TRIO Advisor

This position is funded by a grant from the US Department of Education with the primary function of the position providing advisement and tracking the academic progress of Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS) participants. The individual employed will provide retention strategies, teach and/or setup TRIO-SSS workshops and college tours, organize cultural and academic activities, provide referrals and network with community agencies. In addition, the individual will assist in providing services to eligible participants and provide professional assistance to the Director of TRIO-Student Support Services in delivering the services of the TRIO-SSS program.

Position responsibilities include but are not limited to:
This position provides supportive services to enhance the retention and academic performance of SSS-TRIO program participants including preparing and facilitating completion of SSS-TRIO education/career plans for each program advisee assigned. This position requires collaboration including working with support staff, college faculty and community agencies to acquire information on participant’s needs. Duties include: meeting with program participants at least twice each term to develop strategies to improve academic performance, to monitor progress toward goals, and to modify academic plans, as needed. Assist participants in acquiring, utilizing and understanding career, academic, and financial information; and offering financial literacy, FAFSA and scholarship assistance. Assist participants in understanding and assessing campus resources, policies, and regulations.
Develop and implement student support activities and services that promote the success of program participants in higher education and fulfill the TRIO-SSS program mission and objectives including student events, college tours, cultural enrichment activities, workshops, etc. Identify and register qualified staff and students for participation and leadership roles in program events and maintain documentation of participation. Promote activities and enlist support from college constituency groups.
Assist in the completion of summative evaluations related to student development components. Provide grades, evaluations, and/or feedback to participants as needed. Coordinate/assist in supervising peer tutors/mentors.
Provide guidance with graduation and transfer in support of the TRIO-SSS program mission and objectives. Ensure that each program participant maintains a current degree and/or transfer plan, including degree audit information. Develop and implement activities to instruct participants about job, career, and transfer opportunities including offering or setting up workshops, college visits to regional four-year schools and job preparation strategies. Identify and communicate with support services offices at transfer institutions including TRIO and related programs. Assist student with transfer applications, financial aid, housing, letters of recommendation and other transition tasks.
Monitor student academic and financial aid progress regularly, including beginning, middle and end-of term enrollment and academic progress status reports. Track participants to transfer schools and maintain record of last known status of each exiting participant.
Represent needs and interests of program participants through involvement in professional development activities, staff training sessions, meetings and college, state or national TRIO committees (dependent upon funding). Inform college communities of purpose and procedures of the TRIO-SSS program. Attend assigned department/unit meetings, staff training events and professional development opportunities. Assist project director in preparation of staff training component related to program academic support. Keep current on emerging education policies and issues of relevance to program participants and staff. Coordinate TRIO-SSS bulletin boards and TRIO-SSS newsletter.

Required Qualifications    
Bachelor’s degree in education or related field.
Experience working with disadvantaged populations including individuals who are first generation, low income, individuals with disabilities, culturally and racially diverse populations.
Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications    
2 years related work experience.
Knowledge of federal, state and institutional policies and processes.
Strong organizational skills.
Must have strong advocacy and collaboration skills.
Ability to think outside the box.
Ability to work well in a team setting.
Ability to build strong professional relationships with TRIO SSS students, TRIO SSS Staff, LSC Staff, faculty, administration, community members and non-LSC TRIO staff.
Prefer a TRIO alumni or have similar experience as TRIO SSS students while attending college.
Demonstrated ability to work successfully with persons from diverse backgrounds, and commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives.

AA/EEO employer -A member of Minnesota State