Description

Position Title

College Retention Specialist

Department 

Post-Secondary Pathways 

Site/Location

337 Alexander Ave, Bronx, NY 10467

549 Audubon Ave, New York, NY 10040

FLSA-Classification

Non-Exempt

Salary 

$47k

Reports To

Education Services Manager

Date

Immediate

Summary/ Objective

East Side House Settlement (ESH) is a community resource in the South Bronx. We believe education is the key that enables all people to create an economic and civic opportunities for themselves, their families and the communities.  ESH’s Workforce Development programs align with our mission by providing high quality youth and adult programs and services within community centers.  

The Workforce Development Divisions consisting of Jobs Plus (JP), Post-Secondary Pathways Program (PSP), Home Delivered Meals (HDM), Harvest to Haven and all workforce related Programming at ESH. Featuring training, education, career advancement services, financial empowerment services and community building programming, employment exploration and placement.

Under the supervision of the Education Services Manager and Director of PSP, the College Retention Specialist will provide college access services onsite to PSP participants as well as 10 hours a week to students at The College Academy located at the George Washington High School Campus. This role involves working closely with DOE, CBO staff and other stakeholders. Services will be provided to graduating high school seniors and GED students to help them apply to and matriculate into college.

A successful candidate will display the following characteristics:

• Commitment to mission and goals of East Side House Settlement and the work of college access • Establish relationships and networks with stakeholders for effective communication and student support 
• Knowledge and experience in providing college and career counseling services. 
• Understanding of the obstacles students encounter in applying to and registering for college • Strong interpersonal skills and comfort with facilitation/running workshops
• Ability to work cooperatively with peers, strong communication skills. 
• Strong initiative, problem-solving, and organizational skills.  
• Engagement approach and counseling techniques that meet needs of diverse population.
• Basic computer competencies in Microsoft Word, Excel, and virtual meeting platforms  

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Education Services Manager, the College Retention Specialist will: 

• Attain specific annual goals of college enrollment. 150 students enrolled annually (subject to change based on business need).
• Provide support and retention services to ensure that 60 percent of participants who enrolled in college complete their first two semesters of college.
• Provide overall supportive and retention services for the participants who are enrolled in college, through their first and second years
• Maintain office hours onsite at The College Academy approximately 10 hours/week year round including summer months
• Attend all College Bridge hybrid training provided by CARA and other trainings as assigned
• Facilitate workshops for high school seniors and community members throughout the year
• Assist students with paperwork and tasks involved in applying for college and career opportunities, including search, application, and enrollment process
• Provide case management for students by communicating on a regular basis by phone/text, social media, and in person meetings 
• Track student progress through application and matriculation steps
• Support students through the financial aid application and verification process
• Helping plan and lead school-wide events and trips related to the college process
• Attending weekly meetings with a college counselor to review all graduating seniors’ status in the college process and issues to be aware of.
• Independently update all data reporting systems 
• Run routine audits of data to cross reference information for quality assurance 
• Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting on data pertaining to student application, enrollment, and matriculation
• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team with Instructors, Employment Specialists, and others providing onsite services.
• Participate in relevant departmental meetings, trainings, case conferences, workshops and events; Coordinate or assist in planning for events such as community meetings, block parties, health fairs and local business fairs 
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Qualifications

Education / Experience:

• Must be currently attending college in New York City (Completed at least one year of college preferred)
• High school diploma or GED, AA degree in education or human service-related field a plus.
• Excellent verbal communication skills. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required. Must be a “people person.”
• Experience with grassroots information dissemination strategies. Previous outreach experience in urban communities helpful. 
• Knowledge of, and familiarity with, institutions and people from the overall Washington Heights and  Mott Haven neighborhoods highly preferred.
• Must be self-directed and organized.
• Basic computer skills necessary.
• Must clear fingerprinting and background check

Competencies

• Problem Solving/ Analysis
• Communication Proficiency
• Customer Service
• Public/Community Relations
• Teamwork Orientation

 Expected Work Schedule 

This role is a full-time position expected to generally work Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Workdays/hours subject to change based on ESH's needs.

Required Clearances

COVID Vaccine – As a recipient of Federal, State, and local funds, all staff are expected to be fully vaccinated or able to obtain vaccination before their start date

Supervisory Responsibility  None. 

Work Environment

Business casual. This job operates in a school office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Travel

Minimal expected for this position outside of local travel between worksites. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to successfully perform this job's essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. This role is generally a sedentary role; however, some sorting/filing is required. Requirements include the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. Reasonable accommodations that allow a candidate to meet the requirements of the position will be considered.  

 We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

AAP/EEO Statement 

ESH encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women to apply. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.