Educational Program Specialist, Senior

Educational Program Specialist, Senior

Educational Talent Search

TRIO Department

Atlanta Campus

Schedule: Monday - Friday | 8:30 AM - 5:15 PM

These are exciting times at the Office of TRIO Educational Talent Search. We are growing and we are thrilled that you are interested in being a part of our team. We are surrounded by individuals empowered to use their expertise and talents to achieve our mission to pursue excellence.

Are you ready for us? Are you seeking an opportunity with purpose and direction? If you are, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We hire great people from a wide variety of educational, career, and personal backgrounds, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us a stronger team.

The Office of TRIO Educational Talent Search is seeking (2) Educational Program Specialist, Senior to join the already awesome team taking the Office of TRIO Educational Talent Search to the next level of excellence!

WHAT MAKES The Office of TRIO Educational Talent Search A GREAT PLACE?

* Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.

* A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with diverse partners.

* Professional development opportunity and mentorship

* A rapidly growing center within an academic setting

HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Office of TRIO Educational Talent Search is seeking to hire an Educational Program Specialist, Senior (EPS) for the Atlanta campus. The program supports qualified students from 6th to 12th grade at designated schools within the DeKalb County School District. The GSU Educational Talent Search office is a federally funded program overseen by the U.S. Department of Education. This position is grant-funded and depends on the availability of funds from the specific grant. Talent Search serves first-generation students from low-income backgrounds and students with disabilities. The program's goal is to increase retention and graduation rates for these students. Using a holistic approach, this role will help students develop the skills and motivation needed to succeed in higher education or pursue professional training, ultimately leading to graduation with a degree.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

* The Sr. Educational Program Specialist recruits and identifies school students eligible for ETS services.

* Maintain the confidentiality of TRIO Talent Search Program participants' records, including personal and academic information.

* The Sr. Educational Program Specialist conducts workshops, tracks student records, provides motivational support, and advocates for program participants.

* Use the Student Access database system to store and retrieve records of TRIO Talent Search Program participants.

* Assesses the academic, career, and personal needs of TRIO Talent Search Program participants and promotes persistence, retention, values clarification, goal setting, career exploration, and student success among participants.

* Develops Individual Progress Reports (Educational Action Plans) and documents the services provided for participants.

* Conducts direct outreach activities at schools, community-based organizations, community meetings, and other appropriate settings.

* The Educational Program Specialist should have excellent communication skills to build rapport with pre-college students and inform school staff about the ETS program.

* Provides TRIO Talent Search Program participants with the DeKalb County School District's public education core curriculum and high school graduation requirements.

* Conducts grade-specific workshops on academics, study skills, financial literacy, self-esteem, career guidance, postsecondary planning, financial aid, and college prep. Includes help with scholarships, technology, and data resources for students and seminars for their families.

* Provides referrals to other services when appropriate so as not to duplicate the target schools' resources and services.

* Offer training and leadership development for TRIO Talent Search Program mentors, tutors, and student peer leaders/ambassadors.

* Plans, travels with, and assists in supervising academic activities, field trips, and campus visits for TRIO Talent Search Program participants.

* Assist participants in clarifying realistic educational goals.

* Reliable transportation is required for visits to the target schools at least three days a week.

* The candidate must be willing to travel, work some evenings and weekends, and stay overnight for field trips.

* Attends Talent Search staff meetings, professional meetings, and financial aid workshops as assigned by the Talent Search Project Director.

* Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

A successful candidate should possess the following skills:

• Possess strong organizational, time management, and human relations skills, demonstrated presentation skills, and excellent written communication skills.
• Experience with word processing, spreadsheets, and software for creating flyers, brochures, newsletters, etc.
• Possesses experience advising first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities.
• Proven ability to advocate, coordinate services, and perform liaison duties for underrepresented populations is desirable.
• Demonstrated the ability to monitor and maintain program records.

Physical Requirements: (With or without assistance)

• Ability to occasionally lift supplies weighing 20-30 pounds.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods.
• Motor skills and dexterity to access campus locations.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel as necessary to perform job duties.

Minimum Hiring Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and two years of related experience; or a combination of education and related experience.

Preferred Hiring Qualifications:

Master's degree and two years' experience preferred in counseling low-income, academically under-prepared high school or college students in either a postsecondary educational, university/college, or community-based human service agency setting.