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JOB SUMMARY

The Upward Bound/ConnCAP College Access Counselor is responsible for day-to-day administration of student programs for the Upward Bound Program, including coordinating student support and engagement activities, supplemental advising, peer mentoring, academic success interventions, and other educational programming to improve high school performance and prepare students for a postsecondary education.

The College Access Counselor will coordinate academic workshops, peer and college student mentoring, and individual/group advising sessions to help students persist and succeed in high school, develop and facilitate personal and career development activities to promote students’ holistic success, and serve as a resource to motivate potentially first-generation-in-college students to apply, enroll, and succeed in higher education. This position reports to the Director of the Upward Bound/ConnCAP program at UConn Storrs. 

This search is recruiting three (3) separate College Access Counselor positions. Each position will be based at one of the following partner high schools: New London High School, Rockville High School, or Windham High School.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinates implementation of academic support programming with the aim of helping first-generation and/or low-income students from target cities/schools to succeed in high school and prepare for postsecondary enrollment.
• Serves as academic advisor to high school students enrolled in the program, with responsibility for advising them regarding academic choices and performance and for monitoring student performance and progress towards successful completion of high school studies.
• Delivers academic support/success programming, including coordination of mentoring and tutoring, monitoring student academic progress, and analyzing grade reports.
• Provides career and college counseling to assist students in appraising their interests, aptitudes, and abilities, and assists them in educational and vocational planning.
• Acts as a liaison with students, parents/guardians, and high school staff, responding to questions regarding program policies, procedures, and requirements, making referrals as appropriate, and ensuring quality advising and program development.
• Advises students regarding college choices and assists them in gaining admission and obtaining financial aid and scholarships or other needed resources with the goal of graduating from high school.
• Coordinates academic year student engagement and development programming. Responsible for periodic student group meetings for all participants. Advises program student advisory group.
• Leads school-based student recruitment efforts.
• Participates in all program planning and identifies the need for changes and recommends improvements in the program.
• Assists with the planning of a summer component designed to provide participants with academic support and preparation. Leads development of co-curricular and student engagement activities, including college student mentoring, career and leadership development, and off-campus experiences.
• Delivers workshops, seminars, and presentations to students, parents, and school staff on college preparation and readiness.
• Participates in student recruitment, including disseminating program objectives, reviewing records, interviewing students and families, and recommending final selections.
• Supervises a tutoring program designed to supplement high school courses, with the responsibility to determine student needs, schedule tutoring sessions, and monitor student progress.
• Administers diagnostic tests and develops an appropriate educational program accordingly, monitors student performance and progress towards successful completion of high school program.
• Maintains a program database to document students’ services and tracks retention, graduation, and postsecondary progress.
• Prepares quarterly reports on each student, describing counseling activities for the reporting period and providing specific details regarding student progress such as course schedule, grades, problems, and related matters.
• Performs other related duties and special assignments as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. Minimum three years of related experience including at least one year of experience working with high school students in a diverse environment, providing school counseling, community work, or social agency.
3. Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills.
4. Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of higher education and the challenges faced by low-income, first-generation-to-college, and underrepresented students.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Two or more years of experience working with high school students in a diverse environment, including providing school counseling, community work, or social agency.
2. Experience with providing academic and college preparation programming.
3. Bilingual in English/Spanish.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The hiring range for this position is $60,416 to $65,000. An offer of employment, if made, will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s skill and experience, as determined by the University.

For more information about benefits and other offerings available to University employees, we encourage you to review the Human Resources website and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves header at the top of the page. Under Benefits & Leaves, select Benefits to access an overview as well as additional information on topics such as paid time off, benefits, retirement, and other resources.  As you explore these pages, please note that this position is covered by the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA) and look for information specifically identified for UCPEA, as provisions may vary by employee group.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This search is recruiting three (3) separate College Access Counselor positions. Each position will be based at one of the following partner high schools: New London High School, Rockville High School, or Windham High School. Applicants are encouraged to indicate their preferred location, if any, as part of their application.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The chosen incumbent must have the ability to report to multiple worksites and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499904 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the stated minimum qualifications, and any preferred qualifications they may possess, in their application materials.

The review of applications will begin immediately and remain ongoing until the position is filled.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.