Temporary Counselor Upward Bound (Grant Funded)

Located in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia is a multi-campus university with an enrollment of nearly 20,000 students, making it one of the largest institutions in the University System of Georgia. UNG is focused on a mission of educational excellence, leadership development and community engagement opportunities that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. Through a variety of educational pathways that provide access and range from certificates and associate degrees to a professional doctoral program, UNG is responsive to regional education and economic development needs. Federally designated as a senior military college, one of the university's signature leadership programs is its 800-member Corps of Cadets on UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

The University of North Georgia is currently accepting applications for a Temporary Counselor for it's Gilmer Upward Bound program. The Counselor for the Upward Bound program will assist the Upward Bound Director in the development and implementation of the Upward Bound program. Duties will include coordinating program services, serving as liaison with high schools, building positive working relationships with community partners, assessing student needs, advising and tutoring, tracking student contacts and entering data, and conducting workshops for students and parents. The work will emphasize the following: supporting low income and first generation college students in completing high school and enrolling in higher education, and assisting parents in supporting their children's academic success. The Upward Bound program provides direct services to students during the school year AND during a 6-week residential summer component. The Counselor's primary work location is Gilmer High School in Ellijay, GA. Some work functions may be completed at UNG's Blue Ridge campus one (1) day per week. Direct services are provided at GHS four (4) days per week. During the summer component, the UB counselor will live in residence on UNG Dahlonega's campus for 3-4 week, Sunday - Friday.  Ideally, this temporary position will begin in March 2024 and end July 2024.

• Recruit Upward Bound participants to provide a rich program for student high school success as preparation for later enrollment in postsecondary education.
• Communicate Upward Bound goals to community partners, parents and high school students.
• Facilitate groups for students and parents in college readiness and career awareness.
• Plan, implement, and chaperone students on workshops and trips. Assist in the organization, coordination, and facilitation of monthly student meetings.
• Develop, coordinate and deliver workshops for parents and students that prepare students for admission into college, on topics areas, including scholarships and financial aid, college admissions requirements, summer programs, and internships
• Document all student/parent contacts and enter data in tracking system.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understanding of special events development and administration, including management of multiple projects and priorities under deadline pressure.
• Skill facilitating groups and working with community partners.
• Skill in planning and developing single or multiple job tasks and to recognize and recommend improved methods of performing work and to physically perform the essential functions of the job.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of peers, administrators, faculty, students, and the public.
• Creative problem solving skills with demonstrated ability to recommend innovative solutions.
• Activity coordination involving excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills (e.g. Outlook, Microsoft Office, etc.).
• Ability to speak Spanish/Bilingual.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; effectively interacts with people in a positive manner.
• Ability to work amicably and professionally with a diverse population, including parents and students from different socioeconomic circumstances.
• Ability to teach, listen and collaborate effectively with others; sensitivity to cultural norms.
• Ability to use common sense approaches to make prudent and sound decisions.
• Ability to encourage and motivate others.
• Ability to reason logically.
• Ability to monitor student progress and enhance student success.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty and others in providing services to address student needs.
• Adept at prioritizing and arranging job assignments.
• Ability to apply information in stressful situations.
• Ability to deal simultaneously with several problems.
• Ability to comprehend complex problems and reach reasonable conclusions.
• Ability to use mental skills to recall, analyze, and organize information and make complex decisions.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends on a monthly basis. 
• Ability to develop, implement, and facilitate content area and learning strategies workshops and study groups.

• Bachelor's degree required.  
• One - three years of experience in a secondary/postsecondary school setting serving first-generation and/or economically disadvantaged students; or One - three years experience working in with a college preparation program/community organization. 
• Must have reliable transportation and a state license.

• Degrees in education, guidance, counseling preferred; Master's Degree preferred.
• Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds preferred.

Minimum Starting Salary $44,094

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Contact information for three professional references. 

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of North Georgia, as determined by University of North Georgia in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

The University of North Georgia, a unit of the University System of Georgia, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex or national origin, age, disability, religion, genetics or veteran status. Georgia is an open records state. Also, UNG is a federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans.

• This position will be required to drive.
• This role is considered a position of trust.
• This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time.

Please note, the University of North Georgia career board updates daily and job postings are subject to be removed when closed or filled.

• Position of Trust + Education