Posting will be open until filled, priority screening for applications received by April 28, 2024.
The Talent Search (TS) Advisor provides academic, personal, financial, and career counseling to low-income and first generation middle and high school students that supports completion of a secondary school diploma, as well as enrolling and completing a postsecondary credential.
This is a full-time, 12-month position funded by a five-year U.S. Department of Education TRiO Talent Search grant. The majority of the time will be spent working independently on-site at Why Not You Academy, Foster High School, and Showalter Middle School. This position reports to the TRiO Talent Search Director. Some weekends and evenings are required. The position reports to the Talent Search Director, and has the following responsibilities: Collaboration and Coordination of Services: Works directly with the TS Director and the other TS Advisor to ensure that the goals and objectives of the TS project are met; Collaborate with Showalter Middle School, Foster High School, and Why Not You Academy administrators, teachers, counselors, and partners to identify program participants and execute a comprehensive program to improve high school or middle school persistence, graduation, and postsecondary enrollment to completion; Makes presentations to school personnel, students, and parents outlining TS eligibility requirements and program goals; Partners with college departments and community constituents for effective and collaborative delivery of project services. Advising and Student Support Programming: Manages a minimum caseload of 250 students and completes individual needs assessments to develop customized, individual Student Success Plans (SSPs); reviews and interprets report cards, transcripts, test scores, college entrance exams, and other student records for resource and service intervention; Provides academic advising and counseling information services to participants through structured individual and group meetings; Supports and participates in both in-and out-of-classroom engagement of TS participants in an effort to enhance their development and learning experiences; Utilizes a student-centered approach and advises participants for academic success, grade promotion, and college readiness; Maintains detailed records of all aspects of participants' progress including academic, social, personal, etc., that would aid, or impede their overall success; Assesses and monitors participants' SSP to ensure participants are on track for graduation; Conducts appropriate referrals for participants as necessary; Meets one-on-one with students and families to discuss academic and non-academic opportunities, challenges and milestones as they relate to student progress, involvement, and program satisfaction; Work with the Director to manage the Talent Search tutorial program, including the screening, hiring, supervision, and training of TS tutors; Coordinates and leads student-centered college and university exploratory field trips, enrichment activities, and cultural events; Assists students and families complete all necessary steps for college readiness and enrollment (e.g. ACT/SAT, IB test preparation, financial aid, college application, admission essays.); Receives confidential application materials and maintains participant files, tracks services, and submits weekly contact forms and other reports as required by the grant. Assessment and Continuous Improvement: Assists with all aspects of program review and student retention efforts such as surveys, focus groups, orientation sessions, parent workshops and intervention groups; Develops and implement student assessments and completes program evaluations; Work with the Director to participate in middle and high school staff and team meetings to review timelines, discuss objectives, refine implementation plans, and problem-solve; Participates in professional development activities appropriate to the functions of the position, including state TRIO Talent Search meetings/conferences, Highline College sponsored professional development, Department of Education sponsored training, and school district trainings; Supports the mission, vision, and values of the College, Highline Public Schools, Why Not You Academy, and Tukwila School District and the TRIO Talent Search program; Assists the Director to complete the TS Annual Performance Report; Performs other duties as assigned for the betterment of each program participant consistent with the role and required functions of this position, especially as required by the terms and objectives of the TS grant. Skills and Abilities Ability to work independently with limited oversight; Adept to using software applications including Microsoft Office, and database and case management software. 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 Experience working with federal Department of Education programs or TRIO Programs; Work experience with college access programming; Multi-lingual; Work experience in a college setting; Experience working with individuals who are low-income and/or first-generation; 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 Talent Search program participants. About Highline College
Highline College prides itself on its commitment to diversity and equity, its institutional culture of collegiality and innovation, its globalization of curricula and its inclusion of the community in its programming. Founded in 1961, Highline College is situated in a diverse community just 15minutes south of Seattle. The college annually serves more than 16,500 students – a student population of over 70% students of color, representing 35 nations and more than 100 languages.
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