Position Description – GEAR UP Program Specialist

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title:	GEAR UP Program Specialist	FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports to:	GEAR UP Coordinator
Department:	GEAR UP (College Services and Human Resources)
Date Prepared:	June 2005

BASIC FUNCTION

The position of GEAR UP Program Specialist has direct contact with students on a routine basis. Main duties of the position include overseeing the afternoon tutoring center, supervising the mentoring program, and assisting teachers and students in the classroom.

NATURE & SCOPE

The GEAR UP Program Specialist reports to the GEAR UP Coordinator. While the Program Specialist understands what end result is expected, he/she determines how best to accomplish it. This requires the direction of certain tasks and projects, but not the direct supervision of other employees.

The GEAR UP program is a program serving high school students, and it is federally funded by a grant. Thus, the GEAR UP Program Specialist has a large amount of direct contact with high school students. This includes tutoring and mentoring students. In addition, the incumbent plans student activities, such as field trips, throughout the year. It is important that the person in this position is student-oriented and has the ability to recognize changes in student attitudes.

As the GEAR UP program is federally funded, it must conform to federal regulations in order to continue receiving the grant. Compliance with grant stipulations must be monitored by the GEAR UP Program Specialist when he/she makes plans for students. Regulatory issues can play a large role in activities such as the job shadowing program and field trips.

Further duties of the GEAR UP Program Specialist include assisting the GEAR UP Coordinator as needed and sitting in on classes. When the Program Specialist participates in these classes, he/she assists the students in any way that will facilitate their education and reinforce the lesson. In addition, the incumbent is available to students for counseling and advice in office hour settings.

Position Description – GEAR UP Program Specialist

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Ø Ensures that each student in the after school tutoring program is served adequately

Ø Provides supervision for the mentoring program

Ø Participates in the classroom instruction of teachers and provides assistance for students

Ø Advises, mentors, and tutors students as needed

Ø Coordinates the annual spring break trip, the summer program, and the job shadowing program

Ø Assists the GEAR UP Coordinator when needed

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The GEAR UP Program Specialist has no responsibility regarding budgetary issues.

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

This position requires a four-year college degree and one to three years of work experience in the field.