"Education Specialist - Talent Search (FT)"

JOB DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director, the Education Specialist actively recruits and engages Trenton middle school and high school participants. Provides academic, career, and financial aid counseling through one-on-one advising, group workshops, and targeted outreach events. Additionally plans, coordinates, and leads college exploration and enrichment opportunities, such as campus tours, enrichment activities, and educational field trips.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively recruits eligible students by distributing and collecting program applications, verifying eligibility per program regulations, re-registering returning participants annually, and meeting established recruitment benchmarks.
• Reviews interviews, transcripts, report cards, and assessment data to identify low-income, first-generation students with the potential to succeed in higher education.
• Provides individual counseling to address academic, personal, or social barriers that may impact student progress and success.
• Advises students on course and program selection, class scheduling, study strategies, postsecondary pathways, and career exploration.
• Conducts follow-up meetings with students to assess ongoing needs, monitor progress, and adjust support plans as necessary.
• Collaborates with parents/guardians, teachers, school counselors, and school administrators to resolve concerns affecting academic achievement.
• Plans, coordinates, and supervises educational trips, enrichment activities, and college/university visits to enhance students' exposure and readiness.
• Delivers regular presentations to schools, community organizations, and social service agencies to promote program awareness and student engagement.
• Provides guidance and support to new program counselors to ensure consistent delivery of services.
• Assists in the planning and implementation of overall program operations, activities, and student services.
• Contributes to determining effective program delivery methods and approaches to enhance student outcomes.
• Coordinates activities with internal staff, external consultants, faculty, and volunteers to support program goals.
• Assists in the development and distribution of program materials, including flyers, newsletters, and brochures.
• Maintains accurate records and databases related to student participation, academic progress, and program activities.
• Attends meetings and prepares weekly progress reports as well as other required documentation.
• Recommends purchases of equipment, educational materials, and supplies to support program initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

BENEFITS

https://www.mccc.edu/hr/employees/benefits.shtml

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position may require travel to local schools and a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Please note that assigned tasks and responsibilities span both campuses for all MCCC positions.

ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Positions in this class typically require: ability to use a key board, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. (e.g., projectors, laptops, materials) as needed.

Sedentary Work:Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to effectively represent the program at schools, conferences, meetings, and seminars through presentations, outreach, and professional engagement.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with students, parents, schools, and community partners.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and ability to learn program-related technology tools.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and timely reports and correspondence.
• Strong communication and presentation skills; ability to represent the program effectively at schools, meetings, and conferences.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Counseling or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Two (2) years of direct experience advising and counseling students on academic planning, college readiness, and pathways into postsecondary education.
• Experience in working with economically and educationally disadvantaged youth
• Demonstrated experience recruiting middle school and high school students for academic programs and support services.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Counseling or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Prior work experience in an urban school district or higher education such as a community college.