Education Specialist (Provisional)

University of Arkansas System•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is seeking applications for the position of Education Specialist. This is a 12-month full-time provisional position in the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center Northeast Program, a higher education access program for adults. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education to assist low-income persons and persons without a four-year degree in completing secondary school and entering postsecondary school. This position is grant-funded and contingent upon annual federal appropriations. The Education Specialist implements a postsecondary access strategy for eligible adults and travels within the target area to provide services such as advising, career exploration, study skills, exposure to college campuses, college admissions, and financial aid application assistance. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
A valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle are required for travel
Must possess a valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle for travel
Must be able to travel in-state frequently and work outside normal office hours, including evenings and weekends
Must be flexible in scheduling to meet program and community demands, including overnight travel for attendance at professional conferences
Highly motivated and can work in various educational settings
Demonstrated interpersonal skills and the ability and sensitivity to relate to program participants
Ability to work effectively with staff and community partners of diverse backgrounds and educational levels
Ability to manage multiple projects/tasks and adhere to deadlines
Knowledge of campus academic programs and postsecondary student personnel services
Knowledge of educational, career, and personal development strategies
Ability to work independently and as a team member
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and database operations
Basic knowledge of Zoom, Google Classroom, and other social media platforms for student recruitment and services
Establish and maintain effective working relationships in a non-judgmental manner with diverse populations of students and school officials
Demonstrate organizational and prioritization abilities in accomplishing tasks

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in social services, student services, education, counseling, or a closely related field
Experience working with TRIO or similar populations
Experience working with adults aged 19 and over
Experience in outreach/supportive services, delivering presentations, and areas related to the development of personal and academic success
Experience in overcoming barriers similar to the target population
Representative of the population served (first-generation college/low-income)

Responsibilities

Identify and select eligible participants
Assess and document participants’ academic, secondary, and postsecondary needs
Meet program objectives
Meet and implement competitive preference priorities (CPPs)
Develop workshops and deliver presentations in person and virtually
Coordinate and conduct community outreach and recruitment events
Assist participants in completing postsecondary admission and financial aid application
Document objective attainment and postsecondary enrollment and financial aid
Maintain the database of student records
Attain program objectives for the assigned target area
Prepare monthly, mid-year, and annual reports
Perform other duties as assigned