College Advisor

Description

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California began in December 1944 when a group of Lutheran congregations in San Diego came together to discuss how to better assist families in need. They began discussing how to form a Welfare Commission. Their vision expanded when they came together with another group of Lutheran congregations in Los Angeles, having the very same conversation. Lutheran Social Services of Southern California was officially incorporated in 1946 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit social service agency. The mission has stayed true to its earliest beginnings, to be a servant to those in need. Today, LSSSC serves thousands of individuals and families throughout Southern California with over 45 programs/services at 18 locations. We are part of the Lutheran Services in America (LSA) network and strive to serve those in need with dignity and respect.

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California’s Mission: Ignited by faith, we live out God’s love by embracing, equipping, and empowering vulnerable individuals, families, and communities toward self-sufficiency.

The Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue to complete their postsecondary education. The program publicizes the availability of financial aid and assists participants with the postsecondary application process. Talent Search also encourages persons who have not completed education programs at the secondary or postsecondary level to enter or reenter and complete postsecondary education. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youths from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education.

Requirements

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Knowledge of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act and the ability to handle and work with confidential records and materials of minors. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

Planning and Implementation

• Under the direct supervision of the Talent Search Director and Site Coordinator assist Talent Search participants and staff.
• Assist Talent Search students in completing College and Financial Aid (FAFSA)applications.
• Assist Talent Search students in completing scholarship applications.
• Responsible for follow-up with students; these contacts will be in-person and/or virtual.
• Assist Talent Search Coordinators in tracking students’ academic progress.
• Assist Talent Search Coordinators in updating social media program accounts.
• Skills to organize work effectively to achieve timely progress on multiple projects, distribute appropriate effort among the projects, meet deadlines and maintain a high level of productivity and attention to detail.
• Other duties as assigned.

Record Keeping

• Maintains a record of the participant’s progress and attendance.
• Submits reports and evaluations as necessary to Talent Search staff.
• All record-keeping materials will be provided by program staff.

Competency: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

Education/Experience:

• Minimum of one year of undergraduate coursework from an accredited institution of higher education in Mathematics, Science, Literature, Composition, Foreign Language, or a related field of study; or meets the equivalent qualifications as established by the agency’s personnel