EOC Part-Time College Access Advisor (Johnson County)

Opportunity Resource Services•Cleburne, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The College Access Advisor recruits eligible participants and conducts outreach in Johnson County as part of the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) team. The advisor helps participants develop educational plans, complete college, financial aid, and scholarship applications, and identify next steps toward education or career goals. The role also involves planning and facilitating educational events, workshops, and materials, and referring participants to relevant community resources. The advisor manages a caseload of approximately 300 clients and contributes to the team's annual service of at least 1,100 clients, two-thirds of whom are first-generation and low-income. The role supports the Assistant Director in meeting project objectives and serves people from varied circumstances, including former and current foster youth, unemployed or underemployed adults, formerly incarcerated individuals, high school students, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and adults of all ages. This part-time, hybrid position involves client meetings by virtual platforms, in person, and by phone. Work takes place at locations throughout Johnson County, including the organization's central office in Cleburne and partner schools and agencies; some remote work may be possible. The advisor must be comfortable with a flexible schedule and regular local travel, with occasional evening or weekend work and some overnight conference travel. Expected hours are 25–28 per week, generally Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The position requires strong customer service, problem-solving, technology, and independent-work skills, along with knowledge of college admissions and financial aid procedures and the barriers low-income students may face in pursuing postsecondary education.

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.
Strong customer service skills, innovative problem-solving ability, and a passion for education and community service.
Knowledge of barriers low-income students may encounter when enrolling in postsecondary education.
Willingness to work with clients through virtual meeting platforms, in person, and over the phone, and at various partner locations.
Willingness to travel regularly throughout Johnson County and undertake some overnight conference travel.
Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds; stand and walk for extended 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 distances; spend extended time 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 program’s target population.
Experience working in TRIO programs.

Responsibilities

Recruit eligible program participants according to established recruitment plans and conduct outreach throughout Johnson County.
Manage an approximate caseload of 300 EOC clients and help the team recruit and serve at least 1,100 clients annually.
Help participants create educational plans and complete college, financial aid, and scholarship applications.
Provide advising on next steps toward participants’ education and career goals, including opportunities for further education and skills development for high-demand occupations.
Plan and facilitate workshops, events, and educational programming.
Refer participants to relevant community services and resources.
Complete individualized education and career skills action plans for participants.
Connect formerly incarcerated and currently incarcerated students with postsecondary education opportunities and connect adult learners with credit-based learning opportunities.
Follow up with participants by text, email, and phone to support retention and engagement.
Maintain client data and accurate electronic and database participant records; complete intake and contact forms and time-and-effort reports accurately and promptly.
Answer office phone calls, route calls to appropriate staff, and monitor office text messages and emails to ensure responses.
Organize outreach supplies, including technology equipment and publications.
Help maintain effective relationships with community stakeholders, partners, and program clients.
Ensure programming, publications, and part-time team members reflect positively on the organization.
Attend meetings and training and submit required paperwork on time.
Travel throughout Johnson County to develop partnerships, facilitate events, and meet with clients; travel overnight for some conferences.