Job Summary
The main objective of the Upward Bound at OPSU program is preparing rural high school students who are economically disadvantaged and/or potential first-generation college students for entrance into and persistence in postsecondary education. The Program Facilitator reports to the Director of the program.
Responsibilities
- ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Recruit and screen program participants and provide individual counseling services at target high schools. Monitor student academic progress and consult with high school staff.
- Analyze and screen student applications and family financial data for program eligibility.
- Coordinate instructional/tutorial services for weekly sessions at individual target schools.
- Review and analyze student academic records for academic deficiencies and coordinate remedial services; monitor student academic progress and revise educational plan as required.
- Maintain up-to-date project and individual counseling records and assist with other data collection as required.
- Provide effective personal, academic, career and financial aid counseling to program participants at target high schools and on OPSU campus.
- Plan and execute quarterly cultural events for program participants.
- Travel to target schools to provide project services.
- Coordinate student tutors for assisting at target schools.
- Plan and execute group presentations on postsecondary entrance requirements, ACT preparation, financial aid, study skills and other relevant topics.
- Assist Director with extensive planning for and coordination of 6-week summer residential component for program participants on OPSU’s campus.
- Participate in staff/professional development and professional organizations, which promote educational opportunity/access.
- Provide leadership in Director’s absence.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
- ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Ability to provide comprehensive counseling services which result in participants enrolling in postsecondary education.
- Ability to operate a personal computer and necessary software applications.
- Ability to input and track student information and progress using Excel and Student Access programs.
- Ability to effectively plan and execute program activities assigned by the Director.
- Ability to work effectively with target school staff to identify potential participants and coordinate program services.
- Ability to advocate for first-generation and/or low-income program participants seeking postsecondary education
- Ability to work Saturdays as needed during academic year and evenings during the Summer Session.
- Ability to interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations, the University community and the public.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to relate effectively to students and parents and demonstrate sensitivity to the special needs of target population;
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines and manage multiple assignments.
- Ability to travel extensively to target schools.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds required for the loading, transporting, and unloading of supplies.
- Ability to transfer supplies as needed to participant locations.
- Must possess valid Oklahoma Driver 's License for the transportation of students along with other necessary driving requirements as set by the State of Oklahoma.
- Ability to spend lengthy time riding/driving with extensive travel to target schools.
- Ability to safely transport program participants in University vehicles.
- Requires commitment, long hours and a high energy level.
- Ability to safely transport program participants in University vehicles.
- Ability to transfer supplies as needed to participant locations.
- 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 50-lb. objects; frequent bending, stooping, and walking.
- Can be exposed to a variety of weather conditions for periods of time.
- Ability to communicate in a courteous manner
- Other duties as assigned by Director of Upward Bound or designee.
- The 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
- QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED:
- Bilingual.
- Previous experience working with disadvantaged high school youth.
- Previous TRIO experience.
- EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor' s degree required.
- Three years of previous experience in education, counseling, social work, or related area.
- A background check will be required of the successful applicant.
About Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU): OPSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is the first public Hispanic Serving Institution in Oklahoma. The university is a baccalaureate degree granting institution located in Goodwell, Oklahoma. Rooted in “Progress through Knowledge,” OPSU is committed to promoting excellence in the preparation of students for success in a global community. Our university achieved multiple rankings by the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings: #3 Best Value Regional Colleges West; #8 Top Public Colleges for the Western Region; and #17 Best Regional Colleges West. U.S New and World Report also recognized OPSU as one of the top ten universities in Oklahoma, standing out of our affordable tuition rates.