Upward Bound Counselor

Under the leadership of the Trio Director, the Upward Bound Counselor provides academic, career, and educational counseling, as well as assistance with completing the college admissions and financial aid process. The counselor also provides motivational support and advocates for program participants. Other services the UB Counselor coordinates include academic instruction, mentoring, and tutoring.

The Upward Bound Counselor is responsible for effectively implementing and achieving all goals, objectives, and standards associated with the Upward Bound Program as outlined by the US Department of Education.

During the academic year Saturdays and off-hour work are required. There are 26 to 28 sessions on Saturdays that run from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm. There is also an afterschool program that runs Monday through Thursday from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm as well as evening orientations and activities that are typically scheduled from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A six-week summer program is conducted, with up to five of those weeks being residential. During the summer program, staff are expected to be available on campus, for overnight supervision of students for the duration of the residential program and should expect to work longer hours during the day.

Essential Functions:

• Screen middle (8th graders) and high school students to determine eligibility.
• Conduct and attend recruitment activities on campus and at various schools and community organizations in Newark.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain student data, including report cards, test scores, and Personal Educational Plans to improve student service delivery and increase student outcomes.
• Develop and maintain a file on each eligible participant for use in education and career planning.
• Supervise and conduct group counseling, individual counseling, and personal development activities.
• Organize and conduct career workshops, seminars, and other educational activities.
• Conduct entrance and exit interviews of program participants.
• Assist the program director with program planning and evaluation, reviewing applications for college admission, and financial aid, assessing education needs, and developing goals of project participants.
• Must be willing to make off-site visits to target schools regularly.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.

Additional Functions:

• Assist in developing program proposals and preparing reports.
• Assist in the development and implementation of curriculum.

Prerequisite Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Student Personnel Services, Social Work, Psychology, Education, or related fields.
• Two or more years of counseling experience, academic advising, or teaching experience at the middle school, high school, or post-secondary level.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated skills in individual and group counseling techniques.
• Experience in conducting testing and training activities.
• Basic knowledge of the Microsoft Suite and the Google Suite.
• Work on Saturdays and during off-hours is required.
• Must be able to provide overnight supervision on campus for the duration of the residential summer program (overnight duties will be split between appropriate staff).
• Must have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Student Personnel Services, Social Work, Psychology, Education, or a related field.
• Experience working with the underserved and low-income, first-generation student population. Knowledge of TRiO programs is helpful.

As an EEO employer NJIT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching, research, and working environment and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women.