About the Role
The Higher Education Coach will serve as an advisor, mentor, and role model for young men of color, assisting them with post-secondary preparatory activities. This includes guidance on college admissions, financial aid, military, and workforce readiness, as well as supporting goal-setting and future planning through various enrichment and exploration activities.
Responsibilities
- Provide on-going college, career and military readiness advising services to juniors and seniors throughout the school year.
- Plan and facilitate opportunities for students to participate in leadership workshops, service learning projects, enrichment and career exploration opportunities, and college campus visits.
- Assist students in choosing the post-secondary program that is the best fit for them, providing guidance throughout the whole process.
- Plan and facilitate family engagement workshops that are responsive to the needs of MSAP participants such as postsecondary credential attainment, dual credit enrollment options, & financial aid workshops to complete federal and state financial aid applications.
- Support end-of-year celebrations such as National Decision Day when seniors share their college plans with classmates and families and celebrate their decision to continue their education.
- Timely and accurate completion of case management documentation requirements, including writing detailed case notes, entering data into a database system, and navigating technology tools used for digital case management.
- Prepare and submit regular and timely reports as required.
- Maintain a positive relationship with CIS staff and campus personnel.
- Participate in the CIS approach to service delivery and problem solving.
- Promote and maintain CIS culture, values, and systems.
- Perform other activities and duties as directed by the MSAP Program Director or Sr. Program Director for College, Career and Military Readiness.
Requirements
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience working directly with boys and young men of color, preferably in a school-based setting.
- Experience working directly with student parents/guardians and families.
- Demonstrated cultural acumen including the ability to engage with and support a diverse community.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive and productive relationships to effectively collaborate with CIS staff, school personnel and community partners.
- Highly self-motivated and able to work both autonomously and collaboratively.
- Demonstrated ability to manage priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Access to reliable transportation.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
Skills
- Demonstrated English/Spanish speaking skills preferred.
- Lived experience as a Black or LatinX male is preferred.
- Strong counseling skills including career development and group facilitation.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on strength-based leadership.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Location
- Northeast High School
- Navarro High School
Work Type
- Campus-based
- Occasional evening and weekend work
Experience Level
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience working directly with boys and young men of color, preferably in a school-based setting.
Education Level
- Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, counseling/guidance, or related field is preferred, or the equivalent of relevant experience and training.
Salary/Compensations
- $4,000 / month (contingent on experience)
Benefits
- Generous paid time off: 4+ weeks of holidays, 3 weeks of summer break, 2 weeks of vacation time, personal days, and sick days.
- Financial stipends for qualified staff: Spanish proficiency, Active Texas Mental Health License (LMSW, LCSW, LMFT-A, LPC, or LPC-A).
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: 100% employer-paid employee medical plan available, plus family subsidies, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
- Professional growth: Ongoing development opportunities.
- Community-centered culture focused on impact, growth, and connection.
About the Company
- Communities In Schools (CIS) is the nation’s largest and most effective dropout prevention organization.
- For 40 years, Communities In Schools has been helping students achieve in school, graduate, and go on to bright futures.
- The CIS Male Student Achievement Program (MSAP) is a transformative leadership and peer support program for young men who are at high risk of dropping out of high school.
- MSAP identifies male-identifying students who have poor attendance, are at risk or are already involved with the juvenile justice system and are on the path to dropping out and cultivates a “positive brotherhood” to empower students with the support and skills to reduce or stop risky behaviors and make positive, informed choices about their relationships, physical health, and future.
- MSAP offers curriculum-based, experiential group activities grounded in the leading adolescent development research.
- The pillars of the MSAP are critical mentoring, leadership development, developing a positive view of male masculinity, academic coaching, and post-secondary access.
- The program works by developing a close relationship with a skilled caring adult, creating a community of accountability among the young men, expanding horizons through enrichment experiences and exposure to college and career opportunities in Central Texas, and creating leadership opportunities and a chance for students to give back to the community.
Equal Opportunity
- Communities In CIs of Central Texas is an equal-opportunity employer.
