Categories: Other Staff Positions, Administrative & Office Support
OFFICIAL JOB TITLE: Counselor Alternative Admissions
DIVISION: Academic Affairs
DEPARTMENT: College Now
BARGAINING UNIT STATUS: ESU, Cat. 12
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To: Director of College Now
SUPERVISES: Participates in the monitoring of work-study, experiential learning, and functional supervision of Peer Mentor.
SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION: Recruits, counsels, and instructs the economically, educationally, or socially disadvantaged students admitted to UMass Dartmouth through Alternative Admissions. Counsels and advocates for these students during their career at UMass Dartmouth. Participates in the planning and implementation of all phases of the College Now Developmental Program.
EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Recruits freshmen for the Program by visiting high schools, meeting with HS Guidance Counselors, and visiting College Fairs.
Interviews freshmen applicants and assists in the process of evaluation for admission.
Participates in the planning and administration of the diagnostic educational testing, completes GPA calculation, and conducts interviews for applicants.
Provides weekly individual counseling to assigned students, traditionally 25-30 students, during freshmen year, periodic counseling to CN upperclassmen, as needed, and occasional counseling to other College Now students as needed. Makes appropriate referrals as needed.
Delivers several group counseling workshops throughout the year to address particular needs of the students.
Instructs freshmen orientation course which provides self-empowerment and academic skill building sessions for the group of freshmen in the assigned counselor caseload.
Actively participates and facilitates the College Now Program staff in-services at least twice a year.
Maintains thorough records on counselor/student sessions. Gathers statistical information and compiles such into periodic reports.
Assists in the development of materials for sessions and workshops.
Represents the Program with all other academic departments and student service programs in student advocacy when needed.
Actively participates in the planning and facilitation of the College Now Orientation Program, the Fall Developmental Program, and other Program components.
Develops or participates in special interest projects that have a direct impact on student retention and/or development.
Participates in all on/off campus meetings and outreach efforts consistent with mission and goals of the College Now Program.
Maintains currency in learning-development field through individual study, in-services, workshops.
Other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Master's degree in counseling or related field.
EXPERIENCE: Previous counseling/advising experience. Previous experience in a post-secondary academic or student support program with some administrative duties.
OTHER: Occasional evening/weekend hours as needed. Occasional day travel required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Working knowledge of regional high schools, community organizations, associations and programs relevant to the mission, goals and objectives of the College Now Program.
Experience teaching a diverse student population
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Demonstrated ability and commitment to working with students from underserved populations.
Ability to understand and relate to underrepresented students.
Ability to work with students both on an individual basis as well as in group settings.
Ability to understand detailed university policies and procedures, communicating them to the public and processing applicants.
Ability to facilitate the academic success of college students.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and public-speaking skills.