EOC Part-Time College Access Advisor (Johnson County)

Opportunity Resource Services•Cleburne, TX

3d•$18 - $20•Hybrid

About The Position

The College Access Advisor supports three TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) programs at Opportunity Resource Services, which collectively serve approximately 3,000 people annually, about two-thirds of whom are first-generation and low-income. The advisor manages a caseload of roughly 300 clients and provides high-impact guidance to help participants pursue education and career goals. This includes creating individualized education and career skills action plans; assisting with college, financial aid, and scholarship applications; explaining education and training opportunities; and connecting participants with community resources and postsecondary pathways. The role also supports program operations through participant communications and records, mailouts, database maintenance, recruitment, outreach, workshops, and events. The advisor works with people from varied backgrounds, including former foster youth, unemployed or underemployed adults, formerly incarcerated individuals, high school students, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and adult learners. Client meetings may take place virtually, in person, or by phone. The position is part-time, primarily based in the Cleburne office, and involves a hybrid schedule across Johnson County partner locations, with some possible remote work. Regular travel throughout DFW and occasional overnight conference travel are required.

Requirements

Completion of postsecondary coursework in education, social work, or a related field, or an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution.
Experience working with individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Experience with college admissions and financial aid procedures.
Valid driver’s license and access to reliable personal transportation for travel between designated school sites.
Proficiency with technology, including Google Workspace, social media, learning management systems, and project management systems.
Ability to work independently in a results-oriented environment.
Excellent customer service skills, innovative problem-solving, and a passion for education and community service.
Knowledge of barriers low-income students may encounter when enrolling in postsecondary education.
Comfort working with people from varied backgrounds and willingness to meet clients virtually, in person, and by phone.
Self-starter willing to work a flexible schedule and on-site at various partner locations.
Willingness to travel regularly throughout DFW and take occasional overnight conference trips.
Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds; stand and walk for long periods; tolerate intense heat and cold; climb stairs; and fly on an airplane.
Ability to project one’s voice and speak publicly; drive a vehicle, read road signs, and judge distance; spend extensive hours in front of a computer screen; and listen carefully on the telephone.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, or a related field.
Experience working in higher education.
Experience working with veterans.
Personal experience overcoming barriers similar to those faced by the project’s target population.
Experience working in TRIO programs.

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of approximately 300 EOC clients.
Ensure programming, publications, and part-time team members reflect positively on the organization.
Answer office calls and route them to the appropriate staff; monitor office texts and emails and ensure timely responses.
Prepare participant mailouts, including information packets for incarcerated individuals; organize, scan, and track incoming mail.
Maintain clean student database data and accurate participant records, including electronic files on Google Drive.
Complete time and effort reports, intake forms, and contact forms accurately and promptly; submit required paperwork on time.
Maintain office supply, publication, and technology inventories.
Maintain partnerships with community stakeholders, partners, and program clients.
Attend meetings and training.
Assist participants with college, financial aid, and scholarship applications.
Inform students about educational and skills-training opportunities for high-demand occupations.
Recruit clients according to established recruitment plans.
Help plan and facilitate workshops and events.
Provide high-impact advising about next steps toward participants’ education or career goals.
Refer participants to relevant services and resources in their communities.
Develop individualized education and career skills action plans for participants.
Connect formerly incarcerated and currently incarcerated students with postsecondary education opportunities.
Connect adult learners with institutions offering credit-based learning opportunities.
Follow up with participants by text, email, and phone to support program retention and engagement.
Organize supplies and equipment for outreach.
Support participants with state identification and vital-document recovery processes as needed.
Travel throughout DFW to develop partnerships, facilitate events, and meet clients; travel overnight for some conferences during the year.