BACKGROUND
Elevate is a dynamic community partnership facilitated by the United Way of the Blue Mountains, uniting diverse cross-sector members to strengthen the educational pipeline from cradle to career. Our mission is to ensure every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through collaborative efforts and data-driven strategies, Elevate works to eliminate barriers and foster success in education, creating a brighter future for all students in the region.
The Elevate partnership received the Horizons Regional Grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This grant funds Elevate’s efforts to increase postsecondary enrollment and through increasing FAFSA completion rates, providing effective college and career advising, and increasing dual credit completion. Essential in this work is an understanding of the postsecondary landscape and a commitment to engaging with low-income, rural, and Latino communities in the Blue Mountain region.
POSITION SUMMARY
Elevate is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented College and Career Readiness Advisor (“CCRA”) to provide comprehensive college and career advising to local high school students. The role serves as a trusted guide for students planning for further education after high school and navigating the transition to postsecondary programs. This is a full time, year-round position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work collaboratively with high school administrators, teachers, counselors, community-based organizations, and other staff to support high school students and families to navigate the postsecondary landscape and process.
- Meet individually and in small groups with students to understand their aspirations and goals for after high school, and help students understand pathways to achieve those goals.
- Support students in the selection of high school coursework that aligns with their postsecondary and career goals, including career and technical education and dual credit coursework.
- Provide culturally-appropriate support to students and families in understanding and completing college applications, financial aid applications (including both FAFSA and WASFA), and other postsecondary application forms.
- Assist students with scholarship searches and applications.
- Support students with tasks associated with the transition to postsecondary programs to prevent summer melt, including warm handoffs to postsecondary support staff.
- Participate in school-based Postsecondary Ecosystems, including leading financial aid run chart data gathering and presentation.
- Collaborate with school teams to plan and support school and community events such as financial aid nights and college and career fairs.
- Collaborate with higher education partners and other regional higher education institutions to plan and carry out campus visits for high school students, including chaperoning part-day, full-day, and overnight field trips.
- Participate in case management and professional development sessions, conferences and convenings, and other local and statewide professional learning opportunities.
- Work collaboratively with building and regional partners to plan and carry out career exploration and readiness activities such as career fairs, guest speakers, job site visits, résumé and cover letter writing workshops, leadership opportunities, interviewing skills, and work-based learning.
- Work with school staff to assist students in completing their High School and Beyond Plans.
- With support from school districts and Local Data Intermediary, collect and analyze student postsecondary application and enrollment data.
- Conduct and provide logistical support for family-focused workshops on postsecondary access, including Family Academy/Academia Familiar.
- Lead special projects in collaboration with the Director of Postsecondary Access.
- Maintain confidentiality of student and family information.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Excellent interpersonal, relationship building, and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with high school students, school staff, and families.
- Associate’s degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field and two years related work experience, or bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field with one or more years related work experience.
- Demonstrated experience working with youth and a knowledge and passion for youth development, including at least two years’ experience working in K-12 schools or higher education, preferably in rural, low-income, or Latino communities.
- Demonstrated familiarity with a variety of postsecondary options, financial aid literacy, and career development strategies.
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
- Ability to travel through Walla Walla County with reliable vehicle and proof of insurance.
ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in education, counseling or related field.
- Previous experience in project management, preferably in an educational setting.
- Experience in facilitating workshops and meetings and adapting communication style to engage diverse groups of students, parents, and stakeholders.
- Written and oral fluency in Spanish.
COMPENSATION
Compensation will range from $60,000 to $66,000 depending on qualifications, experience, and benefit selections.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit the following information to amy@uwbluemt.org with the subject line “CCRA
APPLICATION”
- Cover letter
- Resume
We will consider applications on a rolling basis until we find the right person.
If you have questions, contact Amy Ly, Director of Postsecondary Access, at amy@uwbluemt.org.
United Way is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.