College Access Advisor - Salina

Job Details

Department: Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP

Campus Location: Other Kansas Location

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: $40,500 per year

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:00am-5:00pm (regular evenings & weekends based on scheduled events but flexible)

Job Story

Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP is seeking a passionate, relationship-driven College Access Advisor to serve students in foster care throughout the Salina region. This role is an opportunity where you can make a direct impact by helping students navigate the education system while building consistent, meaningful connections that support their path after high school. You will need to be able to transport students safely and efficiently to and from events.

Our program serves students in grades 7 through their first year of college, equipping them with the academic support, life skills, and guidance needed to graduate and pursue postsecondary education.

Salina needs to be your town and community for this story to be successful!

Job Summary

Responsible for the enrollment, monitoring and/or advising of eligible participants. Establishes and maintains a positive and professional relationship with all referral agencies. Plans educational, career and life skills activities, completes the College Access Plan (CAP) on each student and coordinates with College Access Mentors or other partners to ensure services are provided.

Essential Functions

• Instructs program students in college access workshops to include college preparation, financial literacy and career awareness workshops. Provides post enrollment academic monitoring, mentoring and advising as needed.
• Ensures completion of required applications, surveys and supporting documents by completing all necessary documentation of activities, assisting with data entry and accuracy of student database and obtaining student school records, surveys and college enrollment information.
• May work closely with privatized foster care agencies and local schools in enrolling students in the program. May negotiate in-kind donations with partners to ensure grant matches.
• Reviews student records, identifies local community referral resources and conducts referrals for students. Determines and schedules assessments of student needs; may assist with financial aid coordination.

Job Duties

Travel to assigned school districts to provide college going services to students in foster care. Monitors and tracks student academic progress, graduation, enrollment in college and FAFSA completion. Provides grant related activities such as workshops and college campus visits, academic advising, career exploration and job search, mentoring, tutoring resources, and summer programs. Assists students with KKGU dual credit application, DCF tuition waiver application and credit recovery, if needed. Coordinate and support college visits, career exploration opportunities, and enrichment activities.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social services or related field
• One (1) year of experience in academic advising or related field
• Valid driver's license
• Must be able to complete a State of Kansas Child Abuse and Neglect background check

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Travel regularly to assigned school districts and community sites across a geographically dispersed region, including rural and outlying schools
• Provide individualized advising focused on academic progress, graduation planning, and postsecondary pathways
• Monitor and track student data including grades, credits, FAFSA completion, and college enrollment
• Deliver workshops on college readiness, financial literacy, and career exploration (some evenings and weekends required)
• Assist students with key applications including dual credit, FAFSA, and the DCF tuition waiver
• Collaborate with school staff, child welfare professionals, and community partners to align support for students
• Maintain detailed and timely documentation to ensure continuity of services
• Ability to problem solve, adapt, and advocate for student needs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in education, college access, social services, or a related field
• Knowledge of the Kansas education system and/or foster care system preferred
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders or navigating community-based systems
• Ability to drive 7 to 15 passenger van safely & travel distances regularly