Part-time 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 interested in attending a two- or four-year college or university. Advisors serve potential students in San Juan County, with occasional travel within the program’s target service area. The role maintains an assigned participant caseload and contributes to recruitment, service, and performance objectives established by the EOC Director. This position is grant-funded; employment beyond the current funding period depends on the availability and renewal of grant funds. It is part-time, at 29 hours per week, with compensation of $22.26 per hour. The advisor recruits participants, determines and documents eligibility, supports students with educational planning, admissions, financial aid, and enrollment, and provides follow-up to help participants complete key steps. The role also presents workshops, maintains accurate and confidential program records, builds community partnerships, makes referrals, and supports performance tracking and annual grant reporting. Work is assigned by the Educational Opportunity Center Director, who spot-checks completed work. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Knowledge of college policies and procedures, program policies and procedures, college 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, public interactions, 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.
Baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field, or the commonly associated knowledge and competency level.
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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Organizes and implements recruitment and advising booths at local schools and community centers to recruit program participants.
Documents participant eligibility and maintains supporting records in accordance with federal TRIO EOC requirements.
Guides participants in completing a secondary diploma or its equivalent.
Conducts regular participant follow-up to support completion of enrollment, financial aid, and educational planning steps.
Enters accurate and timely participant services, contacts, eligibility documentation, and outcomes into the program database, and protects confidential information.
Provides FAFSA assistance, explains verification and financial aid requirements, and offers scholarship and financial literacy guidance.
Develops and presents workshops on college readiness, career exploration, educational planning, and financial aid.
Conducts initial client interviews.
Assists students in completing admissions and financial aid applications.
Builds relationships with adult education programs, workforce agencies, schools, and community organizations, and refers participants to appropriate campus and community resources.
Supports the EOC Director in tracking program performance measures and preparing accurate annual grant reporting information.
Attends outreach events and monthly staff meetings.
Performs related duties.