HEOP Counselor

Founded by the Sisters of Charity of New York, the University of Mount Saint Vincent is an academically excellent, authentically inclusive, Catholic and ecumenical liberal arts University. The University combines a strong core curriculum with a full array of majors in the liberal arts and, within the tradition of liberal education, selected professional fields of study.

At Mount Saint Vincent, a student’s education extends beyond knowledge, skills, and preparation for work. We seek the development of the whole person. In the spirit of Vincent de Paul and Elizabeth Ann Seton, we foster an understanding of our common humanity, a commitment to human dignity, and a full appreciation of our obligations to each other.

Through its School of Professional and Continuing Studies, the University extends its primary undergraduate mission by offering high quality graduate studies in business, education and nursing and an array of undergraduate and certificate programs serving non-traditional students.

About HEOP Program

The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is a collaborative initiative between the University and the New York State Education Department (NYSED). HEOP supports students who demonstrates academic potential but face financial and educational barriers to access college. The program's mission is to empower these students to thrive academically and graduate successfully.

Position Overview

The HEOP Counselor serves as a key contributor to student success by providing personalized and group advising, implementing targeted academic programming, and offering holistic support. This role requires a strong commitment to student development and meaningful engagement across academic, social, and financial dimensions.

Reporting to the Director for Federal and State Programs, the Counselor holds a full-time, exempt, on-campus position that directly impacts student retention and graduation outcomes. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proactive, student-centered approach, guiding students through the complexities of their college experience.

Standard working hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends is expected to support programmatic activities, events, conferences, and training sessions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive academic, personal, crisis, and financial advising to an assigned caseload of students.
• Create and maintain detailed and accurate student records.
• Support students in adjusting to college life, overcoming personal challenges, and developing skills for academic and personal success.
• Assist in planning and executing the HEOP Summer Program (4–5 weeks).
• Participate in weekly staff meetings, one-on-one sessions with the Director, and professional development activities.
• Represent HEOP at campus-wide events and serve on University committees as assigned.
• Collaborate with faculty and campus support services to enhance student outcomes.
• Develop and implement early intervention strategies for students experiencing academic difficulties.
• Maintain regular communication with students to monitor progress and adjust support plans as needed.
• Guide students through financial aid processes in coordination with relevant campus offices.
• Design and facilitate workshops on academic, social, career, financial, and cultural topics.
• Lead initiatives and programs that promote academic achievement and personal development.
• Contribute to program assessment and fulfill state reporting requirements.
• Monitor student progress through ongoing communication with faculty, tutors, and support staff.
• Connect students with campus resources such as mental health services, financial aid, tutoring, and career development.
• Advise and mentor the HEOP Student Board, supporting leadership development and program planning.
• Adherence to the highest standards of professionalism, with active listening skills and the ability to work as part of a team while maintaining appropriate boundaries with students.
• Availability June - August for preparations and implantation HEOP summer program.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director for Federal and State Programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a social science or counseling-related field is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
• One year of experience in higher education counseling, preferably working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong interest in working with college students and the ability to connect with a diverse student population. Must possess an energetic, engaging, and positive personality that e