TRIO EOC Program Advisor

JOB GOAL:

To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Director of the TRIO EOC Program, the Program Advisor is responsible for assisting with the administration, implementation and continuation of the TRIO EOC program. The TRIO EOC program is dedicated to identify barriers to student access and achievement, increasing Hi-Set (GED) graduation rates, financial aid applications, post-secondary admissions, post-secondary enrollment, and workforce preparation. TRIO EOC serves students who meet income-eligibility guidelines, potential first-generation college students, and/or demonstrate a need for assistance in the post-secondary enrollment process.

The Program Advisor recruits and serves an assigned caseload of program participants from the community. This position will work primarily with in the community to provide advising and facilitates completion of documentation that is often a barrier to post-secondary education, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), college applications, and other related materials.

The typical schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm with occasional evenings and weekends.

This position is grant-funded with current funding scheduled to end August 31, 2031 Continuation of this position beyond the current funding period is dependent on the renewal of this grant.

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:

Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.

Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.

Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.

Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.

Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Identify, recruit, and serve an assigned caseload of assigned program participants.

Provide personal and career support to participants.

Build positive relationships with community partners.

Enter program participant demographics into the program database and maintain participant files.

Assistance to HiSet participants with college applications/financial aid.

Provide academic advising, college, career, financial literacy, and financial aid information and workshops to Program Participants.

Establish Program Participant files with required documentation.

Enter Program Participant demographics into the Program database.

Document all contacts with Program Participants on Individual and/or Group Service Logs. Enter all contacts with Program Participants into the program database. Comply with grant and federal regulations.

Assist participants with college and financial aid and post-secondary applications and enrollment

Establish and maintain program participant files with required documentation

Maintain accurate and confidential files

Comply with grant and federal regulations

Perform other related work duties as assigned

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

Be able and willing to represent the College in the most positive manner with all students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve.

Willingness to assume responsibility, deal effectively with problems, and exercise independent judgment when making decisions

Demonstrate skill in interpersonal relations, communication and presentation skills

Read, listen, understand, and express oneself clearly and effectively in oral and written form.

Effectively model communication, organizational skills and social skills to program participants while maintaining a positive relationship with them

Maintain accurate and detailed student records

Regular attendance at work

Maintain confidentiality

Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree required in the following fields: human services, counseling, education or other related fields. If not in those fields, a minimum of 1-year prior professional TRIO experience or other pre-collegiate programs.

Prior experience working with low income and first-generation participants.

Knowledge of postsecondary education support services and financial aid.

Valid Drivers License and Reliable Transportation.

This position requires a valid driver's license and participation in continuous Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring. Your driving record will be verified initially and monitored on an ongoing basis as a condition of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

Bilingual-English/Spanish proficiency

Experience working in higher education student services, such as academic advising, career services, financial aid, veteran’s services, or student success.

Personal experience in overcoming academic and economic obstacles to college graduation

EEO/AA STATEMENT:It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov.WHY KIRKWOOD:
Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.