College persistence and success have always been essential components
with our work with college students. Over the years, as students are
graduating and preparing for the workforce, it has become evident that
our young people need more support through these transitions. The
College Success Office (CSO) supports students and alumni of Harlem
Children’s Zone and Promise Academy Charter Schools to equip them for
success in college and the world beyond. CSO currently serves over 1100
HCZ & Promise Alumni through 1:1 advising and programs. We expect CSO
advisors to be committed to doing Whatever It Takes to improve the lives
of college students in and out of school.
The College Counselor role is geared towards supporting students
transitioning to and through college, their persistence throughout
college or vocational program and the pursuit of their post-secondary
goals. This position is ideal for applicants who have experience either
in high school college counseling or college admissions with a desire to
work closely with students, aid them in the completion of their college
degree; and encourage career advisement and development.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
General Counseling
- Manage a caseload of up to 50+ college students, using the
appreciative advising model focusing on college
transition/persistence/completion and career readiness.
- Assist student with class selection and registration, financial aid
renewal and verification, academic appeals, and college
transfer/re-enrollment process.
- Assist students with summer
career opportunities/programs/internships.
- Monitor progress toward educational/career goals and meet with
student to review academic (financial) eligibility and satisfactory
progress towards graduation by meeting with student periodically.
- Collaborate with Career Services to ensure students are engaging and
gaining career awareness and exposures.
- Collaborate with Social Services team to solve
socio-emotional issues.
_ _
Administrative Responsibilities
- Collect and record college and career data for 100% of caseload;
including but not limited to transcripts, resumes, bills &
schedules, financial aid: FAFSA, TAP, Pell, and others, graduate
confirmation, etc.
- Responsible for the creation and implementation of Action Plans for
each student on caseload twice a year.
- Maintain updated student case files and other records pertaining to
students’ progress and success such as bursar bills, class
schedules/calendars, degree audits, syllabi, etc.
- Responsible for inputting case notes on all students once a month.
- Collect students’ grades and transcripts twice a year.
_ _
CSO Engagement
- Maintain frequent and regular contact with students to monitor
progress and to troubleshoot academic, financial, and
socio-emotional issues.
- Conduct college campus visits for freshmen students, any transfer
students, and high need students.
- Establish and maintain relationships with campus liaisons through
ongoing communication and campus visits.
- Advocate on behalf of student to various colleges and
university offices. These offices include but are not limited to:
Financial Aid Office, Academic Support Centers, and
Admissions Office.
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, or related social
services field. required; Master’s degree preferred in Higher
Education, Counseling, or Social Services related field.
- At least two years of experience working with college students or
young adults in an academic or career service counseling capacity.
- Knowledge of higher education, financial aid, and postsecondary
education strategies.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to
complete tasks accurately and in a timely manner.
- Proactive problem solver that demonstrates initiative and the
ability to work individually and in a team setting when necessary.
To be considered, interested applicants must submit a COVER LETTER AND
RESUME to afigueroa@hcz.org. No telephone inquiries or recruiters
please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. HCZ is an
EOE.
Required Skills
Required Experience