Persistence Advisor

STATEMENT OF THE AGENCY:Commonpoint is a non-profit, multi-service agency with flagship sites in Little Neck, Bayside, Forest Hills, East Elmhurst, Bronx, and Jamaica with 70 additional sites throughout the community that provides a diverse array of programs and services to over 70,000 mission is to sustain and enhance the quality of family and individual life for all members of our community, regardless of religion, ethnic or cultural background, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual preference, age, or disability, within a pervasive and inclusive environment that facilitates individual growth, meets individual needs and builds community. We accomplish this mission through a broad range of social, educational, and recreational services that reach community members of all ages and backgrounds.STATEMENT OF THE POSITION:Within our framework of a holistic, strength-focused, and family-supported practice, an individual is hired as a Persistence Advisor in the High School and College Success division and will report directly to the Assistant Director of College Access & Persistence. The Persistence Program provides individual academic and social-emotional support services to our new, continuing, and transfer students. Supports include assisting with transition and enrollment, providing resources and opportunities for students to explore career and degree options as well as self-advocacy skills. Education & Qualifications:Master's degree preferred, preferably in Social Work, Counseling, School Counseling, School Psychology, or a related field from an accredited university; Bilingual - Spanish extension is strongly preferred.2-3 years of graduate school field placement or work experience within either a youth-focused or education-focused agency.Prior experience working with high school and college students is a plus.Highly detail-oriented and organized approach to tasks while able to meet competing deadlines.Exceptional communication skills: verbal, written, interpersonal (phone and in-person).Demonstrates unequivocal passion for closing the achievement and opportunity gap.Self-starter who can work independently and collaboratively in a group, is team-oriented, has a growth mindset, and is willing to do what it takes to get the work done (whether it is their specifically assigned task or not).Proficient in Google Suite, and experience using Database/CMS program preferred (e.g. Salesforce, National Student Clearinghouse).Must be able to travel.Prior workshop/seminar development and implementation experience preferred; prior college counseling experience strongly preferred.Must have excellent organizational, teamwork, verbal, and written communication skills.Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based and/or youth development perspective.Responsibilities:Create engaging and relevant activities for students and their families connected to college success.Ability to work evenings and weekends.May require overnight travel.Ability to travel to multiple sites including CUNY and SUNY college campuses.Foster and manage relationships with college personnel, including college administrators, professors, and staff who provide student support services.Experience working with a diverse group of students and ability to support students as a liaison. Strong relationship-building and group facilitation capabilities, incorporating cross-cultural sensitivity.Deep understanding of positive youth development, education learning standards, and issues facing immigrant and first-generation youth in the U.S.College guidance experience and strong knowledge of college applications, opportunity programs (HEOP/SEEK/CD/EOP), financial aid and scholarship process, and college portals.Ability to research and develop opportunities for alumni.Ability to develop partnerships, work with and in teams.Takes initiative and has the ability to solve problems.Energized by the idea and process of creating and implementing new initiatives.Identify gaps in services based on best practices in retention and create programs to improve student success.Develop student records and portfolios, including academic monitoring and an early warning system to address risks to retention.Maintain a schedule for regular outreach to students in the program via phone, text, email, virtual, and in-person communications.Build positive rapport with students to serve as a person of impact and influence throughout their post-secondary journey.General Tasks of Commonpoint Staff:Promote and implement the Core Values of the Community Center.Participation in all staff meetings and staff training seminars.Participation in agency-wide programs and program committees, as assigned.Active involvement as a supervisee in the supervision process.Support the mission of Commonpoint.Other tasks appropriate to Commonpoint’s staff, as assigned.Commonpoint reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.Commonpoint is an equal-opportunity employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.Full Time Position.Location: 82-17 Parsons Boulevard.Salary Range: $55,000-57,500.Non-Union Position.To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and résumé, as a Word or PDF document only, to Renée Catanzaro @rcatanzaro@commonpoint.org Please indicate “Persistence Advisor” in the subject line. Due to the high volume of applicants, only qualified candidates will be contacted. About Commonpoint: Commonpoint is a community centric nonprofit, serving diverse audiences through every chapter of life, across the five boroughs and beyond. We offer a rich range of services through our vast network of professionals, social workers, and volunteers, giving people the tools and resources to connect and grow.At every stage and every age, regardless of disability or ability, people can look to Commonpoint to find care during a crisis, access opportunities to grow, and deepen their sense of connection to those around them. From summer camps and job training to food pantries and private pool clubs, Commonpoint is by your side. We are proud of our clients, partners, and team members who lift each other up, building relationships for a lifetime. Because being a part of Commonpoint is investing in a community where everyone is invited and welcome.