OST College Access Counselor

As a College Access Counselor at East Harlem Tutorial Program, your primary responsibilities will include overseeing college mentoring programs, providing application support for seniors, and facilitating postsecondary readiness workshops. You’ll work closely with a caseload of students to ensure they have access to necessary resources, advice on college options, and support during the application process. Additionally, you’ll collaborate with various team members to host important events and workshops to maintain a vibrant college-going culture.

To apply for the College Access Counselor position at East Harlem Tutorial Program, you should have at least 3 years of professional experience in college counseling or related fields and hold a Bachelor’s degree. Experience working with diverse student populations, particularly First Generation and economically-vulnerable students, is a must. Knowledge of the college application processes, including CUNY/SUNY/NYS Opportunity Programs, is preferred.

In the College Access Counselor role at East Harlem Tutorial Program, you will manage a caseload of approximately 30-40 out-of-school time seniors. Your goal will be to provide tailored support for each student as they navigate the college application process, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to succeed in their postsecondary transitions.

At East Harlem Tutorial Program, College Access Counselors are encouraged to participate in professional development organizations and activities, such as NYSACAC and CACNY. These opportunities not only enhance your skills and knowledge but also allow you to network with professionals in the field, ensuring you're up-to-date with best practices and innovative strategies in college access.

The salary range for the College Access Counselor position at East Harlem Tutorial Program is between $62,400 and $70,732, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Additionally, East Harlem Tutorial Program offers a comprehensive benefits package to ensure that their staff members are well-compensated and supported in their roles.

In answering this question, you should highlight your methods for guiding students through the college application process. Describe how you provide resources, feedback on their applications, and facilitate workshops that demystify college admissions, ensuring students build a balanced list of institutions that match their academic and personal goals.

It's important to show your experience and adaptability while discussing this. Share a specific example where you successfully engaged a diverse student group, addressing their unique needs and challenges, and how you fostered supportive relationships that helped them progress towards college readiness.

When faced with this question, explain your previous experience in college readiness programs in detail. Discuss any specific programs you've developed or contributed to, the goals of those programs, and highlight measurable outcomes that resulted from your involvement.

Emphasize the importance of engaging parents as partners in the process. Discuss strategies you've employed, such as hosting workshops for caregivers or sending regular updates that inform them about their child's progress, which enhances your support system.

Showcase your creativity and vision here. Talk about how you would develop initiatives, events, and workshops that celebrate student achievements, introduce college exposure opportunities, and encourage a mindset focused on higher education among all students.

Discuss your understanding of the specific challenges First Generation students face, such as navigating the college application process or financial constraints. Highlight your strategies for providing empathetic support and resources tailored to help these students overcome barriers.

Use a specific anecdote to illustrate your mentoring approach. Discuss how you built a trusting relationship with the student, helped them set and achieve their goals, and the ultimate benefits they experienced as a result of your mentorship.

It's vital to demonstrate your commitment to professional development. Discuss any conferences, workshops, or literature you engage with to remain informed and network with peers in the college counseling community.

Explain the qualities and skills you believe are important for mentors, such as communication skills, empathy, and the ability to relate to students. Discuss how you would evaluate potential mentors to ensure they align with the goals of the mentoring program.

Highlight your adherence to ethical standards in your work. Discuss how you ensure confidentiality, respect for clients, and a commitment to serving all students equitably and fairly, which is essential for a successful counseling relationship.