Educational Services Specialist

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) strives to increase the number of underrepresented students from low-income backgrounds who enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
 
Under the supervision of an assigned GEAR UP Coordinator, Educational Services Specialist will be assigned a caseload of students and/or parents/guardians (assigned caseload). The primary role of the GEAR UP Educational Services Specialist is to collaborate with GEAR UP Staff and personnel of our partner institutions to assist assigned caseloads to strive for postsecondary education opportunities through the implementation of comprehensive services and activities detailed in grant objectives. Target school assignment(s) and work location subject to change based on program needs, per the discretion of the GEAR UP Director. Based on program needs as determined by the GEAR UP Director, this position may be required to work out of various locations including the CSUF campus, GEAR UP target schools, or other locations. Educational Services Specialist are expected to perform duties including those outlined below.
 
*Please be aware that funding for this position is awarded through a Grant/Contract over a specified period. Employment for this position beyond current Grant/Contract funding is contingent upon continued funding.

• Ensure high quality delivery of support services for assigned caseload
• Design and implement systems to ensure accurate and reliable tracking of ALL support services
• Accurately track the documentation of assigned caseload
• Assume responsibility for caseload analysis to keep track of academic performance, participation in GEAR UP services, and no-shows on assigned caseload
• Independently research innovative and engaging activities to incorporate into services that will increase assigned caseload engagement
• Provide leadership in the planning and implementation of programs and activities for assigned caseload that include; workshops, college visits, and family events
• Build rapport with School Site personnel and assigned caseload
• Conduct structured small group and one-on-one tutoring sessions for student caseload in assigned subjects (e.g., mathematics, science, reading, and/or writing)
• Facilitate learning as a guide and coach to assist the student to become a successful, independent learner
• Integrate effective study and learning strategies to maximize the student’s potential for academic progress
• Provide leadership in the creation of content and curriculum for assigned caseload.
• Maintain ongoing communication with directors and coordinator regarding the status, challenges, opportunities, and potential referrals of participants on assigned caseload to other appropriate resources
• Implement strategies to increase, monitor, and facilitate caseload engagement
• Attend staff meetings and staff development sessions
• Ability to work a minimum of 18 hours per week, mainly between the business hours of 7:30am-4:30pm Monday through Friday
• Other duties as assigned

• Ability to commit to a full school-year position
• At least one year of previous volunteer or work experience with GEAR UP or other educational organization(s)
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, work independently, and take initiative
• Ability to work with minimum supervision, both independently and with others
• Ability to work effectively with various members of professional academic communities 
• Ability to clearly relay information to assigned caseload
• Possess excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Be sensitive to assigned caseload of diverse ethnic, racial, and economic backgrounds
• Demonstrate sound decision making skills
• Demonstrate ability to react flexibly to new situations
• Possess excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office and Google applications
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; effective time management skills
• Have reliable transportation to/ from assigned school site(s) and CSUF
• Successfully clear fingerprinting and background check process

• Bilingual skills (written and verbal) in English and Spanish or Vietnamese
• Two or more years of previous volunteer or work experience with GEAR UP or other educational organization(s)
• Ability to pass content-specific assessment(s) to tutor students in
• integrated mathematics (Algebra I, and/or Geometry, and/or Algebra II)
• science (biology, and/or chemistry, and/or physics)
• reading and writing
• Other subject, as determined by program needs

• Minimum Associate's Degree or a combination of education and experience including graduation from high school and training or coursework in a related field and at least one year of related experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Prolonged sitting in front of computer. Walking, talking, hearing, pulling, bending, may carry 10-25 pounds of objects/material, not exposed to extreme noise level, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, taste or smell.
 
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Your application will be considered incomplete without the submission of a:

• Resume
• Cover Letter