Academic Achievement Counselor 3

Department Overview

The Academic Advancement Program (AAP) at UCLA is a vibrant multiracial initiative dedicated to ensuring access, equity, and academic excellence for students who are first-generation, low-income, or have been historically underserved in higher education. The program focuses on innovative academic programming, comprehensive support services, and promoting success among undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds. AAP believes every student admitted has not only earned their place at UCLA but also has the potential to thrive and graduate. The program is supported by professional staff who work proactively to foster the long-term academic and personal growth of students, offering peer tutoring, counseling, mentoring, scholarships, research opportunities, and access to unique academic resources.

Position Summary

The Academic Achievement Counselor will provide both individual and group advising to undergraduates within the AAP, focusing on academic, social, personal, and resource-related guidance. Responsibilities include leading and mentoring peer counselors, assessing student needs, managing and evaluating counseling services, conducting outreach activities, and making decisions on student petitions. The Counselor will act as a liaison with various campus programs and external community organizations and will contribute to the Freshmen and Transfer Summer Program by advising new students. Reporting to the AAP Director for Counseling, the position requires independent prioritization, decision-making, and program administration tasks within university policies.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of academic advising experience.
• Proven ability to counsel students effectively on academic, professional, and personal issues with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with university and college academic policies; knowledge of AAP rules and available student resources preferred.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to deliver informative group presentations to diverse audiences.
• Excellent prioritization and relationship-building skills, with proficiency in crafting clear, concise reports and correspondence.
• Competency in using standard office software including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Zoom, and Slack; adaptability to internal and web-based applications.
• Ability to diplomatically interact with academic units and evaluate policies per established criteria.
• Discretion and good judgment when handling confidential information.
• Supervisory experience in hiring, training, and evaluating staff for high performance.
• Experience or aptitude using UCLA's online academic systems such as OASIS and Counselor Desktop is preferred.
• Strong skills in managing and advocating for specialized programs uniquely overseen by the counselor.
• Capability to prepare reports and maintain consistent attendance, including flexibility to work evenings or weekends if necessary.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (required).
• Master's degree or advanced training in a related field preferred.

Additional Employment Conditions

• Employment is conditional upon successful background checks including Live Scan.
• The role is a mandated reporter for child abuse and requires signing a statement acknowledging this responsibility.

Work Schedule

Regular working hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with occasional needs for weekend or evening work.

Compensation

Salary is competitive and considers experience, education, and other relevant qualifications. Benefits begin from the first day of employment and total compensation includes various university provisions.