Upward Bound Education Coach & College Access Advocate

Virginia's Community College System; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Virginia Community College is seeking an Education Support Specialist for its Upward Bound program. The role develops a structure to help High School students succeed, guiding them toward college enrollment and degree completion, with outreach to target schools and coordination of grant objectives.

The incumbent will recruit, provide tutoring, FAFSA help, college planning, and coordinate events like seminars and summer programs, while maintaining FERPA-compliant records and reporting.

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).

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Excellent written communication

Knowledge of college access and FAFSA/

Interpersonal skills

Ability to work flexible schedule

Willingness to travel

Driver’s license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in counseling, education, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Southwest Virginia Community College is seeking an Education Support Specialist for its Upward Bound program. The role develops a structure to help High School students succeed, guiding them toward college enrollment and degree completion, with outreach to target schools and coordination of grant objectives.

The incumbent will recruit, provide tutoring, FAFSA help, college planning, and coordinate events like seminars and summer programs, while maintaining FERPA-compliant records and reporting.