Retention & Transfer Specialist - Student Support Services

Description

Columbia Basin College ('CBC' or the 'College') is seeking a Retention and Transfer Specialist to provide educational planning, academic advising and other support services to enhance the success, retention and graduation/transfer rates of participants at Columbia Basin College. Along with the Director for Student Support Services (SSS), the Retention and Transfer Specialist ensures an individual action plan is developed for each SSS participant, and leads in planning and coordinating program events, activities, workshops and campus visits. As an exempt employee, this position demonstrates professionalism, contributes to an intentional, positive and “Yes, And” culture, and supports initiatives of diversity, equity and inclusion. This position reports to the Director for Student Support Services.

This position is open until filled. Priority consideration will be given to applicants whose application has been received by September 25, 2022 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Primary Responsibilities

• Administer comprehensive needs assessments to SSS participants and advise individual participants on creating a successful academic plan;
• Provide participants with professional/career development guidance and monitor/track individual progress of program participants;
• Plan and implement campus visits, cultural events, and workshops on campus;
• Participate in professional development activities and trainings to stay current in professional field;
• Provide both academic and non-academic support to SSS participants to assist participants in navigating through the College successfully;
• Maintain accurate and timely data, including confidential student contact records and data concerning SSS program transfer activities;
• Participate in regular meetings with SSS staff to plan retention procedures and to remain current on information to share with program participants;
• Work with the Director in the planning and implementation of a strategic retention plan;
• Collaborate with the Director in creating individual action plans structured towards graduation, degree completion and transfer of SSS participants to four-year colleges and universities;
• Advise participants on financial aid and other resources available at CBC;
• Provide guidance to struggling participants and information on available options and resources; when needed, make referrals to on-campus departments or external agencies;
• Use knowledge of SSS federal regulations and policies to assist in the production of program evaluation reports; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university;
• One (1) year of experience working in a secondary or post-secondary education setting providing advising services;
• Experience working with and providing support services for low-income, first-generation, traditionally underrepresented and/or disabled students; and
• Prior experience in small group instruction, leadership training or workshop design.

COMPETENCIES:

Accuracy: Monitor accuracy of own work; recognize and corrects errors; maintain accurate records; accomplish tasks thoroughly through concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small;

Accountability : Accountable for own actions, decisions, errors, mistakes and/or failures to act when appropriate; accept responsibility when given, understand what duties employee is responsible for and can be counted upon to carry out those responsibilities;

Analytical Skills : Synthesize complex or diverse information; collect and research data; use intuition and experience to complement data; design work flows and procedures;

Attitude Toward Progress & Change : Cooperate and support change and new processes; acceptance and quality performance throughout change;

Oral & Written Communication : Speak clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations; listen and get clarification; respond well to questions; demonstrate group presentation skills; participate in meetings; structure and convey information clearly and effectively through both formal and informal documents; review and edit written work constructively; ability to tailor to audience in mind;

Resourceful & Entrepreneurial : Consistently focus on end results and find most effective way to achieve goals and objectives; act on opportunities; take calculated risks; generate non-routine, non-traditional actions to overcome obstacles and achieve results;

Student Centered : Attention, interest, activities and efforts are centered upon the best interest of students; create and support an environment that enables learners to achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals; provide courteous and helpful responses to all customers, whether they be students, general public or employees from another department;

Support for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion : Reflecting CBC’s mission, vision and values, support initiatives that expand the human qualities that differentiate our workplace and educational setting. Demonstrate and advocate an understanding of differences, open mindedness, compassion, sensitivity and interest in differing viewpoints given the diverse population and show a deep commitment to the involvement of colleagues, students and community members to student experience and success honoring freedom of expression as fundamental to personal, professional and organizational growth;

Teamwork : Demonstrate a willingness to work with, and help others in completing job assignments, the ability to accept constructive criticism, and to cooperate with fellow employees and supervisors; demonstrate alignment with the 'Yes And' culture, (e.g., being present and listening, making each other look good, embracing change and failure and choosing positivity); and

Willingness to Learn : Open to learning new methods, obtaining certifications, attending training; participate in cross-training opportunities when assigned; suggest and/or researches new methods; proactively look for training opportunities that would better the position and/or department.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This is a twelve (12) month per year, full-time, exempt position. It is an overtime eligible position with general work hours of Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; however work hours will vary due to work demands and some evening and weekend work may be required.

PROCESS NOTE:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Columbia Basin College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.

If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.

Columbia Basin College operates under an approved affirmative action plan and encourages applications from persons of color, women, veterans and persons of disability. The Human Resources Office is accessible to those with disabilities. If you need accommodation in application or employment, contact the Human Resources Office at (509) 542-4740.

OTHER JOB ELEMENTS:

The working conditions listed below represent those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS :
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility including having the ability to move materials on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc. and travel between buildings on campus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to operate equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.

Work environment includes office and other settings as appropriate. The noise level in the work area is typical of most office environments with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises. Occasional need for travel.