Job Summary

Somerset Community College invites applications for an Academic Advisor for the Upward Bound Program position. The primary purpose of this position is to assist the Program Director in coordinating all aspects of Upward Bound. The Upward Bound program is grant funded and funded through May 31, 2026. KCTCS will be requesting a continuation budget for the Upward Bound Program.

Job Duties:

• Provide career advising, course selection, and support to program participants; monitor/supervise tutoring sessions and the academic progress of students; coordinate services, perform workshops and activities; work with parents, agency referrals, target schools, and postsecondary institutions.

• Responsible for developing and maintaining a library of information on colleges, financial aid, careers, scholarships, applications, cultural resources, instructional software, and materials.

• Recruit, interview, and select participants for the Upward Bound Program.

• Mentor and provide academic advising sessions with participants.

• Conduct in-school visits two times per month at each target school.

• Chaperone program participants to College Day/College Night activities, and in/out-of-state field trips.

• Assist participants with ACT/SAT preparation and completion of admissions and financial aid applications.

• Attend at least one TRIO training session per year and complete all institutional professional development requirements.

• Review grades and assessments of Upward Bound participants and revise individual college plans.

• Work with college admissions departments to schedule, arrange, and secure campus tours/admissions presentations.

• Individual travel is also required.

• Will include frequent evenings, weekends, and overnight trips.

• Collecting and compiling data for performance reporting.

• Maintain verbal and electronic communication system with students and families.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills necessary.

• Willingness to participate in hands-on activities with students.

• Involves moderate physical activity; chaperoning summer focus activities, campus tours, city tours and other activities/events.

• Computer skills required; experience with web applications such as Google Suite, Jot Forms, etc. preferred.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree (Education with focus on Counseling or Student Affairs, or related field) with two years of experience working with youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.  

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to applicants who have previous experience with TRIO programs and/or who themselves were first-generation college students.

Employee Rights - Employee Polygraph Protection Act

Equal Opportunity Employer - The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution.