TRIO Educational Opportunity Center Advisor

San Juan College•Farmington, NM

About The Position

The TRIO Educational Opportunity Center Advisor provides advisement and college access services to new and stop-out students seeking to attend a two- or four-year college or university. Advisors serve potential students in San Juan County, with occasional travel to service areas within the target program 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 grant-funded annually. Continued employment beyond the current funding period depends on the availability and renewal of grant funds. The work is guided by college policies and procedures, Education Department General Administrative Regulations, and grant requirements. The Educational Opportunity Center Director assigns work through general instructions and spot-checks completed work for compliance, accuracy, and appropriateness. The role has no supervisory or management responsibility.

Requirements

Knowledge of college policies and procedures, college admissions, scholarship and financial aid policies and deadlines, program policies and procedures, and grant requirements.
Computer skills, including operation of job-related software programs.
Decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Interpersonal and public-facing skills, including oral and written communication and the 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 baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
Sufficient experience to understand the 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.
Required application documents: cover letter, CV or resume, and a list of three supervisor references.

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 participant services, contacts, eligibility documentation, and outcomes accurately and promptly into the program database, while protecting 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.