Office Assistant I, Educational Talent Search

Position Title:

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

This is a part-time grant-funded position that works with federally-funded TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS) program and is responsible for providing outreach and identification of eligible participants to include middle/high school students; guidance on secondary school re-entry; financial literacy; academic counseling; advising; assistance with college admission processes; conducting needs and outcome assessment and assisting with periodic reports. The Educational Outreach Specialist works under general direction of the ETS Manager and Senior Director of CMAS to provide program services to participants within established guidelines; to develop and implement goals, operating procedures and programmatic efforts; and to keep abreast of TRIO rules and regulations. Occasional evening and/or weekend hours may be required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist with the selection process, assessment and placement of Talent Search participants.

2. Provide group, individual instruction, academic, financial literacy and educational advisement.

3. Develop and refine methods for continuous monitoring and adequate follow-up of student progress.

4. Develop methods/tools/materials to address ETS participants' needs to ensure academic success.

5. Plan, organize, and execute logistics for college tours and cultural events for students.

6. Review participants progress periodically through interviews with participants and target school staff.

7. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, administrators, acquire a general knowledge of the overall operation, functions and programs of the campus to which assigned.

8. Advise ETS Manager, Senior Director, faculty and ETS staff of obstacles to learning experienced by ETS participants; conduct individual and group workshops in problematic areas.

9. Ability to present occasional evening and/or weekend workshops as well as participate in campus visits and seasonal overnight college tours.

10. Demonstrated administrative ability and knowledge in financial aid processes, admission/recruitment procedures, and community relations.

11. Participate in TRIO training seminars and workshops such as Illinois TRiO, EOA, and COE; serve on assigned college committees and clubs that support the identified TRIO and Student Development Division program goals and objectives.

12. Participate in achieving departmental and college goals and objectives.

13. Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with course work in Education, Psychology, Sociology, or Guidance service related disciplines.

2. One (1) year of previous experience working in student services or a closely related field with successful experience dealing with disadvantaged students 6th-12th grade.

3. Experience designing and presenting programs, workshops, and advisement sessions relating to learning styles, academic college entrance exams, federal financial aid, scholarships, graduation requirements, goal setting and other academic success skills.

4. Strong presentation skills with excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

5. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other members of the college and community, displaying cultural competence as well as emotional intelligence.

6. Demonstrated commitment to the college's core values of respect and inclusion, sustainability, integrity, collaboration, humor and well-being, innovation and quality.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master's Degree in Education, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, Social Work, Higher Education, or related field.

2. Experience with TRiO programs and understanding of educational, career and transfer planning.

3. Expertise delivering group presentations and effectively facilitating large & small group discussions.

4. Experience in using appropriate technologies, student learning style assessment instruments and strength inventories in all aspects of advising and counseling practices.

5. English and Spanish verbal and written communication proficiency.

6. Demonstrated multicultural competence.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. Normal office physical demands.

2. Ability to travel between campus locations and to and from community events.

WORKING CONDITIONS

* Duties are performed indoors in the usual office and/or outdoor environment.

PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

* Resume

* A cover letter with your interest in being considered for the position.

* Unofficial Transcripts (must be included)

Internal candidates must adhere to the terms of employment regarding length of time in current position as outlined in their union contract.

Full Time/Part Time:

Union (If Applicable):

Scheduled Hours: