TRIO STUDENT SERVICES SPECIALIST

State of Louisiana; Natchitoches (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern State University seeks a qualified candidate for the TRIO Student Support Specialist position. The role supports at‑risk students through counseling, outreach, and coordination of TRIO SSS services on campus.

Responsibilities include identifying participants, determining eligibility, conducting intake interviews, maintaining participant records, coordinating events, and liaising with university departments to expand services. Some evenings and weekends may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and three years of related experience in educational programs for students at‑risk.
• Understanding of the needs of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Ability to express oneself effectively in written and oral communications and the ability to present information in one‑on‑one and small/large group situations.
• Organizational and management skills.
• Strong collaborator and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Working knowledge of various computer applications (Microsoft Office, Prezi, Canva).

Responsibilities

• Assist in identifying and recruiting participants for TRIO SSS Program.
• Determine eligibility based upon federal guidelines and academic need.
• Conduct intake interviews to identify needs and support services participants will require; make appropriate referrals to other services
• Secure all required documents from new applicants.
• Maintain an active spreadsheet of all applicants to TRIO Program for tracking & follow-up purposes.
• Upon Director's approval, enter new participants into Program database.
• Assign new participants to an SSS Advisor and transfer all files to said Advisor.
• Facilitate recruiting events on campus to include publicity, collaborations, and execution
• Serve as a liaison to university departments and coordinate TRIO SSS informational presentations.
• Participate in the development and implementation of all services and activities with project staff to meet TRIO SSS objectives.
• Serve as lead coordinator for Graduate School informational sessions and tours.
• Assist participants in identifying graduate school resources
• Serve as lead coordinator for all Educational Enrichment trips/activities.
• In conjunction with Program Director, keep Blumen database current.
• Monitor SSS Objectives and criteria used to calculate Prior Experience Points.
• Work with IT to secure monthly, quarterly, and annual files for the purpose of updating Blumen database.
• Use data in Blumen to produce reports, including the Annual Performance Report
• Maintain departmental Site Visit Books.
• Collect activity/event evaluations and analysis and file in Site Visit Books
• Service as Proxy Timekeeper for department.
• Assist in the development of the SSS Grant proposal.
• Maintain an up-to-date listing of campus and community resources for benefit of the program and participants.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Prezi

Canva

Job description

About This Job

Northwestern State University seeks qualified applicants for the position of TRIO Student Support Specialist.

Northwestern State University is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency.

The successful candidate will be subject to a background check, as a condition of employment.

Notice of Non-Discrimination (Full Disclosure)

Northwestern State University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

All complaints or inquiries related to Title IX should be directed to the Director of Title IX Compliance and Title IX Coordinator, Julie Powell (318-357-5570), Room 306 of the Friedman Student Union or email [e-mail].

In accordance with Section 35.106 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all participants, applicants, organizations, and interested individuals are advised and noticed that the ADA Coordinator for Northwestern State University for facilities is the Director of University Affairs, Jennifer Kelly (318-357-4300), located in Room 128 Caspari Hall or email [e-mail]. For student academic services, contact the Director of Access and Disability Support, Crissey Smith (318-357-5460) located in Room 111 Watson Memorial Library or email [e-mail]. For faculty/staff accommodations and services, contact Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Human Resources, Veronica M. Biscoe (318-357-6359), Room 111 Caspari Hall or email [e-mail].

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and three years of related experience in educational programs for students considered at‑risk, including first generation, low income, ethnically diverse or those with disabilities.
• Demonstrated understanding of the needs of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and knowledge of issues affecting their academic potential.
• Ability to express oneself effectively in written and oral communications and the ability to present information in one‑on‑one and small/large group situations.
• Organizational and management skills.
• Strong collaborator and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Working knowledge of various computer applications (Microsoft Office, Prezi, Canva)

Preferred

• Previous experience working with TRIO programs, and an understanding of TRIO federal laws and regulations.
• Preferential consideration given to candidates with backgrounds reflecting the student population served.
• Prior teaching and advising experience in high school, college and/or private sector

Job Specification

Position requires working occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight. Other duties may be performed, as assigned.

Job Duties And Other Information

• Assist in identifying and recruiting participants for TRIO SSS Program.
• Determine eligibility based upon federal guidelines and academic need.
• Conduct intake interviews to identify needs and support services participants will require; make appropriate referrals to other services
• Secure all required documents from new applicants.
• Maintain an active spreadsheet of all applicants to TRIO Program for tracking & follow-up purposes.
• Upon Director's approval, enter new participants into Program database.
• Assign new participants to an SSS Advisor and transfer all files to said Advisor.
• Facilitate recruiting events on campus to include publicity, collaborations, and execution
• Serve as a liaison to university departments and coordinate TRIO SSS informational presentations.
• Participate in the development and implementation of all services and activities with project staff to meet TRIO SSS objectives.
• Serve as lead coordinator for Graduate School informational sessions and tours.
• Assist participants in identifying graduate school resources
• Serve as lead coordinator for all Educational Enrichment trips/activities.
• In conjunction with Program Director, keep Blumen database current.
• Monitor SSS Objectives and criteria used to calculate Prior Experience Points.
• Work with IT to secure monthly, quarterly, and annual files for the purpose of updating Blumen database.
• Use data in Blumen to produce reports, including the Annual Performance Report
• Maintain departmental Site Visit Books.
• Collect activity/event evaluations and analysis and file in Site Visit Books
• Service as Proxy Timekeeper for department.
• Assist in the development of the SSS Grant proposal.
• Maintain an up-to-date listing of campus and community resources for benefit of the program and participants.
• Position requires working occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight.
• Other duties may be performed, as assigned.

Benefits for unclassified employees are determined by the individual hiring authority.