Santa Fe College’s Upward Bound (UB) is a federally funded program designed to provide first generation and/or low-income high school students in Bradford High Schools with the academic skills and motivation necessary to succeed in their pre-college studies.  The program’s focus is high school persistence and college going culture with the specific goal of increasing the rate at which participants complete secondary educational objectives, enroll and graduate from a post-secondary institution.   The UB Program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately succeed in their higher education pursuits.

Upward Bound is seeking an Academic Coach to facilitate provision of an array of services such as supplemental instruction, tutoring, personal support/counseling, financial education, academic advising, mentoring and study skills development. The Academic Coach for Upward Bound handles the day-to-day delivery of services provided by Upward Bound and in coordination with the Director, is accountable for program success.

This position’s duties will include travel to Starke, and the Academic Coach, Upward Bound will support both Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science.

• Collaborate with coordinator to identify, recruit, select eligible participants.
• Regularly meet with program participants to support persistence, retention and completion.
• Facilitate academic guidance, financial assistance and literacy, career development, transfer pathways, tutoring, and study skills development for program participants.
• Track, monitor and maintain accurate records of student academic progress.
• Assist in the recruitment, selection, and training of academic subject matter tutors, coordinate tutoring schedules/sessions with tutors/participants and supervise tutors.
• Develop and maintain relationships with SF, UF, GHS, NHS, and community constituents for appropriate referrals with staff.
• Work closely with UBMS staff to serve students of the program effectively and holistically.
• Respond to at-risk reporting with appropriate student outreach, referral, and follow-up.
• Facilitate supplemental instruction, arrange transfer and cultural visits, and develop resources for UBMS students.
• Partner with the coordinator to conduct research necessary for project evaluation, assisting in the evaluation process to include annual report, consultant visits and grant submission.
• Provide outreach to students through class presentations, college events, and other initiatives. Some initiatives might include night and/or weekend commitments.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to maintain currency in the field.
• Provides and promotes service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible and professional engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Reports to: Coordinator, Upward Bound

Required: Bachelor’s degree in counseling, education, advising, or a related field and at least (2) two years’ experience working with at-risk high school or postsecondary students.

Preferred: Master’s degree in counseling, education, advising or a related field with previous experience working in a TRIO program.

Additional Requirements: Must possess a valid Florida Driver License and be authorized to drive for the college (Driving Requirements) is required. The ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. A criminal background check will be conducted.

• Analytical Aptitude & Problem Solving - able to analyze information, problems, situations, practices and/or procedures, collect and interpret data, reason logically, establish facts, identify and define existing and potential issues, recognize the interrelationships among elements, draw valid conclusions, develop recommendations, as well as alternative courses of action, select appropriate course, follow up, and evaluate.
• Leadership – has demonstrated success as an entrepreneurial, high energy, driven, hands-on leader.  Possess expertise in selecting, training, developing, coaching, mentoring, and retaining a highly motivated workforce.
• Communication – able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner using preferred method and level as applicable to the job.  
• Relationship Management – able to personally provide high level of interactive service to others, building relationships and addressing identified needs.
• Systems & Software - proficient level of knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or relevant position software programs.
• Team Orientation & Interpersonal – highly motivated team player with ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with all levels within and external to the organization.
• Ethics – able to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, civility, and a high degree of ethics in all job-related actions.
• Ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment.

Application Process:  All applicants must submit a completed online SF Employment Application, a letter of intent demonstrating evidence of overcoming barriers experienced by low income and first-generation students and having knowledge of working with ethnic minority and low-income students, an up-to-date resume, as well as college transcripts to be considered for this position. Unofficial transcripts are only accepted for review purposes, official transcripts are required prior to any offer of employment being made.