Educational Specialist

Job Summary/Basic Function:

To provide first-generation, low-income middle and high school students with financial aid, scholarships, college, apprenticeship, and workforce training information, applications, and assistance to encourage and ensure students enroll in postsecondary education.

Department Overview:

TRIO Educational Talent Search works with first-generation, low-income students, 7th-12th grade, to facilitate their enrollment in postsecondary education. We work at 28 middle/high schools and serve 2043 students annually. We provide academic advising, advising for rigorous curriculum, high-impact tutoring, career planning, financial literacy education, completion of postsecondary applications & FAFSA, and scholarship completion. Students also attend campus visits. All services are free to students and their families.

Level Scope:

Fully competent and productive professional contributor who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Works independently with general supervision; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action. May provide guidance and assistance to entry-level professionals and/or support employees.

This position will drive to assigned target schools four to five times a week. The schools we serve are in Ada, Boise, Canyon, and Owyhee counties. A documented mileage reimbursement is available.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship

Essential Functions:

60% of Time the position must:

Provide participants with information about postsecondary schools and programs; technical assistance in the areas of college admissions, financial aid, and scholarships; career information and referrals to Academic Coordinator for tutoring.

Coordinate workshops, financial aid nights, college visits, and apprenticeship and career technical events.

Create individual education plans for students.

Maintain accurate documentation of work with students through contact/service logs in the database.

Acquire each student's semester/trimester transcripts, review, and refer to the Academic Coordinator if tutoring is needed by student(s).

Develop and coordinate workshops as directed by the grant or Project Director (e.g., financial literacy, study skills, test anxiety).

Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with each target school assigned as well as with coworkers.

Maintain accurate and confidential records regarding participants' academic progress while in the program.

Provide information to students regarding postsecondary opportunities including apprenticeships, workforce training, trade schools, community colleges and four-year colleges, admissions, financial aid, ACT/SAT and COMPASS testing, and scholarships and assist with applying to postsecondary educational programs, the FAFSA, scholarships, ACT/SAT and any other program that helps students be successful in education past high school.

Assist the Project Director with the student records required for the submission of the Annual Performance Report to the U.S. Department of Labor.

35% of Time the position must:

Recruit the required number of students for target schools to the program; complete student needs assessment and turn in complete applications to the Project Director as received.

Spend time at the office completing required paperwork and documentation and planning curriculum and college and career events assigned.

Required chaperoning at various out-of-town and overnight college and career visits throughout the school year.

5% of Time the position must:

Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Experience teaching multiple grade levels (7th - 12th).

Previous experience working with low-income participants.

Background in financial aid, admissions, apprenticeships, career exploration.

Experience working with multicultural populations.

Experience planning events such as college and career visits.

Ability to coordinate and collaborate.

Ability to work independently and take initiative in completing tasks.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent plus 2 years experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Teacher certification for the Academic Coordinator/Educational Specialist

Salary and Benefits:

Salary range is $45,905.60 - $57,387.20 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year''s (requires use of 3 vacation days)
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information!

Required Application Materials:

Resume, cover letter, 3 professional references

About Us:

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We're a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

We're building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho's Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/