Talent Search Advisor

TRIO Talent Search at the University of South Dakota has an opening for a full‑time 10‑month advisor position at the Todd County and White River Schools in the towns of Mission and White River, SD. The position is on‑site at the schools, with work from mid‑June through mid‑August. The advisor assists Talent Search participants in identifying, preparing for, and attaining their educational goals, ensuring they finish high school within the standard four years and enroll in postsecondary education the following fall.

• Maintain a cooperative relationship with the target schools (Todd County and White River) and the local communities through visits with students and collaboration with school staff and parents.
• Work in the community schools 3–4 days per week.
• Meet with Talent Search participants each week in class, small group meetings, or individual visits.
• Plan and carry out activities designed to help students succeed in school, graduate from high school, and enroll in postsecondary education.
• Provide academic assistance, including study skills and goal‑setting activities, and encourage or arrange tutoring as needed.
• Collect and disseminate information regarding postsecondary institutions, student financial aid, admissions, housing, and academic assistance programs.
• Arrange campus visits to colleges for TRIO Talent Search participants.
• Be available to meet with students’ parents through letters, personal visits, parent‑teacher conferences, or other activities.
• Maintain a records‑keeping system, including student files, to document student assistance and counselor activity.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in education, social services, counseling, business administration, or a related field is required.
• Experience:
  
  Previous work with students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Knowledge of Native American and disadvantaged student populations, secondary and postsecondary education requirements, and ability to relate to middle school, secondary, postsecondary students, and adults.
• Good communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license (to attend staff meetings and professional development).
• Good computer skills.
• Ability to apply educational models and good teaching practices in the classroom.

USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological, political, or sectarian opinions or perspectives; or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Reference List