Project Advisor/Education Specialist - Veterans Upward Bound Program (VUB)

Alabama A&M University•Normal, IL

42d

About The Position

Under supervision of the executive director/president, provides academic advising and support services to participants of the Veterans Upward Bound Program. The Veterans Upward Bound Education Contract Service Consultant will conduct academic assessments, test result analysis, development of educational plans, assist with college planning, conduct workshops and course instruction, career counseling, provide information on postsecondary opportunities, assist in college admissions applications, secondary and postsecondary enrollment and financial aid forms, handle referral and tracking of veterans, visit area partners to meet with veterans, assist in maintaining files of veterans and participant data, act as liaison with partners and prepare program and participant reports.Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Supports the educational component in the delivery and implementation of all program activities and services including but not limited to: Assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations and completing college admission applications. Information on the full range of federal student financial aid programs and scholarships Assistance in completing financial aid applications including FAFSA. Information on veteran education benefits and assistance in completing veteran education benefit applications. Assistance with outreach, recruitment, and identification of eligible participants Assesses students' needs for program services. Provides academic guidance, career, and personal planning to participants. Provides participants with information and guidance on financial and economic literacy. Supports the educational component with organizing cultural, educational, and career related field trips. Supports in the coordination and delivery of workshops and academic services for program participants. Tracks participant attendance and follow-up on continued absentees. Maintains professional relationships with postsecondary institutions and veteran community agencies. Refer participants to outside veteran supportive services. Connections to high quality tutoring. Maintains current and accurate records and files in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education guidelines. Supports the educational component in the completion and updating of participants' data in program files and database. Provides periodic reports on participants academic status and ensures that all participants' files adhere to the U.S. Department of Education standards. Prepares the Annual Performance Report and other related reports as required by the U.S. Department of Education. Attends appropriate TRiO conferences and/or professional development trainings as required by the executive director/president. Ensures all forms of written communication (i.e., letters, memorandums, emails, etc.) for participants and/or the general public meet NACEE VUB requirements. Assists in conducting outreach in the community on behalf of VUB, including presentations and workshops about program services with community organizations and institutions of higher education. Create community contacts relevant to assisting veterans in the community through personal visits to businesses, community organizations, and affiliate groups. Coordinates efforts with other programs serving veterans and disadvantaged students on college campuses and with local veterans' organizations.

Requirements

BS/BA Degree preferred Master's Degree in Education or Human Services.
Must be flexible to work evenings and weekends. Must be able to travel as required.
Must have minimum experience in education counseling or related field of study; with experience working with adult college re-entry population.
Applicants must possess good interpersonal skills; able to work in cooperative management settings, and at ease working with students individually or in groups.
Applicant must receive favorable clearance reports from background check, drug test, and fingerprinting.
Must have valid drivers' license, proof of current vehicle insurance, a driving record that meets insurers criteria, and be able to use personal vehicle for work. Must have valid first aid and CPR certification.
Must have good organizational skills; effective verbal and written communication skills; public speaking experience; displays professional demeanor; positive attitude and self-image; ability to multi-task; flexibility in adapting to changing assignments as priorities arise; and ability to learn database management applications.
Applicant must demonstrate understanding and sensitivity to the needs of first-generation and low-income veterans; understanding of non-traditional students; and the ability to establish a positive rapport with target population.

Nice To Haves

Preference for candidates who have held a prior position working with veterans or within a university/college/Veteran Resource Center, TRiO program, or other student support service program.

Responsibilities

Assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations and completing college admission applications.
Information on the full range of federal student financial aid programs and scholarships
Assistance in completing financial aid applications including FAFSA.
Information on veteran education benefits and assistance in completing veteran education benefit applications.
Assistance with outreach, recruitment, and identification of eligible participants
Assesses students' needs for program services.
Provides academic guidance, career, and personal planning to participants.
Provides participants with information and guidance on financial and economic literacy.
Supports the educational component with organizing cultural, educational, and career related field trips.
Supports in the coordination and delivery of workshops and academic services for program participants.
Tracks participant attendance and follow-up on continued absentees.
Maintains professional relationships with postsecondary institutions and veteran community agencies.
Refer participants to outside veteran supportive services.
Connections to high quality tutoring.
Maintains current and accurate records and files in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education guidelines.
Supports the educational component in the completion and updating of participants' data in program files and database.
Provides periodic reports on participants academic status and ensures that all participants' files adhere to the U.S. Department of Education standards.
Prepares the Annual Performance Report and other related reports as required by the U.S. Department of Education.
Attends appropriate TRiO conferences and/or professional development trainings as required by the executive director/president.
Ensures all forms of written communication (i.e., letters, memorandums, emails, etc.) for participants and/or the general public meet NACEE VUB requirements.
Assists in conducting outreach in the community on behalf of VUB, including presentations and workshops about program services with community organizations and institutions of higher education. Create community contacts relevant to assisting veterans in the community through personal visits to businesses, community organizations, and affiliate groups.
Coordinates efforts with other programs serving veterans and disadvantaged students on college campuses and with local veterans' organizations.