Talent Search Counselor

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Program Operations (DPO) the Talent Search Counselor is responsible for the overall planning and management of implementing the Communities In Schools (CIS) model of integrated student support. The Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The Talent Search Counselor will provide academic advisement college and career planning and financial aid counseling to participants and encourage them to graduate from high school and continue on to complete their post-secondary education. The goal of Talent Search Counselor is to increase the number of youths from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their post-secondary education. The support this position provides is vital to the quality and success of the programming and reporting for Talent Search Grant.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Case Management: Advocate for coordinate and provide identified services to students and their families.

• Recruit screen and select Talent Search participants at assigned schools and provide appropriate documentation of eligibility
• Maintain a caseload of approximately 250 students and manage that caseload to meet grant requirements; maintain accurate and confidential information on participants
• Conduct workshops and programs for students and guardians to all help increase their knowledge about colleges and careers (Topics to include but not limited to: college and career planning the college admissions process the financial aid process scholarship searches and SAT/ACT preparation)
• Engage guardians with the intent of increasing their perception of the importance of post-secondary education to better support students academic success as well as career planning and training
• Collect and disseminate information regarding post-secondary educational opportunities (i.e. student financial aid scholarships and academic assistance) through supportive programs
• Provide educational and occupational advising and guidance to participants
• Encourage participants academic performance with the end goal of graduation from high school and continuing onto postsecondary education.
• Collect grade point averages course completions graduation and college matriculation information for each participant
• Provide opportunities for college campus visitations cultural events job shadow opportunities and other field trips for student participants.
• Plan and coordinate community service activities for program participants
• Demonstrate the attributes and qualities of a positive role model interacting with and relating to students in ways that support asset building
• Serve as a liaison between the student family school site and post-secondary educational institutions

Data Management: Implement the Communities In Schools model of integrated student services in compliance with Total Quality Standards (TQS)

• Maintain Talent Search student files utilizing Blumen database keeping information accurate and updated in a timely manner
• Provide a minimum of two contacts per year for each program participant
• Regularly report and discuss effectiveness of delivered services with school administration and DPO.
• Support annual reporting process to include but not limited to quarterly and end-of-year reports

Partnership Development & Relationship with Community Resources: Work to build and maintain internal and external organizational relationships/partnerships

• Develop and maintain community and civic partnerships to help provide services and/or outreach to the students. This may include the coordination of large events such as career fairs college readiness workshops job shadowing opportunities college tours etc.
• Disseminate Talent Search information to various student serving organizations throughout the community in order to recruit eligible students
• Communicate and collaborate regularly with school administration school staff volunteers and/or other community partners as to create a cooperative relationship to support and advocate for students
• Conduct site team meetings attend weekly Charlotte- Mecklenburg School (CMS) staff meetings staff development activities and other relevant meetings to assist with student engagement as required

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors Degree in Social Work Education Human Services or another related field
• Minimum of two years of successful experience working with school-age children or in a post- secondary educational setting
• Experience with college admissions and financial aid counseling (TRiO experience Preferred)
• Knowledge of and experience with career assessments the college application process financial aid training programs community and 4 -year colleges
• Experience with adapting facilitating and evaluating age- appropriate activities with and for individuals and groups
• Conduct assessments to identify potential risk factors with students families and communities and take measures to reduce those risks
• Familiarity with local health and human service agencies and the services they provide
• Sensitivity and ability to appreciate the points of view of personnel within the schools other agencies/organizations including a keen awareness of their needs and how to build collaborative partnerships based upon fundamental CIS principles

SKILLS REQUIREMENT

• Computer skills to include working knowledge of Microsoft Office software Goggle Suite Zoom and other virtual meeting platforms
• Must be self-motivated well organized detail oriented and able to effectively work independently and within a team framework
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) interpersonal and people management skills
• Ability to cross cultural boundaries to build and maintain strong working relationships
• Strong problem- solving skills with the ability to work through tough issues quickly and effectively and maintain positive working relations
• Ability to work a flexible schedule

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to handle feel and keyboard; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; stoop kneel or bend. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The position is located within the Charlotte Mecklenburg area. Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality are required. Regular and satisfactory performance including meeting all process deadlines and stated deliverables is required.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Criminal background check and pre-employment drug test required. Financial credit check and driving record check required if applicable.