GEAR UP College Advisor, Pahrump; Part-time

Thank you for your interest in employment with our institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:
Draft applications are saved automatically and can be accessed through your candidate home account. Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment. Once a recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted. Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments. If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our Human Resources department at hr-employment.

The GEAR UP First Year College Advisor (FYCA) is based at the Pahrump Center in Pahrump, Nevada. The FYCA works directly with high school students, guiding them through graduation, and continuing intensive advising through their first full year of college or postsecondary training. The primary objective is to build early college awareness, navigate the admissions and financial aid pipeline, and deliver intrusive advising to ensure successful first-year college persistence.

Grant‑Funded Position:
This position is currently funded through May 31, 2027, with the possibility of extension into subsequent years, contingent upon the availability of grant funding.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work, Higher Education Administration, or a closely related field, preferred but not required.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 2 years of experience working with youth, preferably in a high school counseling office, college access program (e.g., TRIO, GEAR UP), or higher education student affairs.
• Target Population Knowledge:
  Deep understanding of the distinct cultural, financial, and institutional barriers faced by low‑income, first‑generation, and historically underrepresented students.
• Process Expertise:
  Advanced proficiency navigating federal financial aid processes (FAFSA), college application platforms, and standardized testing procedures.
• Logistics:
  Access to reliable transportation for travel between high school campuses, partner universities, and regional student events; ability to work select evenings and weekends.

• High School Pipeline Support College and Career Planning:
  Deliver individualized academic advising to ensure students complete college‑preparatory coursework, explore career pathways, and build balanced college lists.
• Admissions and Milestones Management:
  Guide students through college applications, entrance exam preparation (ACT/SAT), and institutional admission requirements.
• Financial Aid Advising:
  Coordinate and execute mandatory FAFSA/WASFA completion workshops, scholarship searches, and financial aid award letter review sessions for families.
• Transition Programming:
  Organize college campus visits, financial literacy workshops, and summer bridge activities to familiarize students with postsecondary environments.
• First‑Year College Transition and Persistence Summer Melt Prevention:
  Maintain high‑touch outreach during the critical summer months between high school graduation and college day‑one to finalize enrollment, housing, and tuition payments.
• Intrusive Postsecondary Advising:
  Deliver proactive, regular check‑ins (in‑person or virtual) with college freshmen to monitor academic performance, mental health, and social adjustment.
• Campus Resource Mapping:
  Connect first‑year college students to existing on‑campus support networks, including tutoring, counseling, disability services, and peer mentoring.
• Re‑enrollment Support:
  Assist first‑year college students with second‑semester course registration,…