TRIO Educational Opportunity Center Advisor

CHESS•Farmington, NM

About The Position

The TRIO Educational Opportunity Center Advisor provides college access services and advising to new and stop-out students seeking to attend a two- or four-year college or university. The advisor serves potential students in San Juan County, with occasional travel within the program’s target service area. The position maintains an assigned participant caseload and contributes to annual recruitment, service, and performance objectives established by the EOC Director. This position is funded through an annual grant. Employment beyond the current funding period depends on the availability and renewal of grant funds. The role is exempt and regular. Compensation is $46,297. The advisor recruits and advises participants, supports their educational and financial aid planning, delivers workshops, maintains accurate participant records, and builds partnerships with schools and community organizations. The role also supports program performance tracking and annual grant reporting.

Requirements

Knowledge of college policies and procedures, program policies and procedures, admissions, scholarship and financial aid policies and deadlines, and grant requirements.
Skill in operating computers and job-related software programs.
Skill in decision-making, problem-solving, interpersonal relations, dealing with the public, and oral and written communication.
Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Knowledge of educational barriers faced by first-generation, low-income, adult, and returning students.
Ability to manage participant caseloads, electronic records, workshops, and competing deadlines.
Ability to work independently and develop effective community partnerships.
Knowledge and competency commonly associated with completion of a bachelor's degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
Sufficient experience to understand basic principles relevant to the major duties, usually associated with an apprenticeship or internship, or one to two years in a similar position.
Possession of, or ability to readily obtain, a valid New Mexico driver's license for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
Submit a cover letter, CV or resume, and a list of three supervisor references with the application.

Nice To Haves

Experience in admissions, financial aid, academic advising, adult education, community outreach, or student support services is preferred.

Responsibilities

Organize and implement recruitment and advising booths at local schools and community centers to recruit program participants.
Document participant eligibility and maintain supporting records in accordance with federal TRIO EOC requirements.
Guide participants in completing a secondary diploma or its equivalent.
Conduct regular follow-up to support completion of enrollment, financial aid, and educational planning steps.
Enter accurate and timely participant services, contacts, eligibility documentation, and outcomes into the program database, while protecting confidential information.
Provide FAFSA assistance, explain verification and financial aid requirements, and offer scholarship and financial literacy guidance.
Develop and present workshops on college readiness, career exploration, educational planning, and financial aid.
Conduct initial client interviews.
Assist students with admissions and financial aid applications.
Build relationships with adult education programs, workforce agencies, schools, and community organizations, and refer participants to appropriate campus and community resources.
Support the EOC Director in tracking program performance measures and preparing accurate annual grant reporting information.
Attend outreach events and monthly staff meetings.
Perform related duties.