Possibility Specialist

College Bound’s Possibility Specialist is an integral part of our college completion team, tasked with expanding our student’s sense of future possibilities through ongoing discovery about their interests, values, and strengths while developing within each a comprehensive approach that will ultimately lead them to college and career success. The person in this role will use developmental experiences, science‑based assessment tools, small group workshops, and one‑on‑one coaching to educate students on college and career options and help them explore their potential strengths and interests.

A successful specialist will demonstrably facilitate prepared, professional, confident, and capable college graduates who attain post‑graduate employment or further education which reasonably translates to a financially secure future. A strong understanding of vocational counseling, higher education, and youth development are necessary to be considered for this position.

This role is slated to support students approaching the end of their college career as they prepare to transition into the workforce and adulthood. Occasional daytime and overnight travel is expected, as well as afternoon and evening staffing of programming. Coordination with external stakeholders and community network partners is necessary to expand students’ social capital and develop College Bound’s capacity to meet the various needs of students.

Students may or may not be local and staff are expected to adopt communication methods that best meet student needs including virtual calls, phone communication, and commuting to their campuses, when appropriate.

Interested applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to the Director of Program Achievement, Mariah Opager, by email:

mopager

Please include “Possibility Specialist” in the subject line.

• Manage a caseload of 25-35 students, meeting with each 1-4 times monthly depending on student need.
• Develop strong relationships with students characterized by trust and openness to feedback.
• Orient students to College Bound program, ensuring they understand the purpose and value of the program and what is expected of them in the process.
• Execute College Bound college and career programming, individualized to the needs of the particular students assigned.
• Conduct assessment processes that will develop understanding of student’s interests, strengths, values, and future orientation.
• Create individualized intervention approaches that will strengthen student’s self‑understanding, future motivation, and planning ability.
• Connect students to community events that will increase their career knowledge.
• Develop processes that will enhance student’s network of support, particularly in the area of careers.
• Coordinate College Bound events focused on personal development, networking, and career understanding.
• Identify risk factors to future success and work collaboratively with manager, team and family members towards resolution.
• Stay connected with student’s parent or guardian to foster their ability to support student goal achievement.
• Help maintain an environment at College Bound that fosters an excitement about future potential and an openness to using collaborative processes to achieve goals.
• Advise students on the steps to build a strong career resume, particularly ensuring that their college activities and achievements are compatible with future success.
• Consult with team members in identifying students who may need additional support in the area of academics, mental health, or personal wellness.
• Internally and externally advocate that each student on the caseload is provided the academic, social, structural, and mental health support needed to successfully matriculate to college, complete a degree, and move into a career.
• As needed, follow up and stay in communication with other key supports involved with the students, such as tutors, college advisers, professors, and mental health providers.
• Develop collaborative and comprehensive plans with student and their families focused on personal development, complete with goals, objectives, and plans of action articulating a clear pathway to…