Job title: COOL Higher Education Coordinator

Reports to COOL program manager; full-time, exempt, $16-18/hour

Closing date: September 30, 2014

Position Summary

The COOL Higher Education Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and directing the daily functions of students which includes participant selection and entry into the program, database management of participant records, case management plans, and follow-up records. Duties include student development; student evaluations; monitor student academic progress; and mentor, volunteer, and funder relationships and coordination.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree required in social services, social work, education or a closely related field
2. Three years of experience in a social service environment
3. Three years of experience in customer service, administration and records processing, preferably in social services
4. Ability to build relationships and effectively track volunteers.
5. Knowledge of higher education system and admissions
6. Strong background in the financial aid process and scholarship applications
7. Must be a self-starter with proven project development experience
8. Must have excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills
9. Proficiency at operating communication systems (computers, email, laptops, telephone, faxes, scanners, and presentation equipment), Microsoft Office programs, and various database systems
10. Flexible hours, evenings, some weekends, and some travel required
11. Transportation and insurance required
12. Ability to welcome and respect people of diverse ages, races, with sensitivity to civic and cultural issues.
13. Ability to handle client and donor information confidentially and discreetly.

Major responsibilities and related tasks

Supervise a class grade to assure student performance and success in attaining higher education.

1. Maintain a student case load of at least 70 per school year
2. Recruit students, encourage participation, and maintain enrollment
3. Conduct weekly life skills classes utilizing staff and/or volunteers to enhance students’ college attainment and working skills
4. Develop appropriate grade level curriculum for each life skills class
5. Facilitate life skills programs and presenters for specific college readiness information
6. Conduct monthly one-on-one meetings with each student to track progress, provide encouragement, and deal with any issues or challenges
7. Coordinate ACT preparation and testing
8. Conduct quarterly meetings with parents, provide program updates, and encourage active support of their students’ higher education goals
9. Maintain accurate records and/or files for each student for reporting and tracking purposes

Coordinate college tours, career learning opportunities, and field trips to present students with opportunities to experience college and work life.

1. Contact local, state, and out-of-state colleges and universities to schedule various campus tours
2. Book hotel rooms and make room assignments
3. Make appropriate travel arrangements for each tour
4. Schedule campus events during tours
5. Chaperone and supervise all students, ensuring and promoting responsible behavior and safety at all times

Coordinate and facilitate mentoring through the recruitment, screening, training, and partnering of volunteers and for-profit and nonprofit partners with students to provide career learning opportunities.

1. Recruit and appropriately screen adult mentors and career coaches
2. Conduct mentor orientation and continuous training
3. Coordinate all mentor/mentee student events
4. Maintain contact with various organizations/corporations for career learning opportunities (i.e. internships or summer jobs)

Other responsibilities

Attend community-based meetings representing MIFA and COOL as needed. Work with the COOL advisory council to develop and implement ideas for program enhancement. Work closely with MIFA development team to ensure compliance with funder requirements through active and engaged relationships and communication. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory responsibilities

N/A

Physical demands and work environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk (or means to transport oneself); sit; use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch; talk or hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move 15 to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision.

Work environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. Position may also require ongoing or periodic exposure to high crime environments. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to moderate to high levels of stress during peak periods, and atypical work hours are periodically required.