College and Career Advisor at Para Los Niños in Los Angeles, CA

Position Overview Under the supervision of the Associate Director of College and Career Pathways, the College & Career Advisor is responsible for assessing participant needs for services and providing appropriate case management to help youth reach their academic, post-secondary education, and employment goals. The College & Career Advisor will work with in-school youth under the Para Los Niños Youth Source program, which serves youth ages 16-24 with a focus on supporting youth as they transition from high school (with a high school diploma earned) to post-secondary education (career technical training, community college or university). College & Career Advisor will also support students with college and career readiness and connect/expose them to paid internship and career options. An emphasis will be placed on guiding youth through an assessment and self- inventory process that helps them identify their interests, preferences, motivations, and options. Duties

Carries out mission, vision and values established by President/CEO and Board of Directors. Conducts program outreach, recruitment, orientations, and client intake/eligibility. Performs comprehensive assessment of youth to determine academic, vocational, professional and/or supportive service needs. Develops Individual Service Strategy plan for youth (ISS) and implements service elements. Provides appropriate linkages to network partners, including onsite programs for education, employment, social/physical/emotional health, and housing services. Establishes a college going community with focus on improving student outcomes (HS diploma attainment, /post-secondary/college enrollment, post-secondary/college degree attainment). Facilitates engaging and interactive sessions to 35+ in-school students for the purpose of completing the college and career readiness curriculum to prepare students for post-secondary education and career opportunities. Supports 35+ college students with retention efforts and academic success including facilitation of curriculum. Participates in development and implementation plan of college/career preparatory program. Facilitates meetings with parents, and (when necessary) with school counselors, probation, law enforcement, employers, and other entities for the purpose of ensuring that outcomes and objectives for youth are achieved. Develop and maintain relationships and foster partnerships with local high school counselors, post-secondary institutions, relevant service providers, college admissions recruiters from two- and four-year colleges, trade schools, and alternative programs. Works with Youth Workforce Services program staff to ensure youth receive appropriate employment and academic linkages and other services. Collaborates with school staff to support dropout prevention and intervention services including the development of services for youth who need alternative education to complete a high school diploma or equivalent. Answers telephone calls regarding services; follows up with inquiring youth. Maintains record of all clients contact and services received by clients. Records are kept manually, through database systems (CalJOBS), and trackers. Coordinates program activities for active, follow-up and universal access participants. Successfully implements dropout prevention and recovery strategies for youth. Develops and maintains relationships with employers and community resources. Ensures that participants move into unsubsidized employment, vocational training and/or post-secondary education/college. Provides case management for youth for at least 12 months after completion of program goals. Works with other Youth Workforce Services program staff and collaborators, Career Advisors to develop and implement group activities (leadership development training, college fieldtrips, work readiness sessions, volunteer experience, etc.). Plan and coordinate enriching summer opportunities, college, career, personal enrichment field trips. Conducts home, school, or work visits, as necessary. Responsible for ensuring that participants meet retention and performance outcomes. Participates in case management training and professional development provided by PLN and collaborating partners. Holds the highest expectations for all students. Assists with special projects and programs as requested. Performs other duties as directed by supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

Experience working with youth ages 16-24 from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds and knowledgeable about the first-generation college student experience. Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) experience is a plus. Familiarity with the Central Los Angeles area preferred. This position requires that the Career Advisor builds trust in the community and is aware of the needs and concerns of youth. Passionate about increasing the college success of and college degree completion rate for first-generation, low-income students. Knowledgeable about high school and college campus resources and retention initiatives (e.g., career center, EOP, financial aid, counseling services, academic advising). Knowledgeable of current college and financial aid application processes. Passionate about providing youth guidance and resources to help them reach their full potential.

Education and Certification/Trainings

Bachelor's degree in in education, counseling, social work, psychology or related field.

Other Requirements

Knowledgeable about the first-generation college student experience. Ability to develop rapport with program participants. Demonstrated ability to propose and implement innovative solutions to recruitment, orientation, assessment, and advanced placement services to support various industry human resources professionals. Passionate about increasing the college success of and college degree completion rate for first-generation, low-income students. Knowledge of existing employment networks, including city / county systems and entry- level training opportunities for youth is a plus. Excellent written and oral skills, including the ability to make clear presentations. Proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Office, communication software and use of the internet. Strong sense of self-motivation; ability to work with minimal supervision, meet deadlines, prioritize activities, problem solve, function effectively with multiple projects and short timelines. Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies and in a variety of situations. Must have the ability to nurture respectful relationships with youth and be sensitive to the clients’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics. Ability to work in-person 5 days a week, some evenings, and weekends. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Physical Requirements To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend. Must be able to speak and hear well.
Good vision is imperative.
Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
Employee will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.

Expectations for All Para Los Niños Staff
Candidates for employment at a Para Los Niños, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following:

Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños. Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families. Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues. Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development. Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement. Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team. Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition. Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationship with parents and children marked by sensitivity to the students’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to effectively handle challenging situations. Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches. Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.

Para Los Niños is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer It is the established policy of Para Los Niños (PLN) to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief (including dress or grooming practices), color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breast feeding), age, national origin (including possessing a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code § 12801.9), ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. PLN also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.