WHAT IS AN ACADEMIC SPECIALIST ?
The Academic Specialist's role includes aiding in the identification and selection of Upward Bound Participants, ensuring the Upward Bound web pages are regularly updated and maintained. This position oversees the supervision of academic tutoring, as well as the facilitation of both core and advanced curriculum courses. Responsibilities also involve commuting to schools, engaging with both students and parents, overseeing and mentoring Academic Tutors, devising and implementing study activities, upholding a professional standard of confidentiality, and assisting in the gathering and examination of data for evaluative purposes. The role necessitates working on weekends and the ability to travel.
Need-to-Know Overview of an Academic Specialist
1. Academic Specialist Roles and Duties
- Review and analyze participant grades, transcripts, ACT/SAT Scores, rigorous coursework etc. in order to develop Individual Action Plans for each participant specific to their academic and personal goals
- Assist in identifying and selecting Upward Bound participants
- Lead assessment of participants' academic needs and monitoring/evaluation of progress
- Provide individual academic, financial literacy, and career counseling
- Supervise academic tutoring and delivery of core and rigorous curriculum courses
- Create and execute parent involvement paths
- Communicate with students and parents
- Supervise and train Academic Tutors
- Organize and conduct study activities
- Assist with monthly group learning sessions related to financial literacy, college and career exploration/development, personal/social development and other success skills
- Assist with college tours and cultural events
- Support data collection and analysis for evaluation
- Ensure web pages are updated and current
- Assist the Upward Bound Director with the Annual Performance Report
- Establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with faculty and administrators associated with the schools where students are served
2. Academic Specialist Experience and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in education, counseling, and advising, or related field.
- Two years of relevant experience working with youth and parents.
- Experience working with a variety of learning styles.
- Experience with web page formatting, social networks, and e-communication.
- A valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment is also required, as well as the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in all kinds of weather and road conditions.
- Prior TRIO experience or participation in TRIO or similar program preferred.
- Knowledge in financial aid processes, admission procedures, recruitment and community relations and various assessment tools