College & Career Access Advisor
Administrative Services & Jefferson High School
April 2025
Requirements
Education Level | Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in education, human services, counseling/social work, business administration, or related experience. |
|---|---|
Experience Required | Minimum 2 years work experience with basic knowledge of college admissions, financial aid, scholarships and workforce development. Desire to help high school students and families navigate the path to higher education or the workforce. |
Physical Requirements | Constant hearing, hand-eye and mind-eye coordination; frequent repetitive motions with wrists, hands and fingers, scheduling, sitting, speaking, walking, talking, and writing are required. |
Other Requirements | Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with students, families, and staff. Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks. Familiarity with maintaining databases and data tracking. Cultural competence and understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented students. Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Availability to work evenings or weekends for scheduled shifts, events or meetings. |
Contract | Employment Contract, 10 month (210 days) |
Reports To | Director of College & Career Access |
Receives Guidance From | Building Principal and Department Chair of Counseling |
Position Summary
The Promising Futures Fund, a Sioux Falls non-profit, in conjunction with Jefferson High School is seeking 4 dedicated, enthusiastic, College & Career Advisors to support and assist high school students for postsecondary education or the workforce. The College & Career Advisors will work closely with the Jefferson High School Counseling team to provide college and career advising that will include assisting students with the application process, financial aid, scholarship and career exploration. Special focus will be placed on supporting students from low-income backgrounds and first generation college students. Individualized preparation, resources, and mentorship will help students identify and pursue college, technical college and other career opportunities.
Essential Functions & Duties
Assist students in developing college and career plans based on individual goals, interests, and strengths
Support students with exploring college majors, researching programs, and understanding the college and technical school application process
Advocate for underrepresented and first-generation college students, providing additional support and resources where needed
Directly assist students with post-secondary exploration, identifying and applying to colleges, universities, and technical colleges, completing application, personal statements and essays, completing the FAFSA and exploring scholarships, grants and loans
Provide information on standardized testing (e.g., SAT, ACT), and assist students with test preparation resources
Assist students in exploring full and part-time opportunities in the military, law enforcement, fire fighting and emergency medical services.
Help students explore all kinds of careers, including those not requiring a degree
Coordinate workshops and informational sessions on topics including college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and career readiness in collaboration with school counselors
Organize college admissions rep visits, campus visits, and other events that connect students with college and career representatives and resources in collaboration with school counselors
Provide students opportunities for job shadowing, apprenticeships, mentorships and internships.
Colaborate with the JHS Counseling team, students, and parents regarding college and career opportunities
Coordinate with Admissions teams and Financial Aid officers at universities and technical colleges and monitor progress of student application, FAFSA filings and scholarship applications
Prepare reports on the success and challenges of college and technical school readiness initiatives
Working Conditions
Climatic Environment | Inside
Climate controlled environment with some temperature variations. Typically, work is conducted in a comfortable environment.
Hazards
For some buildings, stairs, and exposure to communicable diseases may be a potential hazard. In science labs, there could be exposure to chemicals and fumes. Equipment that supports classroom instruction could be potentially hazardous under certain conditions. Travel between schools will cause exposure to hazardous driving and walking conditions.