Department: Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP

Campus Location: Topeka, KS

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Salary is set for the position at $40,500

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:00am-5:00pm (regular evenings & weekends based on scheduled events but flexible)

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

Topeka, Kansas State Capitol, our historical Midwestern City! Do you live in or around this beautiful city? Is it your heart’s desire to teach and guide students? We need someone like YOU! The perfect person who can lead our students to an exciting WSU future. The skies the limit with college in their plans.
Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP is seeking a passionate, relationship-driven College Access Advisor to serve students in foster care throughout the Topeka region. This role is an opportunity where you can make a direct impact by helping students navigate the education system while building consistent, meaningful connections that support their path after high school. You will need to be able to transport students safely and efficiently to and from events.
Our program serves students in grades 7 through their first year of college, equipping them with the academic support, life skills, and guidance needed to graduate and pursue postsecondary education.
State Capital area is where you need to reside to help our youth meet their college dreams!

Job Summary

Responsible for the enrollment, monitoring and/or advising of eligible participants. Establishes and maintains a positive and professional relationship with all referral agencies. Plans educational, career and life skills activities, completes the College Access Plan (CAP) on each student and coordinates with College Access Mentors or other partners to ensure services are provided.

Essential Functions

Instructs program students in college access workshops to include college preparation, financial literacy and career awareness workshops. Provides post enrollment academic monitoring, mentoring and advising as needed. Ensures completion of required applications, surveys and supporting documents by completing all necessary documentation of activities, assisting with data entry and accuracy of student database and obtaining student school records, surveys and college enrollment information. Shares participant outcome data and best practices with agencies as needed. May work closely with privatized foster care agencies and local schools in enrolling students in the program. May negotiate in-kind donations with partners to ensure grant matches. Reviews student records, identifies local community referral resources and conducts referrals for students. Determines and schedules assessments of student needs; may assist with financial aid coordination. Reports student performance and adjustment needs. Tracks resource usage and aid adequacy as needed.

Job Duties

Travel to assigned school districts to provide college going services to students in foster care. Monitors and tracks student academic progress, graduation, enrollment in college and FAFSA completion. Provides grant related activities such as workshops and college campus visits, academic advising, career exploration and job search, mentoring, tutoring resources, and summer programs. Assists students with KKGU dual credit application, DCF tuition waiver application and credit recovery, if needed.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social services or related field
• One (1) year of experience in academic advising or related field

Required License/Certifications/Training:

Valid Kansas drivers license for Trio Talent Search, Trio Talent Search South, Haysville GEAR UP, and TRIO Upward Bound Wichita Prep

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in implementing programs in middle or high schools. Knowledge of State of Kansas foster care system.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting low-income students and students in foster care.
• Knowledge of the education systems and assessments in the State of Kansas.
• Strong computer, writing, and oral communication skills.
• Able to analyze problems and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to manage time, deadlines & documentation needs.
• Ability to drive 7 to 15 passenger van safely & travel distances regularly.

Additional Information:

Must be able to complete a State of Kansas Child Abuse and Neglect background check.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.

Additional Physical Requirement:

Must be able to escort students on campus visits - which may include lots of walking.
Must be able to attend community and school presentations.
Overnight travel occasionally to trainings and conferences may be required.