Talent Search Advisor

Overview

This position is budgeted for $18.50 per hour and is non-negotiable.

This position is open until filled with an initial candidate selection to take place after August 11, 2025.

The San Diego State University (SDSU) Talent Search Program is an educational opportunity program housed within the Institute for Transformative Education (ITE). Through excellence and innovation in education, ITE supports students to discover and develop their personal, educational, and career goals through multicultural mentorship and guidance.  Talent Search is funded by the Department of Education to assist low-income, first-generation, culturally diverse high school students as they prepare for postsecondary education. 

The Talent Search program has an opening for two part-time advisors (20 hours a week), located at Lincoln High School. This position will require in-person work at least two days a week at the school site in San Diego, with the option to complete some meetings and job tasks remotely. The position is ideal for candidates currently in graduate school for education or school counseling, or recent college graduates considering a career in school counseling, teaching, or social work. Selected candidates will receive ongoing training from staff experienced in college guidance and student support, as well as professional development grounded in relevant theories, practices, and methods. 

Under the supervision of the Director, Office of Community Engagement, the advisor will assist in the implementation of a comprehensive program to ensure the effective delivery of educational support services to low-income and/or potential first-generation college-bound high school students.

Incumbents must have a beginning knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of student outreach services. The incumbent must demonstrate a beginning knowledge of group and individual behavior and individual counseling techniques. The position involves advising for college access at Talent Search approved schools by providing assistance in completing college applications for admission, financial aid, housing, and special programs. The incumbent will also advise students on meeting academic and extra-curricular requirements for college access and will refer students to appropriate supports such as additional tutoring. During the summer months, the incumbent will receive training and will implement the project’s Destination:College services.

Responsibilities

Participant Recruitment 30 %

• Conduct recruitment presentations.
• Assist with the selection of program participants.
• Work with the Information Coordinator to update the recruitment matrix on a weekly basis.

Counseling/Advising 30 %

• Provide advising services to participants at school sites. These services include, but are not limited to, personal problem-solving, academic advisement, building positive peer support, enhancing communication skills, career planning, academic skill building, study skills and motivational counseling. 
• Provide college admissions and financial aid advising to senior participants.
• Conduct regular follow-up with contacts at school sites.
• Supervise students on field trips and other special events.
• Facilitate school-based club meetings.

Documentation 30%

• Collect and properly handle student documents: program eligibility forms, transcripts, progress reports, permission slips, test/assessment data, and other data as deemed necessary.
• Document services and activities: student contacts, participation, case notes, and other services.

Program Assistance 10%

• Aid the project with making materials, including flyers.
• Attend team meetings and trainings at other ITE
• Attend professional training meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.
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Qualifications

Knowledge and Abilities

• Reliable transportation is required to travel to local high schools served by the program.
• Ability to relate successfully with program participants.
• Ability to establish a non-threatening environment for participants.
• Ability to relate successfully with university professors and staff.
• Ability to relate successfully with high school counselors, teachers, administrators, and other school personnel.
• Ability to conduct presentations to potential students and their parents as well as school personnel.
• Ability to apply knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation to writing and speaking.
• Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing.
• Ability to report to work on time; follow directions from a supervisor; interact effectively with co-workers; understand and follow posted work rules and procedures; and accept constructive criticism.
• Ability to work over some evenings/weekends
• Familiarity with PC/Mac computer systems and Microsoft Word

Minimum Education & Experience

• One or more years of previous experience as a youth leader, camp counselor, or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• BA or equivalent in field related to program/project such as Education or Psychology, Social Work, or Child and Family Development.
• Bilingual in English and another language spoken by Talent Search’s constituent groups is desired.
• At least two years’ experience at pre-professional level in advising/mentoring high school students or middle school students.
• Experience assisting with event planning and implementation for groups of thirty or more is highly desired.
• Knowledge of TRIO programs and regulations is preferred. 
• Familiarity with the use of Excel.
• Knowledge of entrance requirements for the public colleges and universities in California. 

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.