Posting will be open until filled, priority screening for applications received by January 21, 2026. 

The TRIO Talent Search (TS) Advisor/Recruiter is responsible for recruiting eligible students to TRIO TS and providing academic, personal, financial, and career counseling to accepted TRIO participants (low-income, first-generation middle school students, high school students, and adult learners) that supports completion of a secondary school diploma, enrollment in postsecondary education, and completion of a postsecondary credential. This is a full-time, 12-month exempt position funded by a 5-year U.S. Department of Education TRIO Talent Search grant. The continuance of this position is contingent upon continued grant funding.

The majority of the TRIO TS Advisor/Recruiter's time is spent working independently at their assigned target schools: Pacific Middle School and Mount Rainier High School (Highline School District). On occasion, the TRIO TS Advisor may be asked to support participants at other TRIO TS target schools: Showalter Middle School and Foster High School (Tukwila School District) and Why Not You Academy. This position reports to the Director of TRIO Programs. Some evening, overnight, and weekend responsibilities are required.

Position Responsibilities

Recruitment

• Works closely with the Director of TRIO Programs and TRIO TS Program Manager/Advisor to develop a comprehensive recruitment plan to ensure the project serves 500 eligible participants annually;
• Facilitates recruitment activities (e.g., classroom presentations, info sessions, family nights, tabling, email campaigns, newsletters) to eligible participants, families, school staff, and community members outlining program eligibility requirements, goals, and services;
• Collaborates with target school and Highline College administrators, teachers, counselors, and partners to identify eligible participants;
• Receives confidential program application materials and updates participant files.

Academic Counseling & Participant Support

• Manages a minimum caseload of 275 students and completes individual needs assessments to develop customized individual Student Success Plans (SSPs) used to assess and monitor participant progress towards graduation;
• Executes comprehensive programming to promote secondary school persistence and graduation; postsecondary education enrollment or re-enrollment; and postsecondary degree attainment (e.g., academic success workshops, college exploration activities, cultural events);
• Provides academic counseling services to participants through structured individual and group meetings both in and out of the classroom to enhance development and learning;
• Utilizes a student-centered approach and advises participants for academic success, grade promotion, and college readiness;
• Reviews and interprets grades, transcripts, test scores, and other participant records to inform service delivery;

• Meets with participants and families to discuss academic and non-academic opportunities, challenges, and milestones as they relate to participant progress, involvement, and program satisfaction;
• Assists students and families with completing the necessary steps for college readiness and enrollment (e.g., college entrance exam preparation, college applications and admissions essays, financial aid applications);
• Maintains and regularly updates detailed records of all aspects of participants' progress including academic, social, and personal that would aid or impede participants' overall success;
• Conducts appropriate referrals for participants as necessary.

Collaboration & Coordination of Services

• Works directly with the Director of TRIO Programs and TRIO TS Program Manager/Advisor to ensure the goals and objectives of the TRIO TS project are met;
• Collaborates with school sites, Highline College departments, and community partners for effective and collaborative delivery of project services;
• Participates in target school meetings to review timelines, discuss objectives and services, refine implementation plans, and address challenges.

Assessment & Continuous Improvement

• Assists the Director of TRIO Programs with completing the TRIO TS Annual Performance Report;
• Assists with all aspects of program review and participant retention such as assessments, surveys, focus groups, orientations, workshops, interventions, and program evaluation;
• Participates in professional development activities appropriate to the functions of the position including meetings, trainings, and conferences sponsored by target schools; state, regional, and national TRIO organizations; Highline College; and the Department of Education;
• Supports the mission, vision, and values of Highline College, Highline School District, Tukwila School District, Why Not You Academy, and Federal TRIO Programs;
• Performs other duties as assigned for the success of program participants consistent with the role and required functions of the position, especially as required by the TRIO TS grant.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work independently with limited oversight;
• Adept to using software applications including Microsoft Office, student management systems, and case management systems.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution in education, administration, counseling or a related field; AND
• 1-2 years of experience counseling/advising youth. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience with Federal TRIO Programs or programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education;
• Work experience with college access programming;
• Work experience in a college setting;
• Work experience with individuals who are low-income and/or first-generation;
• Multilingual;
• Knowledge of college and university admissions and enrollment procedures;
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid procedures;
• Personally overcome obstacles similar to those experienced by TRIO TS program participants.

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