Upward Bound Program Education Support Specialist

Virginia Community Colleges

Tazewell (VA)

On-site

USD 46,000 - 50,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

Southwest Virginia Community College is seeking an Education Support Specialist for the Upward Bound program. The role provides a structured pathway for high school students to succeed, guiding college prep activities, FAFSA completion, tutoring, and career planning.

The incumbent will collaborate with the Upward Bound Director, coordinate weekly meetings, recruit participants, maintain records in FERPA compliance, and assist with special events, travel as needed, and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in counseling, education, or related field.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and travel.
Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to multiple sites.
Willingness to transport students in college vehicles.
Excellent written communication as shown in application and resume.
Knowledge of college access and financial aid processes (FAFSA, scholarships).

Responsibilities

Coordinate Upward Bound weekly meetings in target high schools.
Assist with FAFSA completion, tutoring, and college planning.
Recruitment and intake of program participants across sites.
Coordinate events such as Senior Seminar, Financial Aid Seminar, and SAT Prep Day.
Maintain student records in FERPA compliance and assist with APR reporting.

Skills

Bachelor's degree in counseling

MS Office

Google Suite

Flex schedule

Driver's license

Travel

Written communication

FAFSA knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in counseling or education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

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 294R0003

Agency

Agency Southwest Virginia Community College

Division

Division Southwest Virginia Community College (Div)

Work Location

Work Location Tazewell - 185

Hiring Range

Hiring Range $45,739 to $50,000

Emergency/Essential Personnel No

EEO Category

EEO Category 6-Administrative Support

Full Time or Part Time

Full Time or Part Time Full 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

Monday through Friday, 7:45a to 4:30p with some evenings and weekends required

Sensitive Position

Sensitive Position No

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 CLS_4661P

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 08/18/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 09/15/2026

Open Until Filled No

Agency Website

Agency Website www.sw.edu

Contact Name

Contact Name Human Resources

Email human.resources@sw.edu

Phone Number

Phone Number 276.964.7339

Special Instructions to Applicants

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. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/

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.

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.

VCCSuses 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.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).