EOC CARES Program Coordinator

Position Classification:

Regular, full-time, salaried, exempt and benefit-eligible staff position. For more benefit information visit Why Work at UCO?

General Schedule:

Position typically works Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm in-office at UCO's main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma. Some evenings and weekends may be required. 

Position Overview:

The Educational Opportunity Centers CARES (EOC CARES) program is a TRIO Program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. EOC provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. The program also provides services to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants. An important objective of EOC is to counsel participants on financial aid options, including basic financial planning skills, and to assist in the application process. The goal is to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education institutions.

This position reports to the EOC Project Director and coordinates adult basic education and military-connected outreach programming and services to assist EOC participants with recruitment, growth, enrollment, and admissions services. Reviews and maintains EOC participant records and generates reports for EOC CARES. Coordinates the development and/or preparation of informational materials relevant to EOC participants. Recruits and coordinates the recruitment of students for EOC CARES and/or projects to assist with GED completion and enrollment in postsecondary education. Works in close collaboration with VUB to coordinate participant-related programs and events for military-connected students interested in attending college, including but not limited to open houses, award ceremonies, career days, and student organizations. May assist in education-related activities associated with the enrollment and admission process for postsecondary education.

This is a grant-funded position and exists based on the availability of grant funding. This position will end on August 31, 2031, unless the grant is renewed.

Department Specific Essential Job Functions:

• Meet one-on-one with eligible participants to assist with postsecondary enrollment, admissions, financial aid applications, career planning, and educational goal attainment.
• Deliver student-focused workshops, presentations, and information table activities.
• Utilize technology and social media to engage and inform current and prospective UCO CARES EOC participants.
• Maintain the EOC website, electronic documents, and program communication materials.
• Conduct outreach activities to increase awareness of program services and participant resources.
• Develop publications and assist with marketing strategies to promote program resources and services.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, campus departments, employers, and mentors that support participant success and expand educational and career opportunities.
• Coordinate connections between participants, employers, and community partners to promote postsecondary education, financial aid awareness, and career exploration opportunities.
• Conduct participant intake interviews, assessments, and needs evaluations; develop and monitor Individual Action Plans (IAPs) to support educational, career, and postsecondary goals.
• Provide individualized academic, career, financial aid, postsecondary, workforce, and education-to-employment pathway advising services.
• Assist participants in exploring CareerTech programs, industry-recognized credentials, workforce training opportunities, apprenticeship pathways, and postsecondary education options aligned with career goals and labor market demands.
• Facilitate financial literacy, economic literacy, FAFSA completion, scholarship identification, and college affordability planning activities.
• Coordinate mentoring opportunities, referral services, and participant support activities designed to promote persistence and success.
• Maintain participant records and outcome documentation in accordance with federal grant requirements and university policies.
• Conduct follow-up services and track participant admissions, enrollment, persistence, and credential attainment in support of program objectives.
• Establish performance goals and requirements in coordination with the Program Manager to support grant objectives and compliance requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience Required:

Requires a university degree in a related field or 4+ years of equivalent work experience in a related field that provides knowledge of and exposure to fundamental theories, principles, and concepts. Requires the application of expertise in a chosen field to achieve results.  Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and be able to operate a typical motor vehicle.

Qualifications/Experience Preferred:

Previous experience serving military-connected individuals. One year of work experience in a TRIO program, or two or more years as a participant in a TRIO program. Computer proficiency, preferably in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or other professional presentation software (e.g., Prezi). Must have a strong understanding of the various forms of educational benefits available to military-connected individuals.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to use tact and diplomacy in working with students, alumni, faculty/staff, and employers. Ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and interact professionally with relevant segments of the university community. Project management skills.

Physical Demands:

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