Keene State College invites applications for an Educational Counselor for the Upward Bound Program to work as part of a team to support students for success in high school and enrollment in college as outlined in the goals of the Upward Bound programs in accordance with U.S. Dept. of Education and KSC policies. This is a full-time grant-funded, 12 month position that is contingent upon grant funding; continuance of the position is expected upon grant renewal condidtions and grant funding.

Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science are year-round college preparatory programs. The programs prepare students for success in high school and enrollment in college; are funded by the U.S. Department of Education TRIO Division; are free of charge to students who meet eligibility criteria including being low-income and first-generation college students; and serve students enrolled in identified target high schools. To learn more about the Upward Bound Programs, please visit:https://www.keene.edu/office/ub.

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online:

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled or otherwise closed at the College’s discretion

Master’s degree in Education, Counseling or Human Services or area closely related to program, or matriculation in a Master’s program; minimum of one year experience working with disadvantaged students in college, secondary school or community setting; knowledge of college search, admissions, and financing; proven ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means; demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, supervisory and project management skills; ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, school counselors, administrators and staff; demonstrated experience with MS office systems including Word, Excel, as well as relational databases.

Previous experience as a participant or staff member for a TRIO program preferred; proven commitment to the needs of disadvantaged students; knowledge of College and Career Readiness Assessments including Smarter Balance, SAT, ACT, Accuplacer, college essays, and Common Application.

Commensurate with education and experience, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off. This position is contingent upon grant funding; continuance of the position is expected upon grant renewal conditions and grant funding. The position is part of the Keene State College Staff Association (KSCSA).

Keene State College is located in the scenic Monadnock region of Southwest New Hampshire, and is an affiliate of the University System of New Hampshire. Located approximately 2 hours from Boston or Hartford CT, and 4 hours from New York City, the region contains many opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation, cultural events, and a strong sense of community. To learn more about Keene State College, the University System of New Hampshire, and the Keene community, please
visit:https://www.keene.edu, https://www.usnh.edu/ or https://www.ci.keene.nh.us.

Provide academic counseling to students in assigned target high schools. Conduct needs assessment of individual program participants. Review 504 and IEP plans and determine appropriate accommodations. Develop school year and summer academic student educational plans. Using Upward Bound Programs Recruitment Plan, ensure target number of eligible students are recruited. Make arrangements for recruitment events in assigned target middle and high schools, including small and large group presentations during the school day, at open houses, parent teacher nights, and college preparation events. Assist with scheduled events in all target schools, as needed. Manage application submission of student applications and supporting materials from assigned target schools. Interview and evaluate eligible applicants in assigned target schools. Communicate admission outcomes to school personnel. Assist with presentations at relevant small and large group campus and regional events, including: STEM activities; college search, application and financing events; and non-KSC TRIO or EOP programs when visiting campus. Facilitate workshops for student participants on topics which include: college search; admissions; scholarships; financial aid/literacy; soft skills, coping strategies; learning skills; study skills; time management; and career and college exploration processes for students and families. Supervise academic year field trips and facilitate large group activities, including but not limited to: grade specific workshops, college tours, academic and cultural field trips.

Co-coordinate either the academic or residential aspects of the Upward Bound Programs summer residential session (as assigned). Support recruitment, orientation and training of summer staff. Contribute to formative and summative assessments on student performance, student engagement, summer staff performance, and programming. Ensure that student dietary, health, and learning needs are met. Record data and educate students per requirements of the Summer Feeding program. Participate in student judiciary process to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff members. Serve as administrator on duty a minimum of one night per week (as assigned). Plan and instruct either a grade level seminar or project based learning (as assigned). Contribute to facilitation of Summer Orientation, Opening Day Activities, Family BBQ & Talent Show, Banquet, Final Presentations, and program/staff evaluation days. Supervise summer staff members, as appropriate. Chaperone remote week 6 excursion, including college tour, community service learning, career awareness, and cultural events.

Represent TRIO on campus and in community. Coordinate with college, target high schools and community to promote program. Maintain relationships with assigned middle and high school partners, community agencies, and campus departments that support student referrals, enrollment, and access to resources. Maintain federally mandated documentation including weekly contact logs, mileage, time and effort, applications, test scores, grades, transcripts etc. Utilize technology such as excel, databases systems, and google apps to submit program data and maintain communications with students, parents, and partners. Conduct both formative and summative programmatic assessments. Collect data at assigned target high schools to contribute to preparation of Annual Performance Report. Submit monthly reports including time and effort, counselor checklist, leave report, and contacts.

Attend staff meetings during academic year, and facilitate residential or teacher summer staff meetings during summer (as assigned). Attend PD conferences and training.