Bilingual College Access Advising Specialist - Spanish
College Possible - Remote - Texas
About College Possible
As one of the largest and most successful college access and success organizations in the country, since 2000 College Possible has empowered more than 85,700 students on their path to earning a college degree. Its pioneering model matches eligible students with a near-peer coach and an evidence-based curriculum designed to help them overcome the most common barriers to getting into college and completing their degree - all at no cost to students or their families. Compared with their peers from similar backgrounds, College Possible students are 30% more likely to enroll in college the year after high school graduation, and three times more likely to earn a bachelor's degree.
College Possible is a proud AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps is a federal agency that brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service. Our AmeriCorps members commit to a year of service as College Possible coaches in communities throughout the country. Many represent the identities of the students they serve, and each brings a commitment to social justice and closing the college equity divide.
Our near-peer coaching model has earned national recognition: the inaugural Evergreen National Education Award recognized our leadership in increasing access to and success in college for students from low-income backgrounds. It also earns top-of-field results: a Harvard study found that the program more than doubles a student's chance of enrolling in a four-year college, and our students are four times more likely to become college graduates than their low-income peers. College Possible has an annual operating budget of ~$33.5 million, more than 190 full-time employees and more than 245 AmeriCorps and VISTA service members. During the 2021-2022 school year, we reached an estimated 25,700 students nationwide.
Headquartered in Saint Paul, MN, College Possible operates: regional sites in Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; Saint Paul, MN; and Seattle, WA; as well as Catalyze partnerships in California, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
College Possible is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks to build a diverse workforce to create impact in partnership with the communities we serve. We welcome a diverse pool of qualified applicants. For each of its positions, College Possible is mindful about what best serves our students, and seeks to hire staff with relevant experience, skills and aptitude, and a commitment to the power of education.
Equal Opportunity Employer
College Possible is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals and conduct all possible activities in fully accessible settings. Alternative application formats are available upon request by contacting hr@collegepossible.org.
Your Role as College Access Advising Specialist
The College Access Advising Specialist will be responsible for delivering excellent student support via virtual methods as well as in-person, ensuring each student and partner interaction receives the highest quality of customer service. The College Access Advising Specialist should have a knowledge of the barriers that our students may be facing and are able to advocate for vulnerable populations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist a caseload of students in navigating college access barriers including financial aid, application deadlines, essays, and socio-emotional support.
- Track student interactions, monitor, organize and maintain up-to-date student files and databases.
- Facilitate a series of in-person and virtual workshops for high school students at partner schools and work with school staff to ensure a network of support multiple times a year.
- Message students weekly to make sure they stay on top of their program milestones and have regular interaction with all students in your caseload.
- Represent College Possible at community collaboration meetings or with community stakeholders.
- Develop creative solutions to enhance student engagement.
- Manage outreach messages to students through mass texting platform. Respond and/or redirect incoming messages to appropriate College Possible staff.
- Follow up with students to ensure program satisfaction.
- Monitor strict program compliance with organizational policies and procedures, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- Deliver trainings and presentations to small and large groups.
- Collaborate with the Program team on projects around content and curriculum as needed.
- Other related duties as assigned.
What You Bring
Education/Certifications/Licenses:
- Bachelor's degree required.
Related Work Experience:
- At least two years of full-time college access or related work experience required.
Computer/Software Skills:
- Strong computer skills, including demonstrated proficiency in: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and other Office Suite programs.
- Experience with Salesforce required.
Other Skills, Abilities and Requirements:
- Live in Texas required; live in Houston strongly preferred.
- Ability to work well with diverse types of people in a team environment.
- Polished communication skills, both written and verbal, for building relationships and credibility with external partners.
- Sound time management skills, ability to manage multiple projects independently, meet deadlines, and handle complex and stressful situations in a calm and appropriate manner.
- Demonstrated evidence of creativity and resourcefulness.
- Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when needed.
- Office environment with occasional travel
- Ability to stand and/or sit for a minimum of 7 hours a day
What We Offer
- In addition to joining a committed, diverse, values-based organization, we offer.
- An opportunity for you to have a tremendous impact both internally and in the broader country.
- A competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Excellent benefits including complete health, dental, life, short-term and long-term insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Encouraged sustainability through a generous paid time off program.
- Personalized professional development and growth opportunities.
To Join Our Growing College Possible Team
Please apply at: www.CollegePossible.org/careers
