Job Title: Educational Opportunity Academic Counselor
Job Code: 2022
Department: Educational Opportunity Center
Reports To: DIRECTOR OF EOC
SUMMARY:
THIS OPPORTUNITY IS LOCATED IN ARDMORE, and some travel is required throughout our nine-county target area that includes: Carter, Comanche, Garvin, Johnston, Murray, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Seminole, and Stephens counties.
The Academic Counselor reports to the Educational Opportunity Center Director. Counselors serve disadvantaged participants in the target area by providing personal, vocational, and educational counseling to promote a decrease in secondary dropout rates and increase post-secondary admission. Post-secondary dropouts will be encouraged to re-enter the mainstream of education.
The Educational Opportunity Center is a grant-funded TRIO program. From the Department of Education website: “The Educational Opportunity Centers program provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. The program also provides services to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants. An important objective of the program is to counsel participants on financial aid options, including basic financial planning skills, and to assist in the application process. The goal of the EOC program is to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education institutions.”
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Identify and select eligible participants for project services.
• Provide personal, career and education counseling to participants.
• Aid in participants gaining admission or readmission postsecondary institutions.
• Disseminate financial aid information and assist participants in securing adequate financial aid.
• Travel to target area schools, public events, and other gathering places to provide stated services.
• Orient the faculty and staff of target area secondary and postsecondary institutions to the goals and objectives of the project through personal contact and group meetings.
• Establish a working relationship with community agencies through personal contact and group meetings.
• Provide information about career opportunities and options in postsecondary education to meet the individual needs of participants.
• Encourage enrollment in GED programs if needed.
• Provide motivational, career, and academic workshops and information sessions.
• Employ retention and motivational techniques.
• Must have a strong work ethic and lead by example.
• Must be a professional, credible and respected representative of the institution internally and in the community.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to act ethically and socially responsible.
• Must be able to lift more than 20-lb. objects; frequent bending, stooping, and walking.
• Can be exposed to a variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• Ability to communicate in a courteous manner.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by Director of EOC or designee.
Omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree or pursuant of master’s degree in counseling or related field is preferred.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Must be able to relate to participants, teachers, counselors, and administrators in a positive manner. Must exhibit an aptitude, interest, and ability to work effectively with disadvantaged participants. Demonstrate professionalism and professional ethics. Prior TRIO experience preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills required. Teaching or counseling experience preferred. Must possess technology skills.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
SALARY: $35,000
TO APPLY: Applications should consist of (1) a detailed cover letter addressing the expectations of the position; (2) a current resume/curriculum vitae; (3) a list of three professional references with complete contact information and a notation describing the work relationship with each; (4) unofficial transcripts from all degrees; and (5) a completed *Disclosure Statement. (Official transcripts are required upon hiring.)
Applications should be sent electronically to Employment Services at es@ecok.edu. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information about ECU, visit our website at http://www.ecok.edu.
***Please do not include a full Social Security Number on documents. Please provide only the last four (4) digits. We may never receive your information if a full Social Security Number is listed on any document. Our email system will reject emails if it detects a full Social Security Number, therefore Employment Services will not receive your information. ***
East Central University, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admission, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Employment Services Director, 1100 E. 14th St., Admin. 160, Ada, OK 74820, (580) 559-5260.