Upward Bound Program Counselor

Created in 2012, the Carolina Higher Education Opportunity Programs (CHEOP) office Comprises the NC Health Careers Access Program (NC-HCAP) and TRiO Programs (Upward Bound Program and the McNair Scholars Program).
Through both NC-HCAP and TRiO Programs, CHEOP Promotes and Maintains Programs, Activities, and Services that Facilitate Access to College, Graduate and Ph.D. Programs, as well as Health Professional Schools for Individuals from Historically Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups, First Generation Status, Rural and/or Low- Income Backgrounds. The Programs under CHEOP Enhance Participants’ Academic Performance, Retention, and Personal and Professional Development to Promote Graduation in Secondary and Post-Secondary Education.

The UNC Chapel Hill Upward Bound (UB) Program serves a total of 102 high school students across Chatham, Durham, and Lee Counties. It is a year-round Program, consequently students are supported over the course of the academic year (August – June), and during the six-week Summer Program (June – July).

The mission of the UB Program is to help high school students gain admission into higher education – specifically into colleges and universities. The UB Scholar demographic includes; first generation, low income and/or underrepresented minority students. Over 70% of UNC Chapel Hill UB Scholars are first generation and underrepresented minority (primarily comprised of African American and Latinx students).

UB Scholars are driven and ambitious students who aspire to gain admission into college, but do not have the resources/tools to do it on their own. The Program takes a holistic approach to serving students by collaborating with the student, their high school teachers/counselors, and parents/guardians.

The Program Counselor for Upward Bound is responsible for developing, implementing and supervising all counseling activities for the Upward Bound program. The incumbent provides counseling and referral services to Upward Bound students in assigned area high schools; trains, supervises and evaluates the residence hall staff, volunteers, and practicum students; implements counseling and referral services; plans, implements and supervises evening and weekend activities. The counseling coordinator is required to work one Saturday per month when students return to campus during the academic year and many evenings weekends during the summer component.

Duties and Responsibilities: Develops and implements innovative career and educational individual and group counseling programs during the academic and summer components; Identifies, recruits, and provides designated services to Upward Bound students, makes home visitations, and provides counseling in personal, career and academic areas; Plans and implements the summer residential component including instructional, recreation, social and cultural activities; Plans, implements and supervises night and weekend activities, including overnight trips, during the academic year and summer components; Maintains accurate records concerning program activities and student contacts using computerized databases and student folders; Develops monthly student and parent newsletters for dissemination to students, parents, high school and community personnel; Develops publicity materials for the Upward Bound program including brochures, calendars, videos, and newsletters; Develops counseling component activities and workshops during the academic year and summer components; Assists in the collection of data for evaluations and reports for the University and the U.S. Department of Education; Plans and implements program services for testing, career information, college admissions information, financial aid information and counseling. Conducts twice weekly staff meetings with summer residence hall staff. Assists with the completion of college admission and financial aid forms for Upward Bound students; Assists local high school counselors in helping to provide for the needs of Upward Bound students; Attends professional development activities and conferences related to Upward Bound.

Post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities related to tutoring, supplemental instruction, or direction of programs that enhance educational experiences of enrolled or prospective students, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.

Experience should include a minimum of 1-3 years of high school counseling social work, pre-college college access, community organization leadership, grant management, financial aid, and or public relations.

Strong communication and effective presentation skills with middle and high school students, adult learners, and college access professionals.

A valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Experience building community partnerships, promoting education and networking skills.

Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual (i.e. Spanish speaking).

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.