Edtech.com's Summary

Virginia's Community College System is hiring an Upward Bound Program Education Support Specialist. The specialist runs weekly Upward Bound sessions in target high schools, helping first-generation and low-income students choose a career path, complete FAFSA and scholarship applications, and enroll in college. This grant-funded role at Southwest Virginia Community College also coordinates seminars, summer programs, and college visits for participants.

Highlights

Lead weekly Upward Bound meetings and educational activities in target schools
Guide students through FAFSA completion, tutoring, mentoring, and college/career selection
Coordinate special events including a Senior Seminar, Financial Aid Seminar, and SAT Prep Day
Help implement the ASPIRE Summer Discovery Program and other summer courses
Support students with college and scholarship applications and essays
Maintain student academic records from target schools in compliance with FERPA
Transport program participants to activities, field trips, and college visits
Bachelor's degree in counseling, education, or a related field required
Hiring range of $45,739 to $50,000 per year

Upward Bound Program Education Support Specialist Full Description

Posting Summary

Working Title: Upward Bound Program Education Support Specialist

Role Title: Education Support Spec III

Role Code: 29144-SW

FLSA: Nonexempt

Pay Band: 04

Position Number: 294R0003

Agency: Southwest Virginia Community College

Division: Southwest Virginia Community College (Div)

Work Location: Tazewell - 185

Hiring Range: $45,739 to $50,000

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:45a to 4:30p with some evenings and weekends required

Job Description

Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) offers career-training programs in numerous technical, industrial and medical fields at a reasonable cost, going so far as to even waive tuition for certain eligible students. Located in Richlands, Virginia, SWCC offers associate’s degrees in such fields as business, education, general studies, liberal arts and science. These degrees are primarily intended for students who wish to transfer to a four-year university. SWCC also has associate degrees that feature programs intended to lead directly to a career in fields such as Nursing, Radiography and Administration of Justice.

The Southwest Virginia Community College Upward Bound Program is seeking an Education Support Specialist to provide a comprehensive structure for Upward Bound students to be successful in high school, chose a career path, and successfully enroll in college and graduate with a post-secondary degree. The instructor will assist with and/or oversee:

Upward Bound weekly meeting in target schools
Assist participants in all three Upward Bound grants with completing the six grant objectives set forth by the United States Department of Education
Recruitment and in-take of program participants
Providing appropriate educational activities to students such as information about specific courses and course sequences to high school students, FAFSA completion, tutoring, mentoring, and college/career selection as outlined in the Upward Bound grants
Coordinate special events for program participants, such as the Upward Bound Senior Seminar, Financial Aid Seminar, and SAT Prep Day
Assist with the coordination and implementation of the ASPIRE Summer Discovery Program or other summer courses
Aid participants with college and scholarship applications and essays
Obtain and maintain student academic records from target schools in compliance with FERPA regulations
Assist with the completion of the program APR (Annual Performance Report)
Coordinate and attend various aspects of student activities, field trips, and college visits
Transport program participants during program activities using college motor pool or rental vehicles
Work independently and collaboratively with the Upward Bound Director and instructors to provide services to participants
May be required to perform other duties as assigned by the program director

This is a grant-funded position with the US Department of Education. Continued employment in this role is contingent upon funding availability and the needs of the College. Position is not eligible for severance benefits under state policy.

A one-year probationary period is required for both new hires and transfers.

Special Assignments

May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

KSA's/Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in counseling, education, or other related field. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight travel. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to multiple sites using a personal or college owned vehicle. Willingness to transport students in college owned or rental vehicles on educational and cultural field trips. Excellent written communication skills, as demonstrated in applicant’s application, resume and cover letter. Knowledge of college access and financial aid processes (e.g., FAFSA, scholarship applications, college admissions).

Additional Considerations

Master’s degree in counseling, education, or other related field. Experience working with high school or college aged students in an educational setting. Experience working with the target population (disadvantaged youth) low-income/first generation or a personal background to the target demographic. Familiarity with Upward Bound program objectives and the U.S. Department of Education TRIO grant requirements.

Operation of a State Vehicle: Yes

Supervises Employees: No

Required Travel: Travel is required.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number: CLS_4661P

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Number of Vacancies: 1

Job Open Date: 08/18/2026

Job Close Date: 09/15/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Agency Website: www.sw.edu

Contact Name: Human Resources

Email: [email protected]

Phone Number: 276.964.7339

Special Instructions to Applicants

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter.

To be considered for this position, you must complete the full state application. Please visit www.jobs.vccs.edu to apply.

Background Check Statement Disclaimer

The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest.

EEO Statement

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.

ADA Statement

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.

E-Verify Statement

VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.

Original Job Description