Upward Bound Education Specialist — Empower Student Paths

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Tazewell (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) is seeking a part-time Education Support Specialist for the Upward Bound Program in Tazewell. The role supports high school students to stay on track, select a career path and enroll in college with financial aid guidance.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree, strong organizational skills, access to FAFSA knowledge, and flexibility for evenings and travel to multiple sites. It is grant-funded and nonexempt.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, education, or related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including 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

• Lead Upward Bound weekly meetings in target schools.
• Assist participants with completing the six grant objectives set forth by US Department of Education.
• Recruitment and intake of program participants.
• Provide educational activities to students such as information about courses, FAFSA completion, tutoring, mentoring, and college/career planning.
• Coordinate special events for program participants, such as Senior Seminar, Financial Aid Seminar, and SAT Prep Day.
• Assist with 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 in FERPA compliance.
• Assist with the program APR (Annual Performance Report).
• Coordinate and attend various student activities, field trips, and college visits.
• Transport program participants during program activities using college motor pool or rental vehicles.
• Work with the Upward Bound Director and instructors to provide services.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned by the program director.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Flexible schedule

Driver's license

Transport students

Written communication

FAFSA/financial aid knowledge

Education

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

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

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) is seeking a part-time Education Support Specialist for the Upward Bound Program in Tazewell. The role supports high school students to stay on track, select a career path and enroll in college with financial aid guidance.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree, strong organizational skills, access to FAFSA knowledge, and flexibility for evenings and travel to multiple sites. It is grant-funded and nonexempt.