College Advisor - College Passport

## College Advisor - College Passport University Settlement partners with 40,000+ New Yorkers in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn every year to build on our collective strengths as we achieve healthy, stable, and remarkable lives. For nearly 140 years, we’ve fought poverty and systemic inequality by building highly effective social services in collaboration with our neighbors. Established in 1886 as the first Settlement House in the United States, we bring the values of that movement into the 21st century by meeting New Yorkers where they live, listening deeply to all perspectives, and creating space for responsive cooperation.  

Joining with our neighbors to make stable foundations where people of all ages can grow and pursue their dreams, we build community strength. We infuse a commitment to civic engagement, equality, and communal action into each of our programs, which include early childhood education, youth development, healthy aging, mental health and wellness, English classes for adult immigrants, community centers, and the arts.
The College Advisor will act as part of an inter-disciplinary team that will seek to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school or equivalent and enroll in post-secondary education institutions of their choice. This is accomplished through one-to-one advisement, small and large group workshops, and as part of on-campus college exploration opportunities. As part of the University Settlement Society Talent Search program, the applicant will provide services to our partnered local high schools and Middle School.

We are looking for a dynamic individual who has experience with admissions and financial aid processes, facilitation and curriculum design, and a commitment to positive youth development practices. Applicants should be independent, creative, energetic and flexible.
** Responsibilities:
*** Work one-on-one with the young people to develop and set individualized personal educational and career goals as related to secondary school or alternative success and post-secondary opportunity
* Act as a member of an interdisciplinary team working with each young person to support the achievement of his/her goals includes facilitating relationships between volunteers, interns, and participants
* Provide advisement in selection and admissions process for post-secondary opportunities including but not limited two- and four-year public and private universities as well as vocational program and service initiatives
* Provide advisement in all aspects of financial aid process including scholarships and opportunity programs
* Assist out-of-school youth with entering secondary school or equivalent
* Support in-school youth in obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent
* Provide special events, workshops, and presentations on college access, affordability, and the value of higher education to in-and out of-school youth, parents, and specialized populations (non-native English speakers, foster care youth, etc.).
* Collect and maintain case records pursuant to data-management procedures and contractual obligations
* Prepare students for a successful transition to post-secondary opportunity (includes the development of Freshman 101 activities, and trips to local and out of state colleges and universities)
* Demonstrate an understanding of and practice the principles of positive Youth Development
* Provide intensive coordination and integration of necessary services, including monitoring of Talent Search space, and documenting participants progress toward goals
* Participate in case conferencing
* Provide crisis intervention as needed
* Collaborate with interdisciplinary staff in the development and facilitation of agency-wide programming and events
* Handle any appropriate responsibilities and functions as assigned by supervisor and/or director
*
* Qualifications:

*** Bachelors degree in Counseling, Education or related field required
* Two years of experience in youth development, preferably employment and career-oriented programs
* Knowledge of and ability to apply positive youth development principles to working with young people
* Previous work as college or financial aid counselor preferred
* Willingness to travel between the offices of The Door/University Settlement and our local high school partners
* Demonstrated skill in curriculum development
* Ability to facilitate groups and other learning activities and to foster team cohesion
* Proficiency in Spanish, French, or Mandarin…