PT Upward Bound Program Education Support Specialist

Virginia Community Colleges; Tazewell (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Southwest Virginia Community College offers a role as Education Support Specialist for the Upward Bound program in Richlands, VA. This grant-funded position helps high school students choose career paths, complete college applications, and graduate with a post-secondary degree.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in counseling or related field, strong communication skills, and willingness to travel among sites. It is up to 29 hours per week with some evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, education, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to multiple sites.
• Strong written communication and reporting skills.
• Knowledge of college access and financial aid processes (FAFSA, scholarships).

Responsibilities

• Provide Upward Bound structure to help high school students succeed and plan college paths.
• Assist with the six Upward Bound grant objectives per US Department of Education.
• Recruitment and intake of program participants.
• Provide activities on college courses, FAFSA completion, tutoring, mentoring, and college/career planning.
• Coordinate events like Senior Seminar, Financial Aid Seminar, and SAT Prep Day.
• Assist with ASPIRE Summer Discovery Program or other courses.
• Assist with college and scholarship applications and essays.
• Obtain and maintain student records per FERPA; assist APR reporting.
• Coordinate student activities, field trips, and college visits.
• Transport participants using college vehicles or rentals.
• Work with Upward Bound Director and instructors; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Google Suite proficiency

Flexible schedule

Driver's license & travel

Written communication

College access & financial aid

Education

Bachelor’s degree in counseling or education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth's Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155

Posting Summary

Working Title

Role Title

Role Code

Role Code 29144-SW

FLSA

FLSA Nonexempt

Pay Band

Pay Band 04

Position Number

Position Number 294W0266

Agency

Agency Southwest Virginia Community College

Division

Division Southwest Virginia Community College (Div)

Work Location

Work Location Tazewell - 185

Hiring Range

Hiring Range $21.99-$25.00

Emergency/Essential Personnel No

EEO Category

EEO Category 6-Administrative Support

Full Time or Part Time

Full Time or Part Time Part Time

Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs-

Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs- No

Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference?

Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference? No

Work Schedule

Up to 29 hours per week with some evenings and weekends required

Sensitive Position

Sensitive Position No

Job Description

Southwest Virginia Community College ( SWCC ) offers career-training programs in numerous technical, industrial and medical fields at a reasonable cost, going so far as to even waive tuition for certain eligible students. Located in Richlands, Virginia, SWCC offers associate’s degrees in such fields as business, education, general studies, liberal arts and science. These degrees are primarily intended for students who wish to transfer to a four-year university. SWCC also has associate degrees that feature programs intended to lead directly to a career in fields such as Nursing, Radiography and Administration of Justice.

The Southwest Virginia Community College Upward Bound Program is seeking an Education Support Specialist to provide a comprehensive structure for Upward Bound students to be successful in high school, chose a career path, and successfully enroll in college and graduate with a post-secondary degree. The instructor will assist with and/or oversee:

• Upward Bound weekly meeting 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.
• Recruitment and in‑take of program participants
• Providing appropriate educational activities to students such as information about specific courses and course sequences to high school students, FAFSA completion, tutoring, mentoring, and college/career selection as outlined in the Upward Bound grants.
• Coordinate special events for program participants, such as 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 APR (Annual Performance Report).
• Coordinate and attend various aspects of 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.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned by the program director.

This is a grant‑funded position with the US Department of Education. Continued employment in this role is contingent upon funding availability and the needs of the College. Position is not eligible for severance benefits under state policy.

A one‑year probationary period is required for both new hires and transfers.

Special Assignments

May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

KSA's/Required Qualifications

• 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 applicant’s application, resume and cover letter.
• Knowledge of college access and financial aid processes (e.g., FAFSA , scholarship applications, college admissions).

Additional Considerations

• 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) low-income/first generation or a personal background to the target demographic.
• Familiarity with Upward Bound program objectives and the U.S. Department of Education TRIO grant requirements.

Operation of a State Vehicle

Operation of a State Vehicle Yes

Supervises Employees No

Required Travel

Travel is required

Posting Number

Posting Number WGE_3468P

Recruitment Type

Recruitment Type General Public - G

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Position End Date (if temporary)

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 09/22/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 10/19/2026

Open Until Filled No

Agency Website

Agency Website sw.edu

Contact Name