Supplemental Information

Under the administrative arm of the Board of Regents, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) administers Louisiana’s premier merit-based scholarship program, the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), Louisiana’s need-based component to the state’s financial aid plan to support non-traditional and low to moderate-income students called Go Grant, the state’s 529 college savings plan called the Student Tuition Assistance and Revenue Trust (START) program, the educational savings plan for K-12 tuition called the START K-12 program, the 529-A savings plan called the Louisiana ABLE program, the Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship program, TOPS Tech Early Start Program for 11th and 12th graders, the John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program, the work force development program that provides financial assistance for students enrolled in one of 5 high demand, high pay industry sectors, called the MJ Foster program, and scholarships for students enrolled in teacher preparation programs called the Geaux Teach program.

LOSFA is extremely active in the dissemination of college access information within the state, with a concentration on assisting students from low-income families and first-generation college attendees in locating and obtaining the resources necessary to pursue and complete a postsecondary education. To attain this, LOSFA regularly partners with other entities including the Louisiana Department of Education (LADOE), the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Statewide School Districts, U.S. Department of Education, the Louisiana Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and others. In conjunction with DCFS, LOSFA provides payment processing assistance for the Chafee Education and Training Voucher for students who have aged out of the foster care system and Strategies to Empower People (STEP) to aid government-assisted citizens in obtaining their Adult Education certificate and Vocational Education training.

This position supports the expansion of outreach services provided by LOSFA’s College Access, Success and Communications and Student Engagement Divisions. Services proposed under this expansion are supported by evidence-based best practices, and national research in the field of college access and success. Areas of focus include expanded Comprehensive Secondary and Postsecondary Advising/Mentoring, Exploration of Career Choices Connected to Postsecondary Pathway Options, and Holistic Wraparound Services related to Affordability and Student Success. The statewide target audiences are high school students, parents, postsecondary students, non-traditional students, and returning adult learners.

Reporting to the Director of Student Engagement, this position is focused on providing comprehensive advising to students across the state of Louisiana. This position differs from the Public Information Officer position in that incumbents in the Comprehensive Advising Officer Position are expected to identify, develop and utilize resources such as 211, the Student Hub Community, State Agency, Higher Ed and Business partnerships to implement and document a case management approach to provision of wraparound college advising to constituents statewide.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Baccalaureate degree required; 3+ years minimum relevant experience (e.g. college or academic advising, career advising or coaching, career services, counseling, case management).
• Have a deep personal belief in college access for all students and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make college a viable reality for all participating students.
• Case management experience and ability to provide individual guidance to a cohort of students; proven college advising with high school, college students, and returning adult learners.
• Ability to manage time to meet operational and supportive needs and desired outcomes for student success and completion.
• Strong and effective communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills and problem-resolution experience.
• Interpersonal skills to remain professional and calm in difficult-to-handle situations.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to work under stringent deadlines and adapt to changing priorities and needs.
• Ability to work with a wide range of individuals and can handle sensitive issues while maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to work with directors and staff in a productive, positive, and professional manner.
• Discretion in prioritizing tasks, sharing information, and using independent judgment.
• Excellent judgment, attention to detail, and ability to coach students through difficult and/or complex situations with effective solutions.
• High level of computer competency and self-sufficiency.

IDEAL CANDIDATE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree in career advising, a certificate in career coaching, or similar training and/or previous career advising experience preferred.
• Experience and knowledge of conducting career assessments, analysis, and developing career-related action plans is preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (desired, but NOT essential).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conducts regular individual and small group advising sessions through virtual office hours based upon the 5-point match model.
• Collaborates with students to develop, document and implement a secondary/ postsecondary plan based upon alternative pathways aligned with the students’ Match and Fit.
• Conducts regular individual and small group sessions to engage students with resources associated with postsecondary matriculation, completion, and employment.
• Compiles, prepares, and submits reports as needed.
• Prepares, presents, and provides information and/or assistance on current LOSFA programs, the “Unlock My Future” College Access and Career Planning Portal, and the application for federal and state student financial aid - the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as other sources of support for college access and success.
• Collaborates with internal divisions and staff (i.e., College Access, Success, and Communications; Scholarships and Grants; START; IT; graphic designers; social media specialist; public relations specialist; etc.) to develop and implement comprehensive service strategies.
• Advises students according to best practices and provide customized feedback using the LOSFA 5 Point Match Method and corresponding Advising Guidelines, the “Unlock My Future” College Access and Career Planning Portal, and other applicable resources (i.e., College Scorecard, college cost comparison websites, etc.).
• Provides guidance and general information on college access planning, the qualification and application process, as well as how to find alternate sources of student financial aid including, but not limited to, federal loans and/or grant aid, federal work study programs, institutional scholarships and private student financial aid sources.
• Serves as a one stop resource to inquiries from high school students, post-secondary students, returning adult learners, parents, high school counselors and officials, post-secondary institution officials, parish school board officials, legislators, and the general public on all aspects of student financial aid available to Louisiana residents.
• Provides instruction and technical support on completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), interpretation of the Student Aid Report (SAR), the TOPS Online application, setup and usage of student accounts on the College Access and Career Portal “Unlock My Future,” the LOSFA Student Hub, use of the agency's website, and use of the START and ABLE program websites.
• Stays abreast and remains knowledgeable of frequent legislative, procedural, and programmatic changes to all current LOSFA programs and future programs awarded and/or offered through partner entities.
• Proficiently uses all software packages, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, in the administration of programs.
• Efficiently uses all equipment utilized for public presentations, including laptop computers, LCD projectors, overhead projectors, sound systems, and display boards.
• Obtains necessary knowledge and skills needed to keep up with technology and changing roles and participates in continuous professional development.
• Develops and maintains working knowledge of agency-specific data systems related to program operations (e.g., Student Transcript System, the Student Hub, and Louisiana Award System, etc.).
• Provides additional consumer assistance during periods of high call and email volume, or as needed.
• Frequently travels after work hours, overnight, and/or on weekends. Outreach efforts include but are not limited to social media, large and/or small group presentations, written and electronic correspondence via text messaging, email or Lex, telephone assistance, television and/or radio appearances, student financial aid browse sessions, and individual, hands-on assistance.
• Serves as on-camera/voice-over talent to share and demonstrate program updates and/or provide technical support on completing the FASFA, Student HUB, etc., through the use of webinars and video applications.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

HOW TO APPLY:
No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities.
VACANCY INFORMATION:
This is an unclassified position.

This position is domiciled in Baton Rouge, LA.

Applications will be rejected if the applicant fails to meet the minimum qualifications, submits an incomplete application, or fails to apply by the closing date of the announcement.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application listing complete work experience and education.

Please make every effort to attach a copy of your transcript or any other materials as outlined in the posting to your application if possible.

In compliance with federal law, all individuals hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form (I-9) upon hire.