Career, Service, and Justice (CSJ) Office Program Director, Advocate Center

Posted by Advocate Center on May 30, 2016

The Advocate Center for Culture and Education, (located at 18th and Diamond St), seeks a passionate, detailed-oriented, individual as its Career, Service, and Justice (CSJ) Office Program Director.

Organization Background:
The Advocate Center unites community residents, volunteers, churches, service providers and educational institutions in a cooperative effort of mutual support and learning to improve the life prospects and well-being of North Philadelphia residents. The Center operates an after school program, workshops for exposure, and summer programming with our partners which include, Art Sanctuary, Arts4All, ArtWell, and Mighty Writers. The Advocate Center is housed at the historic Church of the Advocate.

CSJ Office:
Using a holistic, best-practice approach that engages youth and their parents, the CSJ Office is a year-round, full-service, communitybased college and career counseling office in a community where both young people and adults may have limited access to such resources. Teens receive group and one-on-one support around college and career prep, community service, and advocacy for self and systemic change. Stipendiary parent educators lead regular workshops and discussions to support other parents around the college search, application, and financial aid process. The CSJ Office will also connect students with outside resources to support education and job attainment, including campus visits, college admissions officers, career counselors, and opportunities to volunteer and serve (which will in turn enhance their college applications and career prospects).

CSJ programming begins this summer with the Advocate Center’s intensive two-week College Boot Camp for 25 rising high school juniors and seniors. Students will attend workshops on financial aid, receive personal coaching on goal-setting, and visit two college campuses. Program partner Mighty Writers will provide college essay writing support. By fall 2016, the CSJ will offer its full program complement with a cohort of 25 students: three four-week student workshops on the college search, application, and financial aid process; three individual counseling sessions per student per semester; essay-writing nights; and monthly peer workshops for parents.

Roles and Responsibilities
The CSJ Program Director reports to the Executive Director, and will launch and grow a community-based college and career counseling office educatin and supporting students and parents in the college and job application process, coordinating community service opportunities, and equipping families to advocate for their own child’s education and access. The Program Director will work with high school students with a primary focus on 11th and 12th graders.The CSJ Program Director is responsible for, but not limited to the following duties:
● Manage daily operations of the Career, Service and Justice Office
● One-on-One academic/college advising
○ Develop individualized college and career plans with each student
○ Support students based on individualized goals and needs
● Leading and/or coordinating at least 3 college prep and career prep workshops a semester in areas including, but not limited to:
○ College essay writing
○ The Common Application
○ College fit
○ Financial Aid
○ Scholarships
○ Career fit
○ Resume Development
○ Goal setting
● Weekly Group Social/Emotional Care Sessions
● Managing and training two Parent Liaisons
● Plan and design curriculum, special events, and summer college boot camp in collaboration with the Center’s staff and partners
● Coordinate, Lead, and Design the summer college boot camp and all college/career summer activities
● Directly support all high school seniors and families with college applications and financial aid
● Communicate and collaborate with school counselors and teachers to assure student success
● Manage student data in order to track outcomes and long-term impact:
○ Track all aspects of college application process, including submissions, acceptances, and financial aid
○ Track all aspects of the job application process, include submissions, interviews, and placement
○ Manage, coordinate, support and track students’ community service
● Planning and implementation of college visits and other college and career-related field trips
● Build student voice and self-advocacy skills for college success and completion
● Share college and career success stories and progress of students (and families) through social media, the Center’s newsletter, and in annual report
● Develop a partnership network with local colleges and univiersities
● Collaborate with development staff and/or consultants on college and career prep related grants

Qualifications
A successful candidate will have the following skills:
● Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience
● Teaching Certificate, degree in Counseling or related field preferred
● Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and prioritize.
● Passion for youth and education
● Demonstrated knowledge of college and career application process
● 1+ years professional experience providing college guidance services to students from underrepresented backgrounds preferred

Position Details:
The CSJ Program Director is a full time position. The Program Director must be available to work afternoons and evenings.

Compensation:
Salary commensurate with education and experience. Benefits and professional development opportunities.

Apply:
Interested Candidates must email their resume and cover letter to info@theadvocatecenter.org.

http://www.theadvocatecenter.org