Retention Counselor - CORE @ HCC - Transition to College

The Retention Counselor will work to facilitate academic pathways students who identify as System
- Impacted(An individual who is currently incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, or whose educational pathway has been affected by involvement in the criminal legal system, including individuals with incarcerated family members).

Under the supervision of the Assistant Vice President of Adult Education and Workforce Development, the Retention Counselor will advise & retain system-impacted college students in noncredit and credit courses. The retention counselor will be responsible for advising students on degree/career programs, assisting students with the admissions/enrollment process including choosing the program of study, and assisting to foresee and mitigate barriers to make college accessible, and to facilitate student success and completion.

In addition the retention counselor will provide workshops on college readiness and belonging.

• Hold weekly office hours in the CORE Lounge (Wednesdays at 11AM & either a Tuesday or Thursday during the day).
• Collaborate with staff from Western Mass CORE for student referrals and support.
• Assist new students in onboarding to the college, choosing a program of study (either non credit or credit), and assisting students with admissions, financial aid, applications, etc..
• Assist students in accessing on campus supports to mitigate barriers to education (Thrive Center, Center Human Development, Child Care, & other on and off campus supports as needed).
• Collaborate with departments on & off campus to provide holistic support to the students - (ALANA, Transition to College, Tutoring, El Centro, Office for Students with Disabilities/Deaf Services, Marieb Adult Learner Success Center, Admissions, Financial Aid, Tutoring, etc).
• Support students in their chosen program of study through regular check-ins in person or on zoom & connect students to resources as necessary to promote success, & holding office hours.
• Perform administrative tasks associated with CORE @ HCC such as managing enrollment lists, keeping track of students grades & progress, facilitating Purchase Orders, Keeping the CORE Lounge snack area stocked, & keeping track of data.
• Maintain professional knowledge in applicable areas (i.e. – maintain a working knowledge of assigned area; maintain current knowledge of applicable state, federal, and local laws/regulations; research new trends and advances in the profession; participate in professional organizations; attend workshops and training sessions).
• Collaborate with TCC Coordinator & community partners to provide workshops on college belonging and readiness.
• Present or co-present at occasional special events in the community at local correctional facilities to promote college readiness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Organizational Behavior, Sociology, Liberal Arts, or closely related field.
• Two (2) years experience and/or training involving public education, college admissions, academic advisement, or customer service; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Energetic and conscientious individual who is capable through education and lived experience — of providing a supportive and positive environment for adults returning from incarceration.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Interest in the criminal legal system and carceral education.
• The ability to respond with sensitivity to multiple stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of, and investment in, the mission of CORE @ HCC.
• Experience with peer mentoring and tutoring programs.
• Ability to work independently and/or as a team member.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty, staff and student body.

We welcome and encourage applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above, to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them for the responsibilities of this position. It is preferred that this document be uploaded separately from the resume, cover letter, and references.

• Formerly incarcerated candidates or candidates with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Experience working in an academic setting.
• Experience and knowledge of local Hampden and Hampshire County carceral systems.

• Hourly Rate: $36.55/hour.
• Hours: 12.5 hrs./week (potentially up to 18.5 hours per week);
• Funding: College/Grant (TCC).