The Student Support Services (TRIO)  Academic Counselor will provide a broad range of services designed to ensure the enrollment, retention, success and completion of first-year students through academic monitoring, referral to other appropriate support services, and assistance in developing an educational plan. The Student Support Services (TRIO) program is supported by the US Department of Education and assists first-generation college students, low income and students with disabilities with successfully completing higher education. This is a full-time grant funded position, reports to the Director, of Student Support Services (TRIO) and has the following responsibilities:

• Conducts one-on-one advising sessions with students to address academic and personal issues, create actions plans for student success and maintain all records relevant to student profiles/progress.
• Manages and monitors the academic progress of a caseload of targeted students from intake to successful transition to the TRIO Completion Coach utilizing intrusive advising strategies and document/track contacts.
• Works closely with Academic Advising, Financial Aid, Admissions, Registration, Career Development and Disability Access Services to provide comprehensive services to eligible participants.
• Assist in the assessment of first-year student academic and support needs; plan and implement best practices to achieve desired retention and completion goals.
•  Collaborate with College-wide departments, faculty, tutors and academic support staff to advocate, identify and meet the academic needs of TRIO students. .
• Monitors and follows-up with students’ progress, utilizing grades, conferences, instructor feedback and other appropriate information
• Provides information and referrals to program participants regarding appropriate student programs, college departments or community resources.
• Assist with coordination of all campus visits to four-year colleges/universities and program cultural/educational trips. 
• Provides study skills instruction in group and/or individual settings, classes or workshops.
• Assists students in completing scholarship, financial aid and college/university applications.
• Represents the college at professional and community organizations. Participates in related professional conferences, in-service and college activities.
• Some evening and weekend work required
•  Supports the mission, vision, and values of the College.
• Serves on college committees, councils and task forces as appropriate 
• Performs other tasks as assigned that support and advance the College and student success.
• Maintain sensitivity, understanding and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, and ethnic backgrounds.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's  degree in education, counseling, or related field from an accredited college or university
• A minimum of two years of appropriate and relevant professional experience working in a TRiO federal program or similar related program for disadvantaged and at-risk college students
• Knowledge and demonstrated experience and sensitivity with diverse cultures including people with disabilities, people of color and/or people living in poverty

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with first-generation, low-income students
• Experience in TRIO and student affairs within a higher education setting
• Experience working with federal grants
• Experience in academic advising and/or career counseling within a higher education setting 
• Experience working one-on-one with students 
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)