Trio Program Advisor Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $18.88 Hourly
Location : Scottsbluff, NE
Job Type: Full-Time
Division: Student Services
Department: TRIO Grant Programs
Opening Date: 09/04/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Job Summary
The TRIO SSS Advising Specialist II provides proactive, comprehensive and holistic advising and support to participants in the federally funded TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program.
This position is designed to support first-generation college students, students with limited income, and students with documented disabilities through educational guidance, career exploration and readiness, financial literacy, and assistance with applying for federal financial aid and scholarships to support student retention, academic success, graduation, transfer, and post-college success. The Advising Specialist plans and implements enrichment activities, college tours, workshops, and other programming, ensuring project objectives are met, while upholding all grant compliance and reporting requirements. The position also serves as the SSS Club Advisor and the coordinator for the Single Parent in Network (SPiN) program.
Key Responsibilities
Job descriptions are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Provide proactive, individualized advising and coaching to TRIO SSS participants regarding academic planning, course selection, degree completion, transfer opportunities, career exploration, and strategies for student success.
• Provide guidance regarding financial literacy, financial aid, scholarships, budgeting, student loan management, and completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), within the scope of the position and available institutional resources.
• Connect participants with appropriate campus and community resources and make referrals based on identified academic, financial, career, personal, or other support needs.
• Conduct and support participant orientations, workshops, coaching sessions, career activities, college visits, enrichment activities, and other required or permissible SSS services.
• Develop and coordinate an annual schedule of SSS workshops and events, including identifying topics, developing or coordinating content, securing presenters, and evaluating activities in relation to program goals and participant needs.
• Coordinate and support the SSS Club and Single Parents in Network (SPiN) program, including planning activities, maintaining appropriate records, and managing associated resources in accordance with institutional and program requirements.
• Assist with SSS participant recruitment, outreach, application processing, and eligibility documentation in accordance with federal program requirements and approved project policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete participant records and service documentation in institutional and program databases, including Blumen and Colleague, as applicable.
• Protect the confidentiality and security of participant information and personally identifiable information (PII) in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, institutional policies, and program requirements.
• Assist with SSS project evaluation activities, including collection, organization, and review of qualitative and quantitative data and preparation of information used for required reporting, including the Annual Performance Report (APR).
• Assist with implementation of the SSS marketing and recruitment plan and provide information about program services to prospective and eligible participants.
• Assist with administration of Supplemental Grant Aid (SGA), including application review and selection processes, documentation, and compliance with applicable program and institutional requirements.
• Maintain accurate SSS time and effort documentation and other records required for grant administration and institutional reporting.
• Participate in professional development and maintain current knowledge of applicable federal regulations, TRIO SSS requirements, institutional policies, advising practices, and resources relevant to the position.
• Assist with development, review, and implementation of SSS policies, procedures, and operational processes to support consistent service delivery and program compliance.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, community partners, and other constituents to support participant success and program objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required and Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in education, counseling, human services, social sciences, student affairs, or a closely related field required. Master's degree in a related field preferred.
Experience:
Required -

• Two years of progressively responsible experience providing academic advising, student support, coaching, counseling, human services, educational guidance, tutoring, training, or related services.
• Experience supporting students from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, including students who may experience barriers to educational access or success.
• Experience maintaining confidential records and documenting services in accordance with established requirements.
• Experience using databases, student information systems, electronic records, reporting systems, or other technology used to document and track services.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing, with students, colleagues, community partners, and other constituents.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and collaborate with individuals and groups with varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and program requirements.
• Ability to organize multiple priorities, meet deadlines, maintain accurate records, and work independently while contributing effectively to a team.

Preferred -

• Experience working with college students or in a higher education environment.
• Experience developing individualized goals, action plans, and strategies to support student persistence and achievement.
• Experience planning and facilitating workshops, orientations, educational programs, or student activities.

License or Certificate:
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record that does not exclude the driver from coverage under WNCC's vehicle insurance required.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described below represent those that may be required to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

• Work is primarily performed in an office, classroom, meeting, and other college or community settings.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and alternate between sitting and standing as needed.
• Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, monitor, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to communicate information effectively in person, by telephone, and through other communication methods.
• Ability to hear and distinguish speech and other sounds necessary to communicate with students, colleagues, and members of the public.
• May occasionally require movement between campus locations and travel to community or off-campus locations for program activities, meetings, college visits, or other work-related activities.
• May occasionally require lifting, carrying, or moving materials associated with workshops, events, or program activities.

Western Nebraska Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex or gender, age, disability, marital status, military veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression/identity, or political affiliation, in its policies, practices, and activities related to employment, admissions, educational services/programming, student services/activities, or financial aid; as expressly prescribed by institutional policy, state and federal laws, regulations, and executive orders.
Western Nebraska Community College offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for full-time employees. These benefits are designed to support health, financial well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance.
Health & Wellness

• Health Insurance (100% College-Paid):
  WNCC provides health insurance coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska for full-time employees and their IRS-eligible dependents.
• Dental Insurance (College-Paid):
  BCBS dental insurance is fully covered for employees, with optional coverage available at the employee's expense for IRS-eligible dependents.
• Vision Insurance:
  Vision benefits are available through VSP, offering support for routine eye care, including exams, glasses, and contact lenses.
• AirMedCare Membership (College-Paid):
  AirMedCare membership is provided at no cost for the employee's household, offering access to emergency air medical transport services in the event of serious illness or injury.
• Employee Assistance Program (College-Paid):
  The EAP provides free, confidential services to assist employees with personal and professional challenges, including counseling, legal and financial guidance, and work-life resources.

Financial & Retirement Planning

• TIAA Retirement Plan (Immediate Vesting and College Match):
  Employees are fully vested from their date of hire in the College's retirement plan with TIAA. Employees may contribute 7%, 8%, or 9% of their income, and WNCC will match the contribution dollar-for-dollar. Retirement funds are fully portable and may be transferred or withdrawn in accordance with TIAA policy upon separation from the College.
• Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation):
  Long-term disability insurance is provided at minimal cost, offering income protection in the event of an extended illness or injury.
• Life Insurance (College-Paid):
  WNCC provides $50,000 in term life insurance, including an accidental death and dismemberment rider. Additional coverage for employees and eligible family members is available at the employee's expense.
• Flexible Spending Account:
  A pre-tax flexible spending account is available for eligible medical, dental, vision, dependent care expenses, and insurance premiums.
• Employee Loan Fund:
  Employees may access loans up to $1,000 at a 6% interest rate, repayable over a period of up to 18 months.

Time Away & Work-Life Balance
Professional leave benefits are provided in accordance with College policy and include:

• Vacation Leave:
  Accrued at a rate equivalent to 15 days per plan year (September 1 - August 31).
• Personal Leave:
  Accrued at a rate equivalent to 3 days per plan year (September 1 - August 31).
• Sick Leave:
  Accrued at a rate of 1 day per month, up to a maximum of 90 days.
• Paid Holidays:
  WNCC observes the following paid holidays each year:
  
  1. New Year's Day
  2. Good Friday
  3. Memorial Day
  4. Independence Day
  5. Labor Day
  6. Thanksgiving Day
  7. Christmas Day
  8. The working days between Christmas and New Year's Day

• YMCA Corporate Membership Discount:
  WNCC employees are eligible for discounted membership rates at the YMCA through the College's corporate group plan.

Learning & Professional Development

• Tuition Remission:
  Employees and their IRS-eligible dependents are eligible for full tuition remission for credit and non-credit classes offered by WNCC, subject to conditions set forth by Board policy.
• Online Training and Development:
  Employees have access to a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses available online, supporting continued growth and lifelong learning.