The Talent Search Success Coach is primarily responsible for managing a student caseload of high school students in grades 9-12 and provide support for students as they progress towards academic goals. Success coaching is an interactive process that includes reviewing personal and/or professional goals, relating these goals to academic/educational plans and supporting the student towards completion of identified goals. The primary focus of the Talent Search Success Coach is to develop an intentional, personal relationship with the student, which is designed to enhance goal attainment and meet program objectives. This is a year-round position that is grant funded by the TRIO Talent Search grant with an expected end date of August 31st, 2026. This position will mainly work off campus at Manual High School and occasionally must report to the Peoria campus for meetings.

This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Interview, advise, and assist students with secondary and postsecondary course enrollment, retention, and success strategies.
2. Work with each student on caseload to produce Education Action Plan (EAP).
3. Review assessment reports regarding the students' academic history and performance in courses.
4. Monitor student usage and progress on remedial academic support software.
5. Monitor students' academic progress and work with school counselors and instructors to assist them accordingly.
6. Generate and submit reports documenting student participation in project activities, referral programs, tutoring, rigorous courses, career workshops, mentoring activities, and learning labs.
7. Coordinate academic support, financial literacy, and cultural enrichment activities virtually and in person. Supervise program tutors.
8. Conduct training in order to improve project staff, target school staff, and volunteer skills.
9. Work with program partners to assist student referrals for expanded support as needed.
10. Conduct follow-up sessions with students.
11. Review and evaluate student success and effectiveness using data.
12. Recommend, develop and implement new student recruitment initiatives that strategically target at-risk populations not currently being served, as identified by data.
13. Be available for trips, activities and special events, which may require some evening and/or weekend hours and be able to drive a 15-person van for local trips.
14. Maintain open communication with all academic and student services departments through memos, emails, phone contacts and personal meetings.
15. Maintain student records and files in a consistent, secure, and accurate manner.
16. Perform related duties as required.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

1. Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or other human service field.
2. 3 years of experience in advising, counseling, or other work in a related field working with economically and educationally disadvantaged persons.
3. Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
4. Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with students from low-income, disadvantaged educational backgrounds.
5. Experience tracking academic progress and gathering academic supports for students.
6. Experience with training and monitoring volunteers.
7. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
8. Strong multi-tasking and prioritization skills.
9. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
10. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with others.

1. Experience working in a community college and/or high school.
2. Experience with academic advising, retention or related student services.
3. Experience with PeopleSoft.