Upward Bound Program Education Support Specialist

Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) offers career-training programs in numerous technical, industrial and medical fields at a reasonable cost, including tuition waivers for certain eligible students. Located in Richlands, Virginia, SWCC provides associate’s degrees in business, education, general studies, liberal arts, and science—primarily for students transferring to four-year universities—as well as career-focused programs in Nursing, Radiography, and Administration of Justice.

About the role

The Upward Bound Program at Southwest Virginia Community College is seeking an Education Support Specialist to provide a comprehensive structure for Upward Bound students to succeed in high school, choose a career path, and successfully enroll in and graduate from college with a post-secondary degree.

Responsibilities

• Assist with and/or oversee Upward Bound weekly meetings in target schools.
• Assist participants in all three Upward Bound grants with completing the six grant objectives set forth by the United States Department of Education.
• Handle recruitment and intake of program participants.
• Provide appropriate educational activities to students, such as information about specific courses and course sequences, FAFSA completion, tutoring, mentoring, and college/career selection as outlined in the Upward Bound grants.
• Coordinate special events for program participants, including the Upward Bound Senior Seminar, Financial Aid Seminar, and SAT Prep Day.
• Assist with the coordination and implementation of the ASPIRE Summer Discovery Program or other summer courses.
• Aid participants with college and scholarship applications and essays.
• Obtain and maintain student academic records from target schools in compliance with FERPA regulations.
• Assist with the completion of the program Annual Performance Report (APR).
• Coordinate and attend various student activities, field trips, and college visits.
• Transport program participants during program activities using college motor pool or rental vehicles.
• Work independently and collaboratively with the Upward Bound Director and instructors to provide services to participants.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the program director.

This is a grant-funded position with the U.S. Department of Education. Continued employment is contingent upon funding availability and the needs of the College. The position is not eligible for severance benefits under state policy. A one-year probationary period is required for both new hires and transfers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, education, or other related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to multiple sites using a personal or college-owned vehicle.
• Willingness to transport students in college-owned or rental vehicles on educational and cultural field trips.
• Excellent written communication skills, as demonstrated in the application, resume, and cover letter.
• Knowledge of college access and financial aid processes (e.g., FAFSA, scholarship applications, college admissions).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, education, or other related field.
• Experience working with high school or college-aged students in an educational setting.
• Experience working with the target population (disadvantaged youth), including low-income or first-generation students, or a personal background related to the target demographic.
• Familiarity with Upward Bound program objectives and the U.S. Department of Education TRIO grant requirements.

Pay

$45,739 to $50,000

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some evenings and weekends required.