Upward Bound Program Education Support Specialist

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

Job summary

Southwest Virginia Community College is seeking an Education Support Specialist for the Upward Bound Program in Tazewell. The role supports students to stay on track in high school and plan college paths, including FAFSA completion and college/career planning.

Strong communication and teamwork are essential. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in counseling or education, proficiency with MS Office/Google Suite, and willingness to travel and work some evenings or weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, education, or related field is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Driver’s license and willingness to travel to multiple sites.
• Strong written communication and knowledge of FAFSA/financial aid processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive support for Upward Bound students to succeed in high school and college.
• Lead weekly Upward Bound meetings and assist in grant objectives under USD DOE guidelines.
• Recruit participants, manage intake, and coordinate program events and field trips.
• Assist with college and scholarship applications and FAFSA completion.
• Maintain student records in FERPA-compliant systems and compile program reports.

Skills

Flex schedule

Evenings & weekends

Excellent written communication

FAFSA knowledge

Travel required

Valid driver's license

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

Posting Summary

• Working Title: Upward Bound Program Education Support Specialist
• Role Title: Education Support Spec III
• Role Code: 29144-SW
• FLSA: Nonexempt
• Pay Band: 04
• Position Number: 294R0003
• Agency: Southwest Virginia Community College
• Division: Southwest Virginia Community College (Div)
• Work Location: Tazewell - 185
• Hiring Range: $45,739 to $50,000
• Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:45a to 4:30p with some evenings and weekends required

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: Yes

Supervises Employees: No

Required Travel: Travel is required.

Posting Detail Information

• Posting Number: CLS_4661P
• Recruitment Type: General Public - G
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Job Open Date: 08/18/2026
• Job Close Date: 09/15/2026
• Open Until Filled: No
• Agency Website: www.sw.edu
• Contact Name: Human Resources
• Email: [e-mail]
• Phone Number: 276.964.7339

Background Check Statement Disclaimer

The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest.

EEO Statement

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) 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, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.

ADA Statement

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.

E-Verify Statement

VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.