COUNSELING SERVICES COORDINATOR

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

For over 50 years, the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) has advanced diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Washington, a campus that sits on tribal land. Through our programs and partnerships, we create pathways for diverse populations to access postsecondary opportunities, nurture and support their academic success, and cultivate a campus climate that enriches the educational experience for all. This legacy of work continues to drive excellence at the UW and together, we help the university work toward its vision for becoming a more just and equitable campus community. More information about the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity is available at uw.edu/OMAD.

Within OMA&D is the College Access unit that implements programs focused on expanding access for underserved communities by partnering with K-12 school districts, two-year colleges, and community coalitions.

The University of Washington’s GEAR UP Achievers Program was launched in 2018 and designed to dramatically increase the number of first generation, low income, and students of color who graduate from high school and enter and succeed in post secondary education. GEAR UP Achievers serves 5,100 students in Kent, Renton, Tukwila, and Auburn. The program supports students and their families starting in 6th and 7th grade through high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment. GEAR UP Achievers has a focus on STEM and provides programming for students, families, and schools including academic supports, college advising, financial aid workshops, summer programs, afterschool programs, new and expanded partnerships, college visits, worksite visits, internships, affinity based programs, and more! To find out more you can visit the GEAR UP Achievers website at: https://depts.washington.edu/gearupac/

GEAR UP has an outstanding opportunity for a GEAR UP Counseling Services Coordinator (E S 7), working title College Navigator. This posting may be used to fill an additional opening.

Under the supervision of the Director of GEAR UP WA Achievers, the College Navigator provides critical development, implementation, and coordination of a first year college support program to a cohort of graduating seniors within South King County. The program is designed to help low-income and first-generation students succeed in middle school and high school, enroll in college, and obtain a degree. The Navigator will provide supports to students in their senior year of high school and the first year of post-secondary education, helping them navigate the transition.

The College Navigator works collaboratively with the GEAR UP team in the development and implementation of GEAR UP programming and events. This position also works closely with faculty, staff, and students to develop effective strategies to support the academic success of GEAR UP students.

The College Navigator requires the use of sound judgment and expertise and understanding of best practices in youth development, family engagement, k-12 education, financial aid, and first year college support. The position also requires an understanding of GEAR UP policies and regulations, and the educational landscape for low-income and first generation student populations. This position requires the ability to collaborate with UW and college campus administrators, faculty, researchers, and staff; South King County School administrators, principals, counselors, teachers, and staff; and community partners to provide optimal services to students.

This position will need the ability to navigate multiple complex k-12 school districts and college campuses, and establish effective partnerships with college offices such as admissions, registration, financial aid, community partners, and 8 high schools. Additionally, they will represent the University of Washington to 5,100 GEAR UP students and their families in South King County while developing and facilitating curriculum, programming, and events. They must be familiar with bilingual and bicultural family engagement, communications strategies, and programming in diverse communities. Compliance with federal guidelines associated with Department of Education grants.

This position will provide support to a cohort of South King County seniors during the 2023-24 school year. This work will be majority within the Auburn, Kent, Renton, and Tukwila school districts. For the 2024-25 school year, support will follow students through their first year of college and will require work on college campuses within WA State and virtual support for students who attend colleges outside of Washington.

This position is based out of a UW office located in Kent, WA and is primarily in person. Limited remote work may be available based on supervisor approval. This position will include frequent travel to k-12 schools and college campuses, including regional travel. There may be temporary work assignments at college across WA state while delivering programs and services. Work schedule is typically Monday-Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM, and will include evenings and weekends as needed to support student and community events.

The College Navigator for the GEAR UP Achievers program will work with students, families, k-12 schools, and college campuses to promote and develop strategies, activities, and resources to ensure college readiness and first year success in STEM fields and success of low-income first generation students. This position requires the ability to collaborate with students, families, and schools to develop innovative college access events, parent academies, and summer programs that utilize best practices for supporting GEAR UP students who are motivated to pursue higher education in STEM fields. The Navigator will increase communications and visibility of University of Washington in South King County communities and contribute to higher applications and admittance of first-generation and underrepresented minorities at UW and other postsecondary programs across the state and nation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Student Advising – 60%
30% - Support a cohort of South King County high school seniors through their senior year of high school and their first year of college