TRIO Student Support Services Counselor

Program Overview

The TRIO-Student Support Services program is a grant funded program supported through the U.S. Department of Education. The program provides academic support services for disadvantaged students and is designed to increase the retention and graduation rates of eligible students who are enrolled at Quinsigamond Community College. The 5-year grant cycle will end on 8/31/2030, and employment cannot be guaranteed after that date.

This is a grant funded position, and the role is dependent upon grant availability.

The academic counselor position is a full-time grant funded position, housed within Academic Affairs. The counselor is responsible for basic career, academic, transfer and financial aid counseling; tracking student progress towards their personal objectives; tracking the success of the program based on its objectives, and working collaboratively with other areas in the College. This position is fully grant‑funded and is contingent upon the availability of grant funding.

Reports directly to the TRIO SSS Project Director.

Work Study Student Worker(s)

• Utilize developmental advising to serve as an academic advisor for TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) participants, providing career, academic, transfer, and financial aid counseling tailored to students' individual educational and career goals.
• Assist the Project Director in tracking student progress toward personal goals and program objectives, supporting overall student persistence, retention, and completion.
• Ensure TRIO SSS students receive instruction and resources related to financial literacy, including budgeting, financial aid processes, and transfer planning.
• Coordinate student orientations, workshops, cultural enrichment activities, and visits to four‑year colleges to promote academic success, transfer readiness, and personal development.
• Administer the PERTS Growth Mindset intervention to all TRIO students, complemented by targeted social‑psychological supports, including values affirmation exercises, to mitigate the effects of stereotype threat and imposter syndrome.
• Support students holistically by addressing key non‑cognitive factors?such as sense of belonging, self‑efficacy, and motivation?that are critical to persistence and academic success.
• Collaborate with campus departments?including advising, financial aid, career services, and student support programs?to ensure comprehensive support for TRIO SSS students.
• Actively support the teaching and learning process by fostering a student‑centered environment that promotes academic excellence, engagement, and integrity.
• Work collaboratively across the college to promote collegiality, civility, and teamwork, while advocating for the needs of first‑generation, low‑income, and students with disabilities.
• Embrace diversity and inclusiveness by supporting equitable access to education and fostering appreciation of diverse backgrounds and perspectives among all students.
• Provide flexible, responsive, and high‑quality service to students, faculty, and staff, continuously improving processes to enhance student success.
• Be available for occasional evenings, weekends, or remote work to support student programming and services.
• Conduct workshops on financial aid and literacy, transfer strategies, academic success skills, career exploration, and personal development.
• Maintain accurate written and electronic student records (e.g., Blumen or similar systems) for tracking services and outcomes, ensuring compliance with TRIO reporting requirements.
• Assist the Project Director with data collection and preparation for the Annual Performance Report (APR).
• Prepare and deliver presentations to classes and campus groups to promote recruitment and enrollment in the TRIO SSS program.
• Serve as an active member of campus committees or student support initiatives, fostering collaboration and alignment with institutional goals.
• Collaborate with staff across the SUCCESS Scholars Program, STEM Initiatives, Career and Transfer Services, and the First‑Generation Student Support Center to identify strategic alignment opportunities…