Specialist II, Educational Outreach

Specialist II, Educational Outreach

Position status:
Part‑time (grant‑funded);
Department:
Center for Multicultural Access and Success;
Division:
Student Development;
Classification:
Non‑exempt;
Union: TOSSC‑AFT Local 604;

Reports To:

Manager, Trio, Educational Talent Search.

This is a part‑time, grant‑funded position that works with the federally‑funded TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS) program. The Specialist provides outreach and identification of eligible participants—including middle and high school students—guidance on secondary school re‑entry, financial literacy, academic counseling, advising, assistance with college admission processes, assessment of needs and outcomes, and periodic reporting. The Specialist reports to the Manager, Trio, Educational Talent Search and supports the Senior Director of CMAS.

Occasional evening and/or weekend hours may be required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The student population at the college is diverse in ethnicity, gender, language, age and background. Joliet Junior College is an AA/EO employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of its staff.

• Assist with the selection process, assessment and placement of Talent Search participants.
• Provide group and individual instruction, academic, financial literacy and educational advisement.
• Develop and refine methods for continuous monitoring and adequate follow‑up of student progress.
• Develop methods, tools, and materials to address ETS participants’ needs to ensure academic success.
• Plan, organize, and execute logistics for college tours and cultural events for students.
• Review participants’ progress periodically through interviews with participants and target school staff.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, administrators, and acquire a general knowledge of the overall operation, functions and programs of the campus to which assigned.
• Advise program leaders, faculty, and ETS staff of obstacles to learning experienced by ETS participants; conduct individual and group workshops in problematic areas.
• Present occasional evening and/or weekend workshops and participate in campus visits and seasonal overnight college tours.
• Demonstrate administrative ability and knowledge in financial aid processes, admission/recruitment procedures, and community relations.
• Participate in TRIO training seminars and workshops such as Illinois TRiO, EOA, and COE; serve on assigned college committees and clubs that support the identified TRIO and Student Development Division program goals and objectives.
• Participate in achieving departmental and college goals and objectives.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with coursework in Education, Psychology, Sociology, or Guidance service related disciplines.
• One (1) year of previous experience working in student services or a closely related field with successful experience dealing with disadvantaged students in grades 6th‑12th.
• Experience designing and presenting programs, workshops, and advisement sessions relating to learning styles, academic college entrance exams, federal financial aid, scholarships, graduation requirements, goal setting, and other academic success skills.
• Strong presentation skills with excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other members of the college and community, displaying cultural competence and emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrated commitment to the college’s core values of respect and inclusion, sustainability, integrity, collaboration, humor and well‑being, innovation and quality.

• Master’s Degree in Education, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, Social Work, Higher Education, or related field.
• Experience with TRiO programs and understanding of educational, career and transfer planning.
• Expertise delivering group presentations and facilitating large and small group discussions.
• Experience using appropriate technologies, student learning style assessment instruments and strength inventories in all aspects of advising and counseling practices.
• English and Spanish verbal and written communication proficiency.
• Demonstrated multicultural competence.

• Normal office physical demands.
• Ability to travel between campus locations and to community events.

• Duties are performed indoors in the usual office and/or outdoor environment.

Technical Office Support Staff Council (TOSSC)-AFT Local 604.