The high school-based College Access Program Specialist (CAPS) promotes college awareness and visibility of postsecondary advisory services to school staff, students, and parents while coordinating college and other postsecondary advisory services within their assigned high school.
College Access Program Specialist
Date Posted:
May 2, 2023
Contact:
To Apply:
Please submit cover letter and resume through our job posting on Idealist: https://ideali.st/amECPn.
Responsibilities:
- Attend school faculty meetings, School Improvement Team (SIT) meetings, school open house events, College Information and Financial Aid nights, and other external meetings as necessary.
- Plan and organize in school, evening, and/or afterschool college access programs such as college fairs, Parent Empowerment Night, or Scholarship Night.
- Identify, encourage, and assist students by providing information regarding education options beyond high school including educational and career options, and admissions and financial aid resources.
- Advise students about college entrance exams and test preparation resources; assist students with test registration forms and provide fee waivers or payment assistance where appropriate.
- Supply and assist students with admissions and financial aid applications; provide waivers, where appropriate, for application fees.
- Provide students with PSAT information and encourage sophomores and juniors to take the test in
- Motivate students to take and provide information about postsecondary related tests such as the ACT, Accuplacer, AP, ASVAB, and SAT; provide waivers where appropriate.
- Provide information and applications, where appropriate, for outside scholarships and CollegeBound Foundation managed scholarships and grants; assist students with completing applications when appropriate.
- Nominate qualified students for monetary awards/scholarships and collect necessary
- Conduct group workshops and seminars using CollegeBound Foundation advising modules or other appropriate guides for identified students.
- Deliver presentations to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors about the college access process as delineated in yearly goals and plans.
- Provide services at identified community outreach
- Conduct analysis of data associated with college outreach activities, college entrance exams, college applications and financial/scholarship applications; provide written summary reports to high school administrators and Program Director as directed.
- Organize and chaperone students on college visits or field trips related to the college access
- Utilize computer technology to enter student data; assist students with applying to colleges/universities, completion of the FAFSA, researching postsecondary options and requirements; communicate with staff, students and parents.
- Attend all Specialists meetings and submit reports and timesheets as
- Refer students to other resources (school counselors, staff, college departments and other outside agencies) for assistance in areas outside of Specialist responsibilities, if deemed necessary.
- Serve as student advocate with the best interest of the student as a prime concern, acting on behalf of the student through: 1) communication with colleges and universities; 2) communication with parents; 3) collaboration with high school staff and other external programs; and 4) communication and cooperation with outside scholarship
- Work with graduating high school students and families during summer months to assist with interpreting financial aid packages and completing the necessary steps to begin college the following fall.
- Work with high school students and families during the summer months to assist them with college access
- Coordinate Specialist activities and provide training for other Specialists as
- Maintain a professional demeanor with school staff and students; adhere to strict confidentiality in student record keeping and access to Naivance.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Experience working with adolescents preferred
Other:
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for this position.
- Valid driver’s license required and access to reliable vehicle
Skills:
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Ability to work independently and manage time efficiently
- Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment
- Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours
- Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other supporters
- Demonstrate multicultural competence (including an awareness and understanding of historically underrepresented populations) and maintain a work environment that affirms commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Experience working with Microsoft Office applications