EOC Part-Time College Access Advisor (Tarrant County)

Opportunity Resource Services•Fort Worth, TX

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The College Access Advisor recruits eligible participants and conducts outreach throughout the target area, helps participants develop educational plans, guides them through college and financial aid applications, and plans educational events and materials. As part of the TRIO EOC team, the advisor helps recruit and serve at least 950 clients annually, two-thirds of whom are first-generation and low-income, and supports the Assistant Director in meeting project objectives. The role serves people from varied backgrounds, including former foster youth, unemployed or underemployed adults, formerly incarcerated individuals, high school students, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and adults of all ages. Client meetings may take place through virtual platforms, in person, or by phone. This is a part-time hybrid position requiring 25 hours per week, generally between Monday and Friday, 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., with occasional evenings or weekends. Work takes place at various locations in and around Tarrant County, including community partner sites, schools, agencies, and correctional facilities. Occasional mandatory training is held at the central ORS office in Cleburne. Regular travel throughout DFW is required, along with some overnight conference travel during the year.

Requirements

Completion of post-secondary 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, a passion for education and community service, and knowledge of barriers low-income students may encounter when enrolling in postsecondary education.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule and at various on-site partner locations.
Willingness to meet clients virtually, in person, and by phone.
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, endure 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, judge distance, spend extensive hours in front of a computer screen, and listen carefully to others 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 250 EOC clients.
Ensure programming, publications, and part-time team members reflect positively on the organization.
Answer office phone calls and route them to the appropriate staff member.
Monitor office text messages and emails and ensure they receive responses.
Maintain accurate data in the student database and participant records, including electronic files on Google Drive.
Complete time and effort reports, intake forms, and contact forms promptly and accurately.
Maintain relationships with community stakeholders, community partners, and program clients.
Organize outreach supplies, including technological equipment and publications.
Attend meetings and training and submit required paperwork on time.
Assist participants with college, financial aid, and scholarship applications.
Inform students about opportunities to continue their education or develop skills for high-demand occupations.
Recruit clients according to established recruitment plans.
Help plan and facilitate workshops and events.
Provide high-impact advising that helps participants identify next steps toward education or career goals.
Refer participants to relevant services and resources in their communities.
Complete 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 retention and engagement in TRIO EOC programs.