Upward Bound Advisor

Position Title: Upward Bound Advisor

Department: Ctr Student Success and Retention

Advertised Pay: Upper $40000s

Campus Location:Washburn University

Application Deadline:Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants can be assured of full consideration if submitted by July 31 2025.

Position Summary: Washburn Universitys Upward Bound Program is directly sponsored by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. The Upward Bound Advisor reports to the Upward Bound Program Director and is responsible for providing individual guidance to 60 low-income first-generation or at-risk students at Topeka High School representing youth in under-served communities as they navigate graduation requirements and postsecondary entry and completion. This is a grant-funded position contingent upon the continued availability of grant funding.

Washburn University is a teaching-focused student-centered public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of over 5500 undergraduate graduate and law students a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty staff and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages an excellent benefits program and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion modernization partnership achievement community and transformation. In 2024 Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for according to Great Colleges to Work For program.

Essential Functions:
Provide individual guidance to approximately 60 low-income first-generation or at-risk students as they navigate high school graduation postsecondary education entry and completion

Recruit eligible participants design and maintain Individual Success Plans

Continually monitor and document participants academic progress

Plan and implement after-school tutoring; Saturday Academy Summer Academy and other key Washburn Upward Bound events and opportunities

Advise students in course selection to ensure their on-time high school graduation and completion of a college prep pathway

Plan and implement workshops and activities that support skills development motivation and College Career and Life Readiness

Meet regularly with Topeka High School/USD501 counselors teachers social workers and other staff to support student academic progress and project objectives

Meet regularly with parents/guardians; design/present at parent/guardian workshops; and assist with community referrals for parents as needed

The advisor regularly works with parents and participants who do not speak English fluently and many are Spanish speakers translation skills may be necessary.

Develop and maintain relationships with community partners for referrals

Establish and maintain required data records of project and participant activities including student eligibility progress and academic performance; student parent and community partner engagement and referrals; and other project management record-keeping

Ensure documentation is collected at the time of service and enter records for participants

Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in liberal arts education behavioral/social sciences social work or a related field
Minimum of two years of experience advising mentoring or delivering academic support services to low-income first-generation students
Knowledge of high school graduation requirements
Knowledge of college entrance requirements and processes
Ability to display sensitivity to the educational and psychological issues affecting low-income first-generation students
Ability to foster and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with internal and external partners particularly parents/guardians
Proven effective interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with the public and coworkers
Effective organizational communication documentation Microsoft Office and attention to detail skills
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Physical Requirements:
Some early mornings evenings and weekend work is required
Position is primarily stationed at Topeka High School

Preferred Qualifications:
Masters Degree
Experience working in a TRIO program
Bilingual Spanish
Professional and/or personal experience in overcoming barriers similar to those of Project participants

Exempt Full timeBackground Check Required