Seeking dynamic, student centered individual to serve 200 students in Oxford Hills School District.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. RECRUITMENT & ENROLLMENT
Recruit, select, enroll, and serve Talent Search (grades 6-12) students as defined by federal
regulations and program policy.
Conduct group and individual presentations to inform potential applicants and their
parents about Talent Search services.
Collect necessary documents (e.g., educational transcripts, income documentation) to support student applications.
Communicate eligibility guidelines with schools and agencies to ensure appropriate
referrals.
Submit completed applications and supporting documents to Project Headquarters
promptly.
Ensure 67% of the caseload consists of low-income and first-generation (LIFG) students;
prioritize either low-income (LI) or first-generation (FG) students for the remaining 33%,
requiring additional paperwork for the "other" category.
2. EDUCATIONAL, CAREER, AND FINANCIAL AID COUNSELING
Provide educational, career, and financial aid counseling to a minimum of 200 participants
per year.
Conduct educational assessments and communicate results to students, assisting them in
developing intervention plans.
Inform participants and parents about federal, state, and school-based aid programs,
providing early awareness and assisting with financial aid forms.
Advocate on behalf of students and families when necessary.
3. COMMUNICATION WITH EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITIES
Collaborate with guidance counselors, college admission and financial aid officers, and
adult education directors to ensure the target population is enrolled and identified as
Talent Search participants.
4. REFERRAL & ADVOCACY
Refer program participants to other educational and social agencies as needed.
Network with social service agency providers and other TRIO projects to ensure continuity
of services, documenting referrals and contacts.
5. COLLEGE ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE
Assist students with the college admission and financial aid processes.
Organize college awareness field trips for participants in grades 7-11.
Help students identify degree programs compatible with their career goals.
Aid seniors with completing college and financial aid applications.
Collect and document admissions applications, acceptance/rejection letters, student aid
reports, and financial aid award letters for grade 12 participants.
Advocate for students during the admissions process, including writing references and
requesting deposit waivers.
6. DOCUMENTATION & ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS
Comply with project policies and document activities on a weekly basis using an online
calendar system.
Document travel using the online calendar system and submit University of Maine Travel
Expense reports within 30 days of travel. Daily travel to target schools is not reimbursable.
7. STUDENT ACTIVITY DOCUMENATION
Record all contacts with students, parents, mentors, and school personnel.
Update student addresses and phone numbers regularly.
Track seniors' progress throughout the college admission and financial aid processes.
Provide documentation of grade promotions for grades 6-11 and high school transcripts
for seniors every June.
8. OTHER DUTIES
Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILL QUALIFICATIONS
Baccalaureate in educational counseling, education, or a related field required.
Experience working with low-income and educationally disadvantaged youth in an
educational environment.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
Preference for individuals who have overcome similar disadvantages as the target
population.
Ability to travel, normally requiring a driver’s license.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & DYNAMICS:
Work settings include home, UM or host campus, public schools, and travel for college
visitations or professional development.
Some evening or weekend work required.
Some travel to Orono headquarters and professional conferences/seminars necessary.
Ability to work independently is essential due to extensive travel within the project service
area.
WORK SCHEDULE
Regular University of Maine schedule, with a minimum of 32 hours per week, including
some nights and weekends.
Regular office hours will be established and adjusted in consultation with the METS
Director.
WORK YEAR
Full-time, nine (9) months, from September 1 through May 30, during school day.
Job Family/Salary Band: 14/02.