Michigan Retired Educator FAFSA Specialist

Position Description

MCAN is thrilled to introduce a new program aimed at boosting FAFSA completion and enrollment of adult learners aged 21-24 in Michigan’s community and tribal colleges. This initiative will primarily target adult learners eligible for Michigan Reconnect Expansion, utilizing retired school counselors and other former educational professionals. The primary objective of the Michigan Retired Educator FAFSA Specialists (REFS) will be to prioritize MCAN's mission-aligned populations, particularly individuals and families of color and/or low-income backgrounds, who are currently not engaged in Michigan Reconnect.  

Compensation

Specialists will be hired as part-time consultants for an average of 16 hours a week for about 20 weeks at $45-$50/hour. Payment will not exceed $25,000.

Term and Scope of Work (April 2024-October 2024) 

The Michigan Retired Educator FAFSA Specialists Program will launch in April 2024, with activities scheduled to conclude by October 2024. MCAN will initiate a search for retired school counselors and other former educational professionals to serve as community resources. Throughout 2024, the REFS will focus on identifying Reconnect-eligible adult learners, particularly those aged 21-24, and engage them in discussions about postsecondary education opportunities assisting with navigational support. REFS responsibilities will include providing general college advising, assisting with FAFSA completion, and offering enrollment support.

The REFS will utilize a variety of strategies to attract currently enrolled and new students.  A key part of this effort will be to share information with the financial aid and admissions offices of the community colleges across the state.  The specialists from this pilot will collaborate with these offices to conduct on-campus informational sessions for enrolled students.  Additionally, the specialists will work alongside institutional staff to call or email eligible enrolled current students not yet registered in Reconnect.  

Each REF will work across a particular region, directed by the MCAN Director of Adult Student Attainment and the Program Manager, to identify key stakeholders, partners, and outreach and engagement opportunities. Additionally, FAFSA specialists will identify key strategies to target potential students in this age demographic within their geography.
The program will include an orientation and training process as well as ongoing weekly support and connection with specialists and other key partners from across the state.

Primary Responsibilities:

Build and maintain expertise in college advising and student success

• In consultation with the program manager participate in virtual program training and professional development offered by the REF Program
• Maintain consistent and regular communication with colleagues and the program manager for the duration of the program 
• Learn about the Michigan Reconnect Program, FAFSA completion and understand the role of the REFS in reaching Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal

Regularly conduct visits to school and community events and community college campuses to recruit students to Michigan Reconnect 

• Assist students to complete the necessary information (FAFSA) to be determine eligibility for Michigan Reconnect 
• Serve as a community resource for Michigan Reconnect 

Establish productive collegial relationships with professional staff, faculty and administration at various secondary and postsecondary institutions 

• Learn about existing events that provide an opportunity to engage new students 
• Actively seek the advice and counsel of the program manager and professional network when confronted with unique challenges and needs of students
• Partner with Reconnect Navigators and MI Student Aid outreach staff serving your region through MILEAP

Assist in the success and long-term sustainability of the program

• Track time and frequency of student interactions
• Track partner engagement and other activity
• Regularly track hours and be available for weekend and evening hours, as necessary to engage and support students within the region
• Recommend additional supports to campus and MCAN staff that may assist with student participation in Reconnect 
• Submit monthly progress reports as outlined by the program manager
• Adhere to all applicable regulations and policies as an MCAN contractor  

Eligibility

Applicants must be a retired educator from K12 or higher education.  Applicants must be able to pass federal and state background screenings.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in any subject, from an accredited institution (with preferred student experience within the community where you will serve)
• Ability to effectively partner with students, faculty, and staff, including those from diverse backgrounds
• Previous experience demonstrating strong leadership abilities, school counselor or educational mentorship 
• Ability to serve independently and analytically, exercise discretion and good judgment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient computer skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects with strong planning and organizational skills
• Willingness to handle complex and detail-oriented tasks and projects
• High energy, creativity, ability to assume responsibility
• Ability to take initiative and facilitate coaching activities 
• Dependable transportation to get to and from various community or regional events 

To Apply: Please submit required documents to Patrick Brown, MCAN director of adult student attainment, patrick@micollegeaccess.org.

Required application materials: Resume and three professional references (including reference email, phone number and relationship to applicant)