College & Career Transition Counselor

COLLEGE AND CAREER TRANSITION COUNSELOR - 4 OPENINGS

CATEGORY/LEVEL: PSS/5, 12-month contract, grant-funded position

BASIC FUNCTION: Responsible for providing direct services to students, parents/families, and school staff across local school districts and North Iowa Area Community College to support college preparation and postsecondary success. Works collaboratively with high school staff, academic affairs, admissions, and others to foster and optimize student success, and collaborates with school counselors, administrators, and teachers to align work-based learning opportunities. Successful candidate must demonstrate a focus on student success and be willing to work a flexible schedule. This is a 12-month position.

START DATE: August 2024

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Starting salary of $47,500 to $57,000 based on experience. Benefits package includes Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance; eye care, dental, life and disability insurance; paid vacation and sick leave; a choice of IPERS or TIAA retirement plans and a variety of additional optional benefits.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree required. Experience in secondary and/or postsecondary education settings, experience in programs serving low income, minority, ELL students and families, and an understanding of the community college mission, and a proven dedication to its students preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists students, individually or in groups, with developing academic, college, and career goals and plans.

• Collaborates with school counselors, administrators, and teachers to support academic success, career exploration, goal setting, leadership development, college planning, and campus visits for students.

• Responsible for case management including: tracking, proactive communications, follow-up with students, faculty, and other resources to increase student success.

• Provides students with information regarding application, educational offerings, financial aid, assessment testing and course placement, and related policies and processes.

• Assists students with course selection, creation of academic plans, registration process, and facilitating the transfer of students to colleges/universities.

• Collaborates with academics, learning support services, and student success teams including admissions, advising, financial aid, student activities, housing, and registration.

• Assists with summer programs, college orientation sessions, and other recruitment or enrollment events.

• Collects and analyzes student data and confers with school and college staff to identify and refer students in need of more intensive academic support such as tutoring, extended learning, and counseling.

• Assists districts and students with college prep course selection, enrollment in concurrent courses, tracking credits needed for graduation, and progress towards student goals.

• Conducts parent/family outreach and education (including home visits) activities to strengthen family/school partnerships and facilitate college selection and financial planning.

• Supports a smooth transition from 12th grade to post-secondary education for students and families.

• Connects students and families with community and higher education resources to support success in school and facilitate planning for post-secondary education.

• Serves as a resource for school staff, students, parents/families, and community members.

• Teach SDV-199, WBL courses, other Freshman Seminars, and/or direct workshops for students.

• Arrives on time for work, attends work regularly, and successfully completes the responsibilities of the position.

• Maintains professional relationships with staff, students, faculty, and other NIACC stakeholders.

• Ability to be attentive to detail, to accurately follow written and oral instructions, and to work independently.

• Physical requirements include excellent verbal and written communication skills, visual acuity to view a computer terminal, ability to use appropriate judgment and to apply tact and courtesy in difficult situations, ability to sit and to work at the computer for an extended period of time, ability to travel to various districts as required.

• Obtain credentials, as necessary, to meet the requirements of position as well as those necessary for instructional purposes.

• Competent in using computers and other forms of technology to carry out daily tasks.

• Perform other job-related responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Admissions and Vice President of Student Development & Success.

• Attends division and institutional meetings. Participate, as possible, in professional development activities at the College and within state and regional organizations. Serves actively on institutional committees.

• Perform in a manner which strengthens the coordination and cooperation of all organizational components of the College, including opportunities for student recruitment.

• NIACC Core Principles: All employees are expected to adhere to all NIACC policies and procedures. NIACC administration, faculty, and staff value a positive working environment and an environment of mutual respect; therefore, all employees are to maintain a positive attitude and respect for others when working with all NIACC departments, employees, students, partners, and the public.

05/2024