"EOP Counselor"

About the Position

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Counselor, under general supervision, is assigned a caseload of EOP students and assists in the retention of EOP students through counseling and advisement, workshops, classes, referrals, and other forms of interventions. The EOP Counselor assists students to resolve moderately complex problem(s) that affects their ability to be successful in their educational and career pursuits and make appropriate referrals to campus services and other resources.

Responsibilities

Student Developmental Counseling/Advising

• Provide advisement, individually and in groups, which include academic, personal, financial, or career-related counseling to a caseload of current EOP students.
• Perform analysis of student skills, abilities, previous academic performance and factors contributing to the student’s academic progress to assist students in program planning, course advising, major and career exploration.
• Complete GE evaluation and advising worksheets and maintain detailed and current records on each assigned student, including program of study outline, quarterly academic progress, counseling/advising contacts, referrals, and test scores.
• Assist students to identify their problems, think them through, evaluate them realistically, deal with their aptitudes and abilities as related to their particular needs and circumstances, select suitable educational or vocational goals, and implement corrective measures to alleviate skill deficiencies.
• Use judgment to address individual student problems, which represent integrative approaches comprising appropriate referrals to campus services and other resources.
• Implement established techniques of encouraging and supporting the personal developmental needs of a diverse student population.
• Utilize proper and established techniques to interact with persons with hostile reactions and bring such situations under control.
• Plan and conduct retention-related workshops, sessions, and/or courses, as required.
• Maintain regular contact with students on caseload and monitor each student’s academic progress.

Component Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning and coordination of program implementation and services for designated caseloads.
• Maintain a planning schedule for caseload management.
• Write caseload reports, which include evaluation and recommendations.
• Assist with coordinating the development and updating of all needed publications.

Liaison and Campus Involvement Responsibilities

• Represent the department in appropriate committees.
• Initiate and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of individuals and groups, including faculty, staff, student organizations and off-campus community groups.
• Partake in appropriate professional development activities to remain current on relevant issues pertaining to higher education and the recruitment and retention of low-income and high risk students.
• Participate in campus wide events and programs, which seek to recruit, retain, or encourage the success of low-income and environmentally disadvantaged students.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience

The equivalent of two (2) years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field. Experience should give evidence of competence and indicate the potential for further growth. A master’s degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience.

Education

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration or a job-related field. Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Knowledge and Abilities

Working knowledge of the practices, procedures and activities of the program to which assigned; general knowledge of the methods and problems of organizational and program management. General knowledge of research and interview techniques; and of the principles of individual and group behavior. Ability to interpret and apply program rules and regulations. Use initiative and resourcefulness in planning work assignments and in implementing long-range program improvements. Obtain factual and interpretive information through interviews. Reason logically; collect, compile, analyze and evaluate data and make verbal or written presentations based on these data. Advise students individually and in groups on routine matters where required. Recognize multicultural, multi-sexed and multi-aged value systems and work accordingly. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, CSU administrators, student organizations, private and public agencies and others in committee work, and student advising and community contacts; and, rapidly acquire a general knowledge of the overall operation, functions and programs of the campus to which assigned. Demonstrated ability to make decisions and carry through actions having implications with regard to other program or service areas Services Office.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of GE, major, and graduation requirements.
• Knowledge of university policy and procedures regarding all academic concerns.
• Ability to interpret and use appropriate PeopleSoft admission, registration, advising, financial aid screens.
• Ability to assess student’s skill level based on information provided.
• Knowledge of the calculation of grade point deficiencies (GPD), grade point average (GPA), and the impact of academic renewal on the GPA and GPD.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures governing academic probation, disqualification, academic renewal, and reinstatement.
• Proficient in utilizing the computer, Word processing software, MS Access and other database software.
• Knowledge of departmental, divisional and university protocol.
• Knowledge of interviewing and counseling skills and the ability to apply these to the counseling session.
• General knowledge of financial aid process and policies.
• Knowledge of group facilitation processes and advanced human relations skills.
• Knowledge of values and worldview of various cultures represented in the EOP program.
• Ability to interact and work cooperatively with a diverse student population and staff.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of individual and group behavior.
• General knowledge of individual counseling techniques.
• Working knowledge of student services programs outside of EOP.
• Ability to analyze complex situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action.
• Ability to carry out a variety of professionally complex assignments without detailed instructions.

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $5,083.00 per month to $7,228.00 per month. For more information on the benefits program, please visit our benefits website. The CSU Total Compensation Calculator demonstrates the significance of our benefits package.