Talent Search Advisor/Mentor

LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. (LNESC) — a national non-profit organization – was established in 1973 to implement education and leadership programs that narrow the opportunity gap for America’s Latino youth. LNESC was founded by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the country’s oldest and largest Hispanic membership organization. In the early 1970s, LNESC attained its own separately incorporated 501(c)(3) status and began developing community-based programs to increase the educational attainment of economically disadvantaged students. For over fifty years, LNESC has focused on creating and implementing an array of developmentally appropriate educational initiatives and assisting members of the Hispanic/Latino community to become lifelong learners and leaders. LNESC has expanded to 16 centers throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

Program Summary

LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC) seeks full-time, grant-funded TRIO Talent Search Advisor/Mentor to work with the LNESC Austin Project Director and Staff to provide students from Austin Independent School District with academic and mentoring support in one-on-one interactions and small group meetings.

Talent Search began in 1965 and is one of the Federal TRiO programs. The program assists junior and high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds with the potential to complete secondary education and succeed in higher education. It is designed to motivate and support students by offering an array of educational and cultural opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, identify, and select participants according to the TRiO Talent Search guidelines.
• Participate, plan, and implement academic and cultural workshops, activities, and events.
• Attend weekly campus visits to meet with participants.
• Manage a caseload of 300-400 students; complete and organize required program documents and data for each student.
• Attend staff and program-related meetings (in-person and virtual).
• Provide assistance, support, and resources for students transitioning to higher education.
• Assist participants with applying for financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
• Monitor students’ academic progress and career planning.
• Support and communicate with parents both over the phone, Zoom, and in-person on student’s progress.
• Ability to maintain cooperative relationships with school district teachers, counselors, staff, and Administrators.
• Serve as a positive role model, both at school sites and within the community
• Ability to participate in the maintenance of the project’s web and social media pages.
• Perform related duties as needed.

Qualifications

• College degree required
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and follow-through skills
• Demonstrate leadership potential
• Basic knowledge of academic programs, including curricula and admission requirements at higher education institutions
• Able to work with diverse populations
• Proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive student information
• Familiarity with Google Software
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license
• Must be able to pass the Department of Texas & FBI background check
• Must be flexible and reliable. Some evenings and weekend work is required.
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred