Educational Opportunity Center Educational Specialist

Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is a federally funded program hosted by the Littlejohn Community Center (LJCC). The Educational Opportunity Centers program provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of post secondary education. The EOC Educational Specialist is responsible for assisting the Director with the operational functions, identification and selection of participants, and delivery of services. This position handles establishing and maintaining current rapport with outreach sites, area secondary and post-secondary schools, mentors, and community agencies. Identifies, recruits, and selects assigned number of program participants based on the federal program regulations and needs assessments through individual appointments, case management, and events on campus and targeted area. The role requires daily, weekly, and monthly reporting activities and implementing recruitment strategies to meet the yearly goals, conducting workshops, developing, and presenting information to publicize the program to maintain and increase enrollment and community awareness. The Littlejohn Community Center proudly hosts this program that assist such participants from the Clemson, SC region. 

Specific responsibilities include the following:

• Execute on the program's plan to identify, recruit and select participants at assigned high schools and intermediate centers to ensure the US Department of Education stipulations are met. This includes developing strong working relationships with target school administrators, counselors, and staff. Communicate, collaborate, and coordinate with school district personnel (counselors, administrators, teachers, etc.) and EOC parents.
  

• Complete comprehensive needs assessments on each participant and develop individual educational plans to include academic advisement, virtual or face-to-face tutoring, and mentoring that will promote students' educational persistence from year to year.
  

• Plan and conduct workshops related to college and career planning, the college selection process, and financial aid at assigned high school(s) and intermediate centers. Sessions that demonstrate and encourage post-secondary access and success in areas of STEM, financial aid, admissions, financial literacy, study skills, test-taking skills, note-taking skills, critical thinking, standardized test (ACT/SAT) preparation, resume writing, interviewing skills, etc.
  

• Assess individual participant needs and monitor the academic progress of each participant while they are in EOC and provide guidance to students on course selection, referrals to academic tutoring and other services, etc.
  

• Plan and staff college campus visits, other educational activities/programs, as well as field trips that will assist with financial literacy, enhance the intellectual, social, and cultural development of EOC participants.
  
• Advocate with college admissions and financial aid offices to ensure senior participants are admitted into post-secondary institutions, thus guaranteeing program objectives are met.
  
• Maintain complete and accurate student and financial management records according to DOE guidelines, Annual Performance reporting, and Community Center policy.
  
• Market and promote the program's mission and objectives by conducting publicity campaigns aimed towards the community, local educational agency administration, and target school personnel.
  
• Provide ongoing feedback/monitoring to report progress toward meeting or exceeding the federally mandated objectives according to the program.
  
• Some nights, weekends, and overnight events are required.
  
• Serve as a liaison to other community programs, agencies, and educational institutions, as assigned.
  
•  Maintain regular contact with program participants to establish a high degree of rapport.
  
• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.
  

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field plus two years experience in student services programs required.

 Knowledge of college admissions and financial aid processes and procedures are vital.

• Proficient in MS Office programs and Blumen Online.
  
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
  
• Bilingual a plus.
  

• TRiO experience
  
• Ability to communicate and interface with college administrators, faculty, and staff
  
• Capable of interfacing with local/state and federal agencies