Outreach Counselor - 005116

Western Carolina University

Department: Human Services

About WCU: Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including: 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries. 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries. 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary: The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus with regular weekly travel to target schools.

This is a time-limited; grant-funded position. Continuation of employment is contingent upon the availability of funding. The position is currently funded through August of 2026 as part of the US Department of Education Talent Search grant.

The Outreach Counselor will primarily be responsible for providing direct services to Project Discovery-Talent Search participants in grades 6-12 at target area middle schools and high schools as specified in the grant application for Talent Search.

This includes:

• Identifying and recruiting low-income, first-generation students, or students who have demonstrated need for services in grades 6-12
• Advising and providing direct services to assigned caseload of ~225 participants at four target schools on topics such as college application process, financial aid, academic course selection, financial literacy, study skills, and social and emotional learning
• Conducting workshops and experiential programs for participants and families
• Meeting with target school partners including counselors and administrators
• Planning and execution of programs including college visits, STEM Camps, Leadership Camps, and Experiential and Adventure-Based Learning Programs
• Collecting school documents to track students and their academic progress such as needs assessments, report cards, and transcripts on an annual basis
• Collaborating with team to ensure that all program participants are served
• Other duties as assigned by the Director
• Job requires substantial travel, some heavy activity, and occasional overnight stays with limited conveniences such as stays in tents or rustic cabins for adventure-based programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelors Degree required in Human Services or related field and two years related experience in education, counseling, psychology, social work or related areas is required. Two years experience working with middle/high school students especially as a teacher or counselor. Demonstrated understanding of needs of those traditionally underrepresented in education. Ability to deliver age appropriate presentations. Experience in coordinating and facilitating student services and youth programming. Good oral and written communication skills. Must have valid drivers license and a willingness to travel.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to the following: Experience overcoming similar disadvantages as represented in targeted population. Masters Degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related areas. Experience working with TRIO programs, particularly Talent Search. Experience facilitating experiential education and adventure-based programs. Certification as School Counselor or Licensed Professional Counselor.

Position Type: Time-Limited Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants: This is a time-limited, grant-funded position.Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a list of at least three professional references (including contact information) to complete the application process.For questions or additional information please contact: JennieV Sorrells at 828-227-7137 or jdsorrells@email.wcu.edu

AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.


To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/29576







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