Specialist - TRIO & Special Projects

Requisition ID: req3168

Job Title: Specialist - TRIO & Special Projects

Department: Enrollment Mgmt & Student Svcs

Location: Columbus Campus

Employment Type: Staff

Employment Status: Board Approved

Bargaining Unit: Non-Bargaining Unit

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Compensation Type: Hourly

Compensation: $17.52

The College

Community colleges are uniquely positioned to respond to workforce needs and make higher education an affordable reality. There has never been a better time to join a two-year college, and there’s no better place to do it than at Columbus State. A laser focus on student success and a partnership mindset have established Columbus State as a key talent provider in a thriving regional economy, and a premier community college that is changing the nation’s education and workforce landscapes. With more than 46,000 students across two campuses, at several regional learning centers, and online, Columbus State is the nation’s only institution recognized as an Achieving the Dream (ATD) college, an AACC Guided Pathways institution, and a participant in The Right Signals Initiative through the Lumina Foundation. Columbus State employees at all levels benefit from an engaging, collaborative, and supportive culture that rewards innovation and vision. We provide competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities. We are dedicated to ensuring that the diversity of Columbus State faculty and staff reflects that of our students and region. We are proud to be a central part of a community that embraces differences and celebrates the many cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles that define Central Ohio.

The City

Columbus, Ohio is also home to The Ohio State University and more than 30 other colleges and universities as well as the headquarters of multiple Fortune 500 companies. Columbus is one of America’s fastest-growing cities, offering a wealth of cultural experiences, dining, entertainment, shopping opportunities, and more. That’s why Central Ohio residents find living here so fulfilling, both professionally and personally. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions described in this position description. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this position description.

Position Summary

The Specialist of TRIO and Special Projects provides customer service to all TRIO program students. This position generally assists students in-person, but also serves students over the phone and via email. Specialist of TRIO & Special Projects communicates with leadership of all TRIO programs and other student services areas to facilitate the consistent delivery of information and services; and refer students to other departments and resources as appropriate. Individuals in this role work on special projects within the TRIO department.

Core Competencies

Professionalism, Adaptability, Managing Work, Continuous Learning, Continuous Improvement, Coaching, Customer/Student/Employee Focus, Communication, Collaboration, Quality Orientation

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

TRIO SERVICES & STUDENT SUPPORT

Performs various duties within a specialized function. Assumes general responsibility for the operation of the function, subject to management overview and supervision. Regularly interacts with students and occasionally parents and school partners in person, by telephone and by mail. Gathers information from students in order to understand and evaluate individual circumstances and make appropriate referrals; interprets relevant policies, procedures and guidelines to determine best course of action. Provides information and resources to students for all TRIO programs. Assist TRIO Director and TRIO Program Managers in planning and preparing for special events and various initiatives to support TRIO student focus. Assist with workshops and explains TRIO programs, and ongoing student support needs.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Services customers, using expertise and experience in the specialized function. Resolves customer, operational and administrative problems. Resolves customer, operational and administrative problems. Interprets and responds to student inquiries in-person, via the telephone and electronically regarding all TRIO programs. Facilitates engaging presentations, and general support to new students and their families. Provides guidance on department and campus processes.

CLERICAL

Performs various administrative, clerical and recordkeeping functions in support of specialized function. General duties which may include scanning documents; distributing and processing of mail; updating and ordering TRIO program publications/forms and various office supplies. Ensures confidentiality of student records and other information. Maintains TRIO database and supports collection of documents for reports.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Fosters and maintains a safe environment of respect and inclusion for faculty, staff, students, and members of the community. Recognizes diversity of campus students/staff/faculty and supports them in a respectful and courteous manner.

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages multiple assignments of varying complexity while meeting grant program and College processes and procedures, with the ability to adapt to changing needs of the College and business partners. Hours may include working outside of a normal workweek schedule on an as needed basis. Other duties as required inclusive of providing assistance as needed during peak periods. Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions described in this position description. While performing duties of this job, the employee regularly exhibits digital dexterity when entering data into computer. The employee regularly stands and sits for extended periods of time, and occasionally walks. Employee converses verbally with others in person and by telephone. Vision demands include close, relatively detailed vision when focusing on a computer
screen. Employee occasionally lifts or exerts force of up to 10 pounds when moving files, boxes and other materials.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Typical office environment. Regular exposure to moderate noise typical to business offices. Must travel to various Columbus State campuses and sites.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of: standard practices within area of specialization.

Ability to: develop and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, students, general public, and other job contacts; maintain confidential and sensitive information; exhibit flexibility in work schedule and job tasks; maintain accurate and complete work records; work effectively with persons of varying cultures and diversity; answer routine inquiries; maintain confidential and sensitive information; communicate effectively with individuals, small and large groups.

Skill in: servicing of customers within area of specialization; performing administrative duties in support of specialized function; application of job-related computer software; operation of job-related equipment including computer and other equipment; problem solving; maintaining documentation and records; verbal and written communications; customer service.

Minimum Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED (recommended associate degree) with at least three (3) years progressively responsible clerical experience in using word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. An appropriate combination of education, training, coursework and experience may qualify a candidate.