Note: This posting is for 2 positions.

The Educational Specialist provides intensive, comprehensive educational advising to support adult learners, GED graduates, first-generation college students, and those from limited-income backgrounds. This position requires proactive outreach, effective communication, and a strong understanding of college admissions, financial aid, and support services that remove barriers to postsecondary access and success.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited college or university (Master’s degree preferred), ideally in education, guidance counseling, or a related field.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong ability to build rapport and communicate with adult learners, including those who are first-generation college students, working learners, GED graduates, and individuals impacted by the justice system.
• Skilled in public speaking and facilitating presentations to large or small groups across various community and campus settings.
• Proficient in using digital platforms, social media, and online tools to engage prospective participants.
• Ability to manage a caseload and document services consistently and accurately.
• Reliable personal transportation and willingness to travel regularly to outreach sites, probation and parole offices, and community locations throughout the bi-state service area.
• Able to work independently while also contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated flexibility and availability to work evenings and weekends to accommodate the varying schedules of working learners.
• Experience navigating community-based and institutional resources to help address participants’ basic needs.

Experience:

• Minimum 1–2 years of related professional experience, particularly in education, advising, or social services.
• Experience working with individuals from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with TRIO or similar college access programs.
• Case management experience.
• Experience working in higher education, adult education, or workforce development.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Recruit, screen, and enroll eligible program participants, ensuring proper documentation.
• Provide individualized educational advising, including college planning, course selection, and development of educational goals.
• Assist participants with the college application process, financial aid, and scholarship searches.
• Organize and facilitate workshops, outreach presentations, and student support activities (both in-person and virtual), including study skills, career exploration, campus visits, and FAFSA nights.
• Support GED learners in transitioning to college, including test preparation and academic planning.
• Assist veterans in navigating military-to-college transitions, including GI Bill and other benefit applications.
• Conduct regular outreach and provide on-site services at probation and parole offices to connect justice-involved individuals with EOC services, in coordination with community supervision staff.
• Collaborate with college departments and community partners to connect participants to academic, financial, and social resources.
• Conduct outreach in the community, including attending events, hosting information sessions, and engaging with local organizations.
• Track and maintain accurate records in accordance with federal reporting requirements.
• Serve as a liaison to local colleges and universities to support participant transfers.
• Support all operational aspects of the EOC grant and contribute to continuous program improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary Range:

Commensurate within the Texarkana College pay scale for position.