Part-Time Temporary Educational Specialist - Division of Access and Engagement - UTK

About the job

Part-time Educational Specialist is responsible for increasing the rate at which low-income, first-generation individuals from target high schools enroll in and complete a program of post-secondary education. This goal is accomplished through academic instruction (classroom and on-line) and intensive advising services including educational, financial aid, and career advisement, exposure to and assistance with postsecondary opportunities, assistance in applying for federal, state and local student financial aid, and providing financial literacy information.

Responsibilities

• Provide college access advisement (academic success, life skills, financial literacy) to a given caseload of participants.
• Provide workshop/instruction relative to available services.
• Assess participants' academic strengths and weaknesses, identifying the need for tutorial services.
• Prepare and submit lesson plans for classroom and blended learning (online instruction) lessons as outlined by the Project Director for Saturday Sessions and Summer Components.
• Assist in coordination and implementation of tutorial services.
• Assist project participants in developing and implementing good study techniques, choosing appropriate career goals, choosing appropriate postsecondary schools, completion of post-secondary admission forms, and assistance in college entrance exam preparation.
• Disseminate Financial Literacy information to participants and parents, including conducting annual Financial Aid Workshops and electronic filing of the FAFSA.
• Provide additional educational, financial aid and career advisement as needed during the course of participant's educational career.
• Transport participants and other staff in university vehicles.
• Maintain a professional relationship with target high school personnel and parent/guardians of project participants.
• Assist in the identification and selection of eligible participants.
• Assist in the application and selection process for Bridge Scholars.
• Submit all paperwork relating to classroom instruction, tutoring assistance, weekly itineraries, including documentation of services provided to participants (used to calculate stipends).
• Maintain project participants' files according to proposed guidelines.
• Assist in conducting follow-up surveys on each project participant.
• Handle responsibly all assigned materials, including technology equipment.
• Participate in staff development and in-service meetings.
• Participate in periodic evaluation of services.
• Adhere to federal, university, and Educational Opportunity & TRIO Programs policies and procedures.
• Perform other necessary duties required by the Project Director.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree with two years of successful teaching, counseling, and/or related experience in service delivery.
• Must demonstrate the ability to understand the advising process and case load management
• Demonstrate word processing, data entry, and internet skills, exceptional human relations skills, the ability to work independently, the ability to teach in a classroom setting, and to provide academic tutoring.
• Must demonstrate a positive attitude with proven cooperativeness and willingness to work as part of a team, responsible, prompt, organized, flexible, and dependable.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prefer candidate with a B.A/B.S or M.A/M.S degree in the area of study in which instruction will be provided.
• Previous experience with Upward Bound projects
• Experience in building and maintaining community partnerships
• Teacher certification in math or science or other related certifications a plus; a good understanding of the legislation and federal regulations governing TRiO programs, a solid understanding of non­ permanent grant funding, and experience in overcoming barriers similar to the population served.

About Us

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

Additional Information

• Job Identification: 10670
• Job Category: Services
• Posting Date: 2026-11-05
• Apply Before: 2026-12-05
• Job Schedule: Part time
• Locations: 1914 Andy Holt Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US ()