development rubric. The Lead Advisor will also be responsible for assisting the Director, Office of Community Engagement in additional responsibilities related to the curriculum for senior students, recruitment, and other duties as assigned by the ITE Executive Director.

Under the Supervision of the Director, Office of Community Engagement, the Lead Advisor will assist in the implementation of a comprehensive program to ensure the effective delivery of educational support services to low income and/or potential first-generation college-bound high school students.

Responsibilities

Under the Supervision of the Director, Office of Community Engagement, the Lead Advisor will assist in the implementation of a comprehensive program to ensure the effective delivery of educational support services to low income and/or potential first-generation college-bound high school students.

Participant Recruitment 25 %

• Take part in recruitment presentations at various locations.
• Assist with the selection of program participants.
• Recruit 50 to 100 students at each school site.
• Update recruitment and participation matrix on a weekly basis
  
  

Counseling/Advising 25 %

• Provide advising services to participants at school sites. These services include, but are not limited to personal problem-solving, academic advisement, building positive peer support, enhancing communication skills, career planning, academic skill building, study skills and motivational counseling.
• Conduct needs assessments for students and refer to other support groups as needed.
• Assist with college admissions and financial aid advising with senior participants.
• Establish a welcoming, safe environment for participants.
• May be asked to work some evenings/weekends. 

• Conduct regular student follow-up contacts at school sites.
• Supervise students on field trips and other special events.
• Assist with school-based club meetings.
• If student is interested in health fields, provide student with health resources.
  

Documentation 25%

• Collect and file student documents: program eligibility forms, transcripts, progress reports, permission slips, test/assessment data, and other data as deemed necessary.
• Document services and activities: student contacts, participation, case notes, and other services.
• Maintain up-to-date student demographic information and statistical data.
• Review applications so that they are complete.
• Collect student data sheet from participants each year.
• Update rosters on a weekly basis
  
  

Program Assistance 10%

• Contribute to program planning and group presentations.
• Attend team meetings and other OCE/Institute for Transformative Education events.
• Provide content for social media posts.
• Attend professional training meetings sponsored by TRIO affiliated organizations, state organizations, the Institute for Transformative Education, and others as appropriate
• Support the Executive Director of the Institute for Transformative Education and all ITE staff in the continuous development and implementation of ITE’s strategic action plan.
• Develop trusting relationship with school counselors, the vice principals, the registrar and other school personnel as necessary to gain entre to schools, access to students, and transcripts or other documents needed to facilitate the implementation of program services.
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Coaching 15%

• Advance the professional development of advisors by providing guidance, mentorship and expanding their knowledge base in the area of college access.
• Share efficient and effective practices with advisors regarding documentation, keeping track of student contacts, and interventions and information provided to students.
• Guide advisors by providing effective techniques for addressing common challenges and obstacles encountered in college access.
• Assist new advisors to ensure rapid development of their knowledge base in college access and ensure timely delivery of updated information to all advisors.
• Observe advisors at least once a semester and provide feedback regarding their ability to carry out their role. I suggest twice a semester for coaching to happen
• Assist advisors with identifying their professional strengths and areas of improvement.
• Prepare agenda outline and handouts for monthly student group meetings and share with advisors.
• Guide advisors on how to develop rapport and build trusting relationships with students and school personnel using rubric developed collaboratively with Liz Buffington.
• Facilitate workshops & trainings to further advisors’ professional development on topics such as best practices for writing PIQ’s and common mistakes for FAFSA.
  
  

Qualifications

Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to relate to students with underrepresented backgrounds
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation and to be able to communicate clearly orally and in writing
• Problem solving skills and time management skills.
• Ability to report to work on time; follow directions from a Coordinator; interact effectively with co-workers; understand and follow posted work rules and procedures; and accept constructive criticism.
• Competency with technology: internet and software applications including Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint
• Ability to interact with university professors and staff. Ability to relate successfully with students, departments, and other school personnel.
• Ability to conduct presentations to potential students and SDSU personnel.
• Knowledge of the foundational documents that authorize the Talent Search program, knowledge of the approved application’s goals and objectives, and knowledge of the hierarchy of authorities that govern the administration of Talent Search is preferred.
  
  

Minimum Education & Experience

• Completion of sufficient lower division coursework
• OR - Equivalent of one year related experience in lieu of coursework
  
  

Preferred Qualifications And Special Skills

• Experience working with middle school and high school students from low income, and diverse cultural backgrounds
• She/he will hold a Bachelor’s degree in counseling, educational psychology or in a related area.
• Demonstrated interest in working with youth through previous professional or volunteer experience
• The incumbent must have a strong knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of student outreach services, at least five years of experience in working with diverse cultural groups, and knowledge of group and individual behavior, individual counseling techniques, and socio-cultural issues inherent to ethnic diversity.
• Advising for college access at Talent Search approved schools by providing assistance in completing college applications for admission, financial aid, housing, and special programs. The incumbent will also advise students on meeting academic and extra-curricular requirements for college access and will refer students to appropriate supports such as additional tutoring.
• Advising students in the college application process from 9 th through 12 th grade and providing information on personal growth, study skills, college knowledge, and financial aid through group and one-on-one meetings. It will require limited evening and weekend hours.
• One-on-one coaching support for advising staff in areas of knowledge essential for the position. This is a non-supervisory function that assists advising staff with ongoing professional development, including growth in professional self-awareness and accountability. The Lead Advisor will use the attached rubric.
  
  

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live in a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets/Title IX Employer.