Talent Search - Middle School Advisor

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University while employed by the university.

The Talent Search Advisor is employed by Abilene Christian University through a United States Federal Government TRIO grant. The Advisor works with students in the 6th -8th grade in the Abilene ISD school system. The majority of Project participants are low income students with the potential of being first generation college students. The Advisor assists these students through workshops and counseling to prepare for and succeed in college. The Talent Search Advisor will be the front line of contact for all Project participants and will be primarily responsible for providing the benefits offered by the Project.

A. Ensure Completion of Project Objectives
B. Screen for Eligible Project Participants
C. Advise Project Participants
D. Assist the Project Director as Assigned

A. Ensure Completion of Project Objectives

1. Assist Project Participants in locating information on educational
opportunities and financial aid.
2. Assess the needs of Project participants and document potential for
postsecondary education.
3. Assist Project participants with the technical aspects of applying for
admission to postsecondary institutions.
4. Assist Project participants with the details of FAFSA (Free Application for
Federal Student Aid) and financial aid in postsecondary institutions.
5. Coordinate and work directly with secondary schools community agencies
organizations and postsecondary institutions to provide services to Project
participants.

B. Screen for Eligible Project Participants

1. Establish effective means of searching for identifying and selecting eligible
Project participants in target schools.
2. Document and verify the adequacy of financial aid applied for and received.
3. Conduct a follow-up effort to document and verify enrollment in
postsecondary institutions.

C. Advise Project Participants

1. Provide career and academic guidance and counseling to Project participants.
2. Counsel students with respect to financial aid assistance (grants loans and
other programs available).
3. Collect grade reports for students enrolled in the Project and address areas
needing improvement.
4. Assist Project participants to initiate or resume a postsecondary educational
program of study.

D. Assist the Project Director as Assigned

1. Provide input suggestions and recommendations in evaluating the overall
effectiveness of the Project.
2. Perform tasks assigned by the Project Director and/or TRIO Coordinator.

A. Skills Required

1. Good communication skills.

2. Working knowledge of database functions.

3. Understanding of the current technology to develop and maintain proper records of students and their activities.

B. Training Modules Required: Must have experience or be willing to be trained in:

1. Microsoft Office Software

   1. Word

   2. Excel

   3. Publisher

2. Google

   1. Gmail

   2. Google Docs

   3. Google Calendar

   4. Lacai database

A. Professional

1. Required:

   1. A minimum of a Bachelors Degree in one or more of the following areas

      1. Education

      2. Counseling and Guidance

      3. Social Work

      4. Psychology

2. Preferred:

   1. A minimum of one year experience working with disadvantaged students.

   2. Experience in career identification and awareness.

   3. Experience with financial aid forms and college/university financial aid procedures.

   4. Must be aware of the nature of educationally disadvantaged youth and be sensitive to their needs.

B. Personal

1. Must be highly organized and able to multi-task.

2. Must maintain a positive attitude under moderately stressful conditions.

3. Must have highly developed communication skills and be willing to work as a team member.

1. Sitting for extended periods of time.

2. Looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time.

3. Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

4. Must have a valid drivers license

5. Some work during weekends and nights required (for conference travel and/or student events)

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race color age sex disability genetic information national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the universitys financial and physical assets. Therefore Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.