College Persistence Counselor

With community residents leading the way the mission of Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation (CHLDC) is to build a strong equitable East New York where youth and adults achieve educational and economic success secure and preserve affordable housing and develop leadership skills to transform their lives and community. We actively promote policies that advance racial equity.

Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation has an opening for one (1) full-time College Persistence Counselor to provide individual and group interventions for youth as part of our College Success Programs-College STEPS program. The program provides a range of youth development services to promote access to and persistence in college.

Our College Persistence Program assists our young people to matriculate into college and support them throughout their years in college. Each student is paired with a College Persistence Counselor and a College Coach who works with them to support their continued persistence in college. Our counselors help with college matriculation class registration financial aid social/emotional support soft skills development and career readiness activities. Our ultimate goal is to have as many students graduate college with a degree as possible.

Principal Duties:

Primary responsibilities will fall under 4 major duties to be performed during day-to-day operations counseling supervising coordinating and facilitating.

• Provide individual counseling to a cohort of youth enrolled in college to maximize their opportunities for success in college. Topics include class registration financial aid procedures social service needs academic support appeal processes college transfers and personal concerns.
• Directly supervise and train 1 college coach--current college students who serve as peer mentors to program participants.
• Review and monitor students financial status and financial aid to assure maximum aid is attained and managed and that students can budget appropriately.
• Develop student records and portfolio including academic monitoring and early warning system to address risks to retention.
• Coordinate activities including tutoring social activities transition programs or other special events.
• Collaborate with college personnel to provide the necessary supports needed for degree completion including academic advisement mentoring financial aid assistance educational workshops textbook funds and weekly metro cards.
• Maintain weekly contact with caseload on-site (or virtually) and at the colleges.
• Provide responsive assistance to college bound high school seniors through targeted workshops at partner high schools. Facilitation of key matriculation steps including but not limited to:
  • Completion of commitment forms
  • Immunization record submission
  • Scheduling placement tests and subsequent recommendations based on scores
  • Financial verification worksheets and loan counseling
  • Confirming orientations class schedules and financial aid

• Act as liaison between students colleges and other related agencies as applicable.
• Generate monthly reports updating status of client caseload.
• Attend all meetings and training opportunities relevant to work.
• Demonstrates commitment to leadership development community building and community organizing as strategies for social change.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in education social work counseling or related field.
• Knowledge of college admissions and financial aid process.
• Experience in working with young people from the youth development perspective.
• Demonstrated ability to engage students on a regular basis with consistent follow up as necessary
• Must have a flexible schedule.
• Must possess strong teamwork communication (verbal and written) and organizational skills.
• Passionate about ensuring young peoples success in college.
• Highly computer literate.
• Bilingual (Spanish or Bengali) preferred.

Supervision:

• Reports directly to the Director of College Persistence.

Compensation:

• $57000 dependent upon experience.
• We also offer a very competitive benefits package.

To Apply:

• Please forward your cover letter resume and three (3) references to Geraldo Cruz Director of College Persistence at: .

CYPRESS HILLS LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND IS COMMITTED TO WORKPLACE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race color religion national origin gender marital status sexual orientation age disability veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local law. We promote recognition and respect for individual and cultural differences and we work to make our employees feel valued and appreciated whatever their race gender background or sexual orientation.

We offer competitive salaries excellent benefits and a pleasant working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience.

EOE Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans