Working Title: First Star Academy Program Advisor

Classification Title: Student Services Professional II

Posting Details 

Priority Application Date (Posting will remain open until filled): Thursday, May 4th @ 11:55pm PST

Hiring Preference

Not Applicable

Position Summary

Under general supervision of the Director of Foster and Community Youth Initiatives, the First Star Academy Program Advisor (Program Advisor) performs outreach and recruitment activities to engage and enroll high school foster youth, former foster youth, and unhoused youth to program. Explain programs, enrollment process, and services to individuals, caregivers, and community organizations; provide referrals to students, staff and community organizations on college programs and procedures and seek information concerning the need for additional programs; work with college staff, faculty and administration to develop, organize, and coordinate activities and events that facilitate student orientation and outreach designed to promote recruitment efforts for former foster youth and unhoused youth. foster relationships with local feeder high schools, governmental agencies, and community-based organizations through in-person, written and electronic communication.

Represent the college at community functions and organizational meetings; develop, organize, supervise and attend workshops, forums, conferences, and related college sponsored events; assist in the development and/or selection of marketing and promotional materials, such as appropriate media packages, and interface with other college departments on marketing strategies; conduct orientation session and periodic training sessions and workshops for caregivers, community members, student assistants, and student workers. Train and oversee student assistants and student workers; track student contacts to monitor services required and provide follow-up throughout the enrollment process; provide data for institutional research; perform follow-up studies and evaluations of outreach services; develop and maintain the outreach master calendar; perform related duties as assigned.

This role requires use of sound independent judgment while dealing with moderately complex student service problems. It demands the utilization of effective interpersonal skills with both individuals and groups, to be flexible and versatile, to use tact and sensitivity and to apply effective analytical skills in assisting with the preparation of documentation, mandatory reporting, and program assessment.

FLSA: Exempt (not eligible for overtime)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $ 4,610 per month - $ 4,840 per month, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training

CSU Classification Salary Range: $ 4,610 per month - $ 6,556 per month

Best-in-class Benefits: Click here to learn more

CSU Total Compensation: Click here to learn more

Salary Grade/Range:  1

Recruitment Type: Regular (Probationary)

Time Base: Full-Time

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm. Work hours may vary depending on department need. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

Department Information 

The First Star Sacramento State Academy for Foster Youth at California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State) is a collaborative effort by California State University, Sacramento; First Star Inc.; the Sacramento County Child, Family, and Adult Services Department (DCFAS), and other local stakeholders.

The First Star Sacramento State Academy is a free, comprehensive four-year college readiness program for youth in foster care that aims to provide the academic support, enrichment, resources, and encouragement needed to assist youth in becoming competitive college applicants to enroll and succeed in college. For more information visit https://www.csus.edu/student-affairs/retention-academic-success/first-star-academy.html

Minimum Qualifications 

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 interpretative 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, multisexed 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.

Possession of these knowledge and abilities typically is demonstrated through the Experience requirements below.

Experience:

Possession of these knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of two 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 the 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.

Required Qualifications 

Experience

1. Higher education student services experience (e.g. advising, admissions, student programming or development, residential housing)
2. Experience working with students from various ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

3. Knowledge of current issues regarding foster care impacted students
4. Understanding of diversity that includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ability, socioeconomic level, religion, political affiliation
5. Ability to interact effectively with a diverse population including students, faculty, administrators, family members, and the community, from a variety of cultural, education, and socioeconomic backgrounds
6. Ability to independently prioritize, plan, and organize work in a fast-paced environment
7. Interpersonal skills and the ability to provide direct programs and/or services to a diverse student group
8. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment that includes presentations to individuals, small and large groups
9. Ability to compile, prepare, write and review reports
10. Proficiency using standard office software packages (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite)
11. Familiarity working with school-based record/data systems/software (example: PeopleSoft)
12. Ability and willingness to learn new technology to support and enhance programs and ensure that knowledge of the department stays current
13. Ability to understand, interpret and apply moderately complex rules, regulations and procedures
14. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
15. Ability to flex schedule to work weekends and evenings
16. Ability to work and live on campus in residence hall for up to four weeks in the summer
17. Knowledge of University policies and procedures, including policies governing the use of University funds and facilities
    
    Conditions of Employment
    - Ability to pass a background check

Preferred Qualifications 

1. Experience working with high school students considered to be “at risk”
2. Experience providing training and awareness for caregivers
3. Experience in Outreach and Recruitment efforts and strategies
4. Experience with foster care system and LGBQIA+
5. Experience in social media platforms and technology to support and enhance programs and ensure that knowledge of the department stays current
6. Knowledge of surrounding counties within 170 miles of Sacramento region

Resume and cover letter.

Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.

About Sac State

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State’s 31,000 students come not only from the Greater Sacramento Region, but also from across the state, country, and world. Our 1800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission: “As California’s capital university, we transform lives by preparing students for leadership, service, and success. Sacramento State will be a recognized leader in education, innovation, and engagement.” As the regional hub of higher education, Sac State is dedicated to student success, diversity, equity and inclusion, community engagement, philanthropy, and campus safety.  

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code, Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued.  Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.  

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

Selected candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1-B Visa). 

Note to Applicants:

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.