Counselor - GEAR UP First Year Services

Counselor - GEAR UP First Year Services


Salary: $43,888.00 - $55,240.00 Annually
Job Type: FT Exempt Salaried Staff
Job Number: FY2503098
Closing: 8/23/2024 11:59 PM Mountain
Location: 800 W University Parkway, Orem
Division: Grants/Outreach

Position Announcement

Utah Valley University is seeking a dedicated Counselor to join our team! Under the direction of the Assistant Director of GEAR UP and in compliance with federal regulations and policies, the First-Year Services Program Counselor will oversee the GEAR UP First-Year Services program and Summer Bridge activities. This role includes managing all administrative paperwork and reports, planning and coordinating activities, and analyzing data to track student enrollment in post-secondary education. The counselor will prepare comprehensive GEAR UP reports on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis, and provide expert guidance to students, parents, faculty, and staff on college enrollment and services for first-year GEAR UP students. Additionally, the counselor will collaborate with various departments across post-secondary institutions and supervise a team of 2-4 part-time employees, ensuring the effective delivery of support and resources to our students.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Responsible for the day-to-day management of the First-Year services program and Summer Bridge for GEAR UP. Responsible for program planning and design. Plans and executes initiatives and oversees program events and operational activities for the GEAR UP First-Year Services Program. Remains current with all policies and procedures of post-secondary enrollment.
• Works and collaborates with different departments in various post-secondary institutions. Offers counsel and training GEAR UP and First-Year staff, college departments, students, parents, and faculty regarding college enrollment and services offered for First-Year GEAR UP college students. Attends meetings, conferences, and training held by department of Education and/or state higher education institutions.
• Analyzes data provided by supporting staff to determine if students are enrolled in post-secondary education. Completes daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly GEARUP reports and reports for First­ Year Services. Research information to improve program performance and procedures.
• Supervises three to four part-time staff and ensures they are trained in First-Year Services. Supervises team of First-Year Services outreach mentors.
• Assists with various university recognition activities, campus events, and other department related activities. Notifies students of activities, events, and programs from universities and colleges where GEAR UP First-Year students are attending. Performs other job and program related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited institution with a master's degree in counseling and guidance, educational psychology, social work, or related education or social science field and two years of full-time professional employment related to the summary of duties. OR a combination of education and/or experience totaling eight years.

Preferred Qualifications:
Masters Degree with 3 years of related experience.

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of processes and policies for college applications, financial aid, deferment, registration, and related college processes.
• Knowledge of federal regulations pertaining to GEAR UP and data practices.
• Knowledge of college and career program research.
• Knowledge of two-year college program and traditional four-year college graduation requirements.
• Knowledge of educational and employment problems of special groups including low­ income and at-risk youth, minorities, non-native English speakers, and those with learning or physical disabilities.
• Knowledge of cognitive and social-emotional key elements to improve college readiness and success.
• Knowledge of effective use of social media for both marketing and school relations.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of Banner preferred.

Skills

• Skills with coordinating meetings with schools, students, and administration.
• Skills in student retention and graduation strategies, college-readiness strategies, scholarship awareness and first-generation college student preparation.
• Skills in marketing and recruitment experience preferred.
• Skills in maintaining student information records and handling data sensitive paperwork. Skills with informational document creation and editing preferred.
• Well-developed interpersonal communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and prioritization skills.
• Skills in creativity, innovation, and detail-orientation.

Abilities

• Ability to effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ability to manage several diverse projects simultaneously meeting deadlines.
• Ability to create presentations and present them effectively and professionally to diverse audiences.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly over the phone and via email.
• Ability to communicate effectively using web- and technology-based communication tools.
• Ability to travel, as needed, to meet with students, high school, and college staff and administrators, deliver information, or encourage participation.
• Ability to speak English fluently, bilingual desired.

EEO Statement:

UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant's qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.



To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/uvu/jobs/4603857/counselor-gear-up-first-year-services




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