STRIPES Outreach Specialist

Position Overview

Veterans Upward Bound is a TRIO Program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Veterans Upward Bound is designed to assist veterans in the development of academic and requisite skills necessary for acceptance and success in a program of postsecondary education. The program provides assessment and enhancement of basic skills through counseling, mentoring, tutoring and academic instruction in the core subject areas. The primary goal of the program is to increase the rate at which participants enroll in and complete postsecondary education programs.

This position recruits veteran individuals for the Veterans Upward Bound STRIPES program that are interested in a post-secondary education. Identifies veteran dependent individuals and refers them to the TRIO Educational Opportunities Center program at UCO. Implement VUB STRIPES college preparatory curriculum that prepares participants for college entry, organize workshops with community partners over topics that include, but not limited to financial aid (FAFSA & military benefits), economic literacy, financial planning for postsecondary education.

This position is a grant funded position which can be renewed yearly for up to 5 years but is not guaranteed. This grant ends on August 31, 2027.

Department Specific Essential Job Functions

This position will report directly to the VUB Project Director. The Outreach Specialist will be responsible for all aspects of communication with potential program participants and will attend applicable military and community events to detail program objectives to referral network stakeholders. Maintains VUB STRIPES website and electronic documents. Converts manual records to a computerized based information system. Assists Project Director in planning and implementation of workshops and activities. Manages personal data in accordance with federal human protections certifications requirements. Performs other related duties as assigned. Organize and transport participants to campus visits.

This position may be required to drive a 15-passenger van to transport program participants to campus visits.

Qualifications/Experience Required

Bachelor’s degree in job related field plus 3+ years of work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and be able to operate a typical motor vehicle.

Qualifications/Experience Preferred

Minimum 90 college credit hours in counseling, education, or related field required and minimum two years of experience in a higher education setting. This position requires expertise with under-represented populations or students with high risk of academic failure; demonstrated coordination of recruitment strategies; and experience conquering barriers analogous to participants; being bilingual is preferred. These persons will travel with the UCO Veterans Recruiter to start area recruitment events; evaluate eligible participants; monitor and travel participant records via secure electronic database; document services and facilitate academic and life-skills workshops; and ensure Standard Operating Procedures are followed in accordance with EDGAR, FERPA, GEPA, and GPRA.

U.S. Military Veteran or previous work related to serving veterans. One-year work experience in a TRIO program or 2+ years as a participant in a TRIO program Requires the application of expertise in a chosen field to achieve results.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse student populations. Ability to work well with peers, supervisor, faculty, staff, and students. Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, human relations, public relations, and organizational skills. Excellent mechanical, computing, and networking skills. Ability to work independently, handles multiple tasks simultaneously, and interacts professionally with all segments of the University community. Ability to organize and coordinate personnel associated with the project. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Must be detail oriented.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.