College Access Specialist

College Access Specialist - Paseo Academy of Fine Arts Kansas City School District - KCMO 1400 - Paseo Academy of Fine Arts - Kansas City, Missouri Starting Date: Immediately Position Summary The College Access Specialist will work across high school programs and grades to build a college-going culture and to increase the enrollment rate of KCPS scholars in post‑secondary educational institutions and career programs. This role provides comprehensive supports to assist in the goals of the Office of College Access concerning equity and the KCPS mission of having all students college‑ready upon graduation. Responsibilities Support middle and high school students and their families with post‑secondary planning according to student fit, interests, and goals. Offer one‑on‑one advising and provide additional college and career supports, such as invitations to college visits, assistance with scholarship applications, and connecting KCPS students with first‑generation college support programs. Organize and participate in occasional evening and weekend events including financial aid workshops, college planning, college representative visits, parent conferences, open house, middle school parent night events, etc. Assist in the supervision and support of college visits, fairs, or CCR events where students and family members can research college options, learn about scholarships & financial aid, and receive additional advising support. Host multiple FAFSA events and participate in training to offer FAFSA assistance to students and families. Monitor, document, and maintain accurate data in data‑tracking systems to include college applications, FAFSA workshops, A+ Scholarship eligibility, and scholarship databases for KCPS students and staff to track activities, achievement, participation, progress, and status. Share, develop, and provide information and materials related to college, career, and scholarship opportunities for high school students, families, and the school community. Coordinate field trips and events that inspire and inform participants about scholarships, CCR options, and future career pathways with local/regional partners and universities. Contact, schedule and arrange guest speakers from the local, state and national colleges and act as liaison between organizations and assigned school site. Maintain current lists and bulletins concerning scholarships, programs, events, and internship opportunities; develop strategies to share information concerning specialized scholarships, college‑ready opportunities, and assistance through newsletters and emails. Notify students of A+ Scholarship eligibility based on GPA, service, job shadow participation, and attendance to ensure program implementation; host quarterly informational events to educate the requirements of the A+ Scholarship program. Deliver presentations to staff, students, parents, and the public about college entrance, A+ Scholarship, financial aid, general/specific scholarships, test prep, college admissions, and other CCR opportunities. Provide and promote information concerning ACT/SAT prep and other CCR assessments; assist students with applications and scheduling into district‑led prep programs and may aid with school‑led ACT/SAT programs or other test assessments. Familiarize students, families, and staff with Xello online platform and other college access and career planning tools. Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct, including the requirements of confidentiality regarding student and personnel information. Demonstrate professionalism through punctuality and have consistent, reliable attendance. Comply with all district policies and procedures. Attend professional development to develop college awareness and stay abreast of changes in careers and college admission requirements. Perform other duties as assigned. Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of the position. The selected applicant may occasionally work outside of typical office hours to provide professional development activities. Supervisory Responsibilities None Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in education, nonprofit administration, youth services, or related degree. Preferred Qualifications Master’s Degree in education, nonprofit administration, youth services, or related degree. Experience in college advising and/or career planning. Five years’ experience with children. Multilingual. Physical Demands This job requires that the employee be able to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, use hands, fingers, and reach with hands and fingers; bend, stoop, and lift objects of at least ten pounds. Job requires the employee occasionally to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Visual ability requires mono and color vision, close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Terms of Employment Length of work year: 12 months; 261 days; 5 days per week; 7.5 hours a day. Benefits: Health and Dental Insurance are provided. KCPS Defined Benefit Pension plan – mandatory 9% contribution is required from employees and matched by KCPS; voluntary retirement savings plans are also available. Position Type: Full‑Time Job Requirements Citizenship, residency or work visa required. #J-18808-Ljbffr Young World Physical Education