The Educational Specialist provides intensive, comprehensive educational advising to support adult learners, GED graduates, veterans, first-generation college students, and those from limited-income backgrounds. This position requires proactive outreach, effective communication, and a strong understanding of college admissions, financial aid, and support services that remove barriers to postsecondary access and success.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited college or university (Master’s degree preferred), ideally in education, counseling, social work, or a related field.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong ability to build rapport and communicate clearly with adult learners, including those who are first-generation college students, working learners, veterans,GED graduates, and individuals impacted by the justice system.
• Skilled in public speaking and facilitating presentations to large or small groups across various community and campus settings.
• Proficient in using digital platforms, social media, and online tools to engage prospective participants.
• Ability to manage a caseload and document services consistently and accurately.
• Able to work independently while also contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated flexibility and availability to work evenings and weekends to accommodate the varying schedules of working learners.
• Knowledge of higher education processes, including admissions, financial aid (FAFSA), scholarships, veterans education benefits, and student support services.
• Experience navigating community-based and institutional resources to help address participants’ basic needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with TRIO or similar college access programs.
• Experience working with veterans and supporting access to educational benefits
• Experience working with justice-impacted individuals or reentry populations.
• Experience working in higher education, adult education, or workforce development.
• Experience working with GED students or other nontraditional learners.

Experience:

• Minimum 1–2 years of related professional experience, particularly in education, advising, or social services.
• Experience working with first-generation and/or limited-income participants.
• Experience in recruiting and managing independent caseloads.
• Experience with community engagement, outreach, and workshop facilitation.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Recruit, screen, and enroll eligible program participants, ensuring proper documentation.
• Provide individualized educational advising, including college planning, course selection, and development of educational goals.
• Assist participants with the college application process, financial aid, and scholarship searches.
• Organize and facilitate workshops and outreach presentations (both in-person and virtual) on topics such as study skills, time management, career exploration, and college success.
• Support GED learners in transitioning to college, including test prep and academic planning.
• Assist veterans in navigating military to college transitions including GI Bill and other benefit applications
• Collaborate with college departments and community partners to connect participants to academic, financial, and social resources.
• Conduct outreach in the community, including attending events, hosting information sessions, and engaging with local organizations.
• Track and maintain accurate records in accordance with federal reporting requirements.
• Help coordinate student support programs such as campus visits, workshops, and FAFSA nights
• Serve as a liaison to local colleges and universities to support participant transfers.
• Support all operational aspects of the EOC grant and contribute to continuous program improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary Range:

Commensurate within the Texarkana College pay scale for position.

What is the Educational Opportunity Center at Texarkana College?

Since 2016, the Educational Opportunity Center at Texarkana College has been funded to serve 1,000 participants each year through a grant from the United States Department of Education. The Educational Opportunity Center program provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. Our services include college preparatory workshops, financial aid application assistance, academic and career advising, college application assistance, GED placement and financial literacy seminars. While our program is housed and sponsored by Texarkana College, we advocate and assist participants attend the college, university, or trade school of their choice.