Specialist – TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)

Position Summary:  
 

The Specialist for TRIO EOC provides academic, career, admissions, and financial aid guidance to program participants while assisting with the coordination and daily operations of the Educational Opportunity Center program. 

Position Responsibilities: 
 

• Assisting in record keeping and reporting as required 

• Assisting with the management of the day-to-day operation of the EOC program 

• Assisting with data collection for annual performance reporting 

• Overseeing the selection process of participants for the program 

• Helping fulfill all activities and objectives of the project 

• Providing individual and group college admissions, testing, and financial aid guidance 

• Conducting career and degree choice workshops 

• Arranging campus visits for EOC participants 

• Maintaining a research bank and conducting research on admissions, testing, and financial aid requirements 

• Cultivating relationships with area colleges and universities 

• Working with community partners, faculty, and staff of area colleges and universities in getting participants’ referrals 

• Assisting the Program Manager in follow-up activities of former participant’s end status 

• Fostering a climate supportive of the success of low-income, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities 

• Making recommendations for accommodations for all EOC project participants with learning, physical and emotional disabilities 

• Evaluating students’ needs through assessments and personal interview 

• Assisting with completion of FAFSA’s for all EOC participants 

• Serving as community outreach and event coordinator; schedule presentations for staff 

• Participate in ongoing trainings: Federal TRIO Policy, Career Assessment, FAFSA, and transfer advising 

• Coordinate with college marketing department for promotion of the EOC Program and scheduled events 

• Read and respond to all College email communications in a timely manner 

• Other duties as assigned 

Minimum Position Requirements: 
 

• Bachelor's degree required in education or related field. 

• Experience in assisting served population in becoming successful college students and future employees. 

• Minimum of two years' experience in counseling, preferably in the following areas: career/transfer advising/financial aid. 

• Minimum of two years' experience in higher education or relatable field. 

• Experience working with non-traditional students, economically and academically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. 

• Excellent oral and written communication; human relations; organizational, and administrative skills are essential. 

• Must be able to work independently, respect confidentiality, be able to solve problems, and maintain courtesy in dealing with students, community leaders, faculty, staff and visitors. 

• Demonstrated leadership abilities are essential. 

• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite and database management. 

• Must be in good standing with personal federal student loans to have permission to access federal student aid software. 

• 0 Full-Time Direct Reports 0 Part-Time Direct Reports 

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
 

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.  

• No or very limited physical effort required; however, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. 

• No or very limited exposure to physical risk. 

Safety:  
 

• Provide resources for safe operation of units. Create and support workplace safety. 

Benefits and Perks:
 

• 36-hour work week for a healthy work life balance as well generous paid leave time.
• Health, life, and income protection insurance are provided.
• An excellent retirement program through the Teacher Retirement System.
• Full Time employees have free use of the college’s recreational/fitness facilities.
• Full Time employees are eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PLSF) after 10 years of service.
• Tuition scholarships are for the employee and dependents. 
• Compensation for this 12-month position is $38,208 annually, as determined by Kilgore College's established pay grade structure and policy. This is salary is considered non-negotiable. 

Disclaimer:
 

The above description is an overview of the job. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities of the job, nor is it intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Duties and responsibilities may change with business needs. Kilgore College reserves the right to add, change, amend, or delete portions of this job description at any time, with or without notice. Employees may be required to perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made by Kilgore College at its discretion to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Kilgore College does not participate in the federal Social Security program.