MESD encourages and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Department: Alternative Pathways/TRIO

Reports to: TRIO Program Director

Location: Multiple Alternative High Schools

Classification: Classified Represented

Salary: Range 14

Days per year: 200

Program Description:

Upward Bound and Talent Search projects are federally funded grant programs that work with low-income and first-generation college-bound students in grades 9 through 12. The MESD Upward Bound Program works with 50 students, and Talent Search works with over 500 students per year at four target high schools in Portland, Oregon providing academic advising, college matriculation, college success, and career services. The College Transition Advocate will assist in developing academic support programs, student training, and supervision. The position works six weeks in summer, some evening hours, and travels overnight with students on college, cultural and educational activities as required.

Our Vision for Social Justice

We are seeking people who recognize the critical role the Multnomah Education Service District and TRIO play in social justice, who have ability in this space, enthusiasm for this work, ideas and vision to improve our approaches, and a commitment to achieving equitable academic success for the 500-plus students attending our alternative high schools in Multnomah County. Our social justice work calls for employees who have a sense of social responsibility, interest in our community and world in which we live. The intention of social justice work is to strengthen humanity by understanding that every person deserves the benefits of fully participating in our society and institutions.

Academic researchers have illustrated that crucial social justice principles are a compilation of equality, equity, diversity, inclusion, engagement, environmental sustainability and human rights. These complex principles are challenging to operationalize in higher education; yet, we are steadfast in our diligence to forge ahead to advance this vital mission.

Many of our students come from historically underserved and underrepresented backgrounds; students of color, students with recent immigrant histories, students from cycles of low income if not poverty, students from indigenous communities, and students from first-generation families. The idea of promoting social mobility through education is unconditionally and uncompromisingly embraced by the MESD and TRIO. This is an exciting role, and it comes with a heavy responsibility. Simply put, we need to create environments where our students achieve greater academic success, so much so that we close our persistent equity/opportunity gaps.

If you are committed to social and racial justice and if you are interested in joining a community dedicated to solving these inequities through education, please apply.

POSITION PURPOSE

Under the supervision of the TRIO Program Director, the College Transition Advisor develops, implements, and oversees secondary and postsecondary academic advising components as well as coordinates the tutorial/lab components and workshops, conducts academic testing for all program participants, provides “College Planning” course instruction, monitors academic progress, prepares for and conducts “High School/College Success” parent/participant conferences, compiles and analyzes statistical data, and assists in various other related duties such as coordinating with and supporting other TRIO programs which generate in providing participants with skills and the motivation necessary to enter and complete a program of secondary and postsecondary education.

The ideal candidate must work well in a fast-paced, flexible environment, provide a high level of customer service to both the alternative high schools and external communities, and make strong contributions both as an individual and as a team player.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Prepare for and implement the annual student recruitment cycle and orientation of TRIO program participants and parents.
• Develop, implement, and oversee the high school academic advising component
• Monitor high school progress of participants towards graduation and postsecondary admission requirements
• Supervise supplemental instruction programs
• Develop and maintain working relationships with alternative high schools and postsecondary institutions
• Arrange and conduct academic progress meetings with participants and their instructors/counselors,
• Maintain academic files, advise program staff on participants’ academic status and needs, prepare data reports regarding academics
• Coordinate the tutorial/lab components. Organize, coordinate and conduct pertinent academic testing for all program participants as required; gather, evaluate, analyze and report testing data.
• Prepare the program’s “College Planning” courses; implement curriculum, assignments, classroom activities, and materials including FAFSA and financial literacy components.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute enrichment activities that will foster and encourage personal (i.e., intellectual, cultural, and social) development as well as help solidify the participants’ desire/pursuit of postsecondary education.
• Prepare for and conduct “High School/College Success” parent/participant conferences as well as assist with the coordination of parent/participant workshops.
• Direct and implement retention and tracking data-gathering activities pertaining to program past participants; compile statistical data and prepare data analysis reports.
• Develop, implement, and oversee postsecondary academic advising and financial assistance components.
• Assist the Program Director in preparing proposals and reports as required by the U.S. Department of Education, Multnomah ESD, and other organizations.
• Present workshops for the community, MESD, state, and/or regional/national associations. Serve on committees and participate in local, state, and regional/national professional organizations.
• Monitor expenditures
• Develop and deliver presentations to groups
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment AND three (3) years of related experience; OR,
• Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
• A valid Oregon Driver's license will be required for this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• 
  Experience with TRIO, educational equity organizations, and/or similar college preparatory programs
• Experience with high school students (i.e., youth between the ages of 13 to 19 years old)
• Experience with diverse populations, particularly those from low-income family backgrounds and first-generation attending postsecondary institutions
• Experience with “high academic risk for failure” or “Resilient” students and knowledge of high school curriculums and administrative procedures
• Demonstrated knowledge about financial aid, such as FAFSA and scholarships
• Experience in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting the program's target population
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic computer skills, including use of MS Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Blumen), social media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.), G Suite (e.g., Google Drive, Gmail, Hangouts, etc.) and MESD computer systems (e.g., Synergy, Canvas, Zoom, etc.)
• Evidence of effective communication skills
• Bilingual English/Spanish – speak, read, and write
• Ability to complete assigned projects in a timely manner and work well under priority deadlines
• Experience with grant writing, preferably federal grants
• Experience in planning, scheduling, and supervising the work of others
• Ability to work as an influential part of a team and be a team leader who works well in groups and independently
• Strong planning skills, including the ability to anticipate tasks, set priorities, meet deadlines and function smoothly in fast-paced environment
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently
• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to form networks and work collaboratively with other systems, programs and individuals
• Knowledge of decision-making strategies and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of student development theory
• High level of responsibility with a constant student safety mindset
• Ability to interpret information to determine placement
• Enthusiasm and energy
• Ability to occasionally travel and work weekends and evenings

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time
• Work collaboratively across various departments within the MESD as well as with diverse populations and groups
• Use computers effectively – including inputting, reviewing and retrieving information, extended periods of viewing screen and using mouse and keyboard
• Use critical thinking to make decisions and/or analyze data
• Communicate effectively
• Ability to access campuses for meetings or events, regardless of the weather
• Work collaboratively to achieve objectives
• Use of reliable transportation is needed to travel to offsite project locations
• Travel on buses to supervise participants on in-state/out-of-state field trips, when applicable
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Academic Year Component – August through May, Monday through Friday, 8 AM- 5 PM, some evenings & holidays (hybrid – in-person and virtual).
• Summer Component__staff may work June through July, Mondays through Fridays, 3 PM-12 AM (residential) for 1 week or, some all-day events/activities (anytime between 7 AM to midnight), weekends & holidays
• The primary work location is on the Portland State University campus or other MESD properties such as Helensview High School or MESD Outdoor School sites, however, work for this position may occur at the approved target high schools within the Multnomah Education Service District.