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Postion Opening: College Success Specialist

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JOB TO START JANUARY 2009   Portland YouthBuilders (PYB) is a small alternative high school and job training program dedicated to serving young adults, ages 17-24, who want to transform their lives. PYB’s focus is on assisting our students to complete high school with a GED or Diploma, obtain job readiness skills, become critical thinkers and community leaders, develop a viable career pathway, and take the first steps to achieving their goals beyond this program. Further, PYB aims to support students through the completion of their postsecondary education and training goals. Nearly 100% of PYB students would be the first in their families to go to and/or complete a college certification or degree.   PYB seeks a college success specialist who is experienced in and passionate about guiding students through all steps to post-secondary education and training. This position is an opportunity for a creative college transition professional who wants to be a part of a community of learners and educators and who strives to support first-generation college students to not only apply and gain admittance to college but to persist and complete their degree and certification goals. At PYB, staff and students are committed to preparing ALL students to be successful in college, post-secondary training, and the work place.   Women and people of color are encouraged to apply.   Reports To: Education Manager Starting Salary: $38,000-$40,000 Employment Status: Regular, Exempt Benefits: Six weeks paid vacation during school closures (4 weeks, typically in July and 2 weeks in December), prorated based on length of service; most state recognized holidays paid, plus 8 hours personal time per month. $500 per month contribution to cafeteria plan for health care benefits, retirement savings, and/or flexible spending account; Dynamic environment with great team of students and staff

  Position Description   Reporting to the Education Manager, the College Success Specialist (CSS) will build relationships, systems and programs to ensure the college acceptance, matriculation, and persistence to completion of Portland YouthBuilders students to college and other post-secondary certification programs. The CSS will provide support for alumni as they transition from PYB to college and/or other post-secondary certification programs.   Knowing Students Well: From students’ first days in the program, the CSS will build relationships with them through college workshops and classes.   Case Management: As students identify their career and education goals, the CSS will guide students through the process of applications, financial aid, and matriculation into their respective post-secondary programs. The CSS will case manage the students who transition from PYB to college and other certification programs and provide on-going support through the completion of their programs. The CSS will also attend case management team meetings to support each student’s transition process. As students transition into their second year of services, the CSS will work closely with students’ advocates to provide wrap-around support.   Building Partnerships: The CSS will work with the education manager and the Alternative Pathways liaison to develop and deepen targeted relationships with local post-secondary institutions both to support students exploring college and to support students attending these institutions.

  Responsibilities Include:   > Represent PYB’s long-term commitment to students by assisting students and their families through the college application process and providing on-going support as they transition out of PYB   > Create a system for all PYB students to apply, matriculate, finance, and persist in college and other post-secondary credentialing programs   > Provide one-on-one support to students to develop their transition plan to college   > Ensure all PYB students submit a FAFSA within their first six months in the program   > Coordinate and conduct FAFSA, scholarship, essay writing, and overall financial aid workshops for students and their families   > Coordinate community college admissions, placement testing, and registration for all eligible students while they are attending PYB   > Work collaboratively to coordinate individual, small group, and all-school college visits   > Work collaboratively with students’ case management teams to assess students’ post-secondary readiness, develop transition plans, and facilitate a seamless transition for students from PYB to postsecondary education   > Case manage PYB students who have transitioned to post-secondary education through the completion of their programs   > Track student progress toward post-secondary goals through maintaining information in the PYB database   > Meet regularly with the PYB education manager, provide reports about PYB student preparedness and participation in college/post-secondary training programs   > Develop and deepen PYB partnerships with local post-secondary institutions and credentialing programs   QUALIFYING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE   > Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university   > Minimum two years working in a secondary or higher education setting preferred   > Knowledge of college admissions/financial aid systems   > Experience with post-secondary education preparedness/retention in a social service setting   > Demonstrated experience and competency working with a diverse population   > The ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with people from diverse backgrounds   > Strong written and speaking skills required   > Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills   > Ability to improvise and work through uncertainties.   > Capacity to collaborate with colleagues in order to facilitate student success   > Valid Oregon Driver’s License   APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS   Deadline and closing date: November 25, 2008   To apply: Send resume and cover letter to Danica Fierman, Education Manager at [email protected]   For more information, visit our Website at http://www.pybpdx.org/jobopenings.htm   Portland YouthBuilders is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief.   PYB employees undergo a drug test and a criminal background check.