Description:

The Student Success Advisor provides academic, personal, financial, and career counseling to low-income, first generation and/or academically disadvantaged 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 grant. The majority of the time will be spent working independently on-site at Thomasville middle and high schools. The position reports to the Director, Talent Search, and has the following responsibilities:

Essential Job Functions:

• Collaborates with Director, Thomasville School administrators, teachers, and counselors to identify program participants and execute a comprehensive program to improve high school persistence, graduation, and postsecondary enrollment to completion 

• Coordinates and conducts recruitment strategies, accepts referrals, and helps select Talent Search participants

• Makes presentations to school personnel, students, and parents outlining program benefits

• Utilizes a student-centered approach and advises participants for academic success, grade promotion, and college readiness

• Manages a caseload of 250+ students and completes individual needs assessments to develop customized, individual College, Career, and Academic Plans (CCAPs); reviews and interprets report cards, transcripts, test scores, college entrance exams, etc.

• Meets one-on-one with students and families to discuss academic and non-academic obstacles, as they relate to student progress, involvement, and program satisfaction

• Coordinates and makes referrals to tutorial services and develops study skills workshops with input from teachers and other school staff

• Monitors attendance and disciplinary records for continued program eligibility and resource intervention

• Advises, promotes, and mentors participants; assists with development of positive self-concept and helping students envision a future beyond high school

• Develops student assessments and completes program evaluations

• Partners with college departments and community constituents for effective program delivery, workshops, etc.

• 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, financial aid, RDS, college application, etc.)

• Participates in middle and high school staff and team meetings to review timelines, discuss objectives, refine implementation plans, and problem-solve

• Receives confidential application materials and maintains participant files, tracks services, and submits weekly contact forms and other reports as required by the grant

• Participates in professional development activities appropriate to the functions of the position, including state TRIO Talent Search meetings/conferences, Department of Education sponsored training, and school district trainings

• Supports the mission, vision, and values of the College, City Schools, and the TRIO Talent Search program

• Perform other duties as assigned which support the purpose and initiatives of the Program and College