TRIO Educational Specialist: General Education

Position: TRIO Educational Specialist: General Education - Quinsigamond Community College
Job Description:

Program Overview

The TRIO-Student Support Services program is a grant funded program supported through the U.S. Department of Education. The program provides academic support services for disadvantaged students and is designed to increase the retention and graduation rates of eligible students who are enrolled at Quinsigamond Community College. The 5-year grant cycle will end on 8/31/2030, and employment cannot be guaranteed after that date.

This is a grant funded position, and the role is dependent upon grant availability.

General Statement

The TRIO Educational Specialist:
General Education is a full-time grant funded, 12-month, benefitted position (37.5 hours per week) housed within Academic Affairs. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

The Educational Specialist provides individual and small-group academic support to TRIO participants across general education and foundational courses including Mathematics, English (reading and writing) and other gateway courses. They also collaborate with TRIO staff and College staff and faculty to deliver the most effective learning instruction for the TRIO program.

Supervision Received

Reports directly to the TRIO SSS Project Director.

Supervision Exercised

None

Duties and Responsibilities

* Provide individualized and small-group tutoring to TRIO SSS students enrolled in gateway courses such as Mathematics and English, General Education Courses, focusing on foundational skill development and course success.

* Assess academic skill gaps and self-efficacy, and identify barriers to learning through formal and informal assessments to determine students' instructional needs.

* Design and deliver instructional materials aligned with course content and learning objectives, while intentionally tailoring approaches to accommodate diverse cognitive styles among TRIO students, including both holistic and analytical learners.

* Design and implement targeted learning strategies to strengthen students' competencies in:

1.Mathematical reasoning and problem-solving

2.Reading comprehension and critical analysis

3.Writing development and communication skills

* Support student success skills, including:

1.Study strategies

2.Time management

3.Note-taking and organization

4.Test preparation

5.Commitment to college

6.Sense of belonging

* Collaborate with faculty and academic departments to align tutoring support with course expectations and address student learning needs in gateway courses.

* Document student participation, services, and progress using LACAI in accordance with TRIO program requirements and reporting standards.

* Coordinate with TRIO staff to develop individualized academic support plans and establish effective tutoring schedules.

* Support TRIO workshops, orientations, and student success programming focused on academic skill-building, retention, and persistence.

* Monitor and track student progress, maintaining accurate records of outcomes and contributing to program assessment and continuous improvement.

* Promote a student-centered, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that fosters confidence, engagement, and academic growth.

* Collaborate with campus partners to ensure a coordinated, holistic approach to student support and success.

* Administer the PERTS Growth Mindset intervention to all TRIO students, complemented by targeted social-psychological supports, including values affirmation exercises, to mitigate the effects of stereotype threat and imposter syndrome.

* Support students holistically by addressing key non-cognitive factors?such as sense of belonging, self-efficacy, and motivation?that are critical to persistence and academic success.

* Devise different strategies for improving GPA vs. retaining students.

* Actively support the teaching and learning mission of the college by demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to academic excellence.

* Contribute to a culture of collaboration, collegiality, and respect across the TRIO program and the college community.

* Some evening and weekend work hours may be required based on student needs.

* Collaborate with staff across the SUCCESS Scholars Program, STEM Initiatives, Career and Transfer Services, and the First-Generation Student Support Center to identify strategic alignment opportunities and leverage economies of scale.

* Perform additional duties as assigned to support program goals and student success.

Impact Statement

This position plays a critical role in supporting first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities to succeed in college. The Educational Specialist helps students build academic confidence, pass gateway courses, and persist toward graduation and transfer.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications

* Master's degree or Bachelor's degree in human services, counseling, education, behavioral health, healthcare or related field with demonstrated commitment to the attainment of a Master's degree within 3 years of hire.

* Experience with diverse student…