Resource Specialist

About Us

We are a district of three distinct colleges-North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College-and five specialty training centers. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, we are leaders in change and innovation.

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will gain access to a great benefits package including:

• Competitive Pay Rates

• Promotional Opportunities

• Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans

• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave

• Transportation benefits

• Tuition Waivers

• PEBB Wellness Plan

• Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice, including committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Salary Range for this position is $65,108.42/yr. to $69,384.64/yr. (DOE)

Initial review of application materials will begin on Monday, 4/29/2024.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Dean of Student Support Services, the Resource Specialist will be responsible for helping students navigate the resources available to them and ensuring they are enrolled in all the benefit programs they qualify for. This position will also work with the Emergency Aid programs and process student applications for financial assistance.

This position is typically scheduled to work Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM. The schedule may vary depending on program needs. May be required to work evenings and weekends as needed.

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by AFT-SPS.

Application Procedures:

• Attached current Resume

• Attached cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job

• Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online.

Note that the Seattle Colleges District does not sponsor work visas and does not reimburse relocation expenses incurred by new hires.

Notice to Applicants:

Please note that Seattle Colleges has moved to holding interviews virtually using video conference options such as Zoom or Teams. As such, if you are selected for an interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.

What you will be working on:

Benefits Navigation

• Actively participates as a member of the statewide Benefits Navigator Cohort, including attending meetings and trainings.

• Contribute to the development of the statewide and campus-specific Hunger-Free and Basic Needs Strategic Plan development and implementation.

• Participates in ongoing evaluation and revision efforts to ensure appropriate and effective supports for prioritizing student basic needs.

• In collaboration with WSAC and the SBCTC supports the implementation of a student survey that assesses food and housing security and access to basic economic supports.

• Assists with the completion of FAFSA, WASFA, and Foundation Scholarship applications.

• Guides students through the DSHS benefits application process.

Supporting Students

• Provides a low-barrier intake process for students that includes appropriate assessment and presentation of the college and community resources available.

• Supports all students' access to Basic Food assistance and the Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) program and supports the reduction of student food insecurity.

• Provides students with referrals for supportive services within the college and with community partners that help meet their basic needs.

• Conducts follow-up as needed to ensure students' needs are met and provide additional referrals, if needed.

Enhancing Community Collaboration

• Facilitates local or regional discussions and generates recommendations amongst community stakeholders on the basic needs of their respective colleges' students.

• Assists efforts to strengthen transition supports, which may include assistance with FAFSA/WASFA, Opportunity Grant, WA College Grant, etc.

• Participates in the Guided Pathways initiative at the college.

• Works with other Benefits Navigators and the SBCTC to enhance community partnerships to support students and increase options for individuals to meet their basic needs.

• Assists students with the Workforce Education funding application.

• Serves on the Guided Pathways Basic Needs Subcommittee.

• Participates in statewide Basic Needs committees.

• Participates in statewide Benefits Navigator Cohort and attends all meetings and trainings.

• Travels occasionally for in-state training and meetings.

Expanding Resource Availability

• Conducts outreach and recruitment that targets low-income and food-insecure students.

• Ensures a full menu of college and community resources is available and communicated.

• Supports the development of new community partnerships to increase resources for students.

• Supports efforts to integrate student support programs at the college and enhance leveraging of college resources to holistically support students.

• Works closely with SSEH (Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness) Housing Resource Specialist to leverage grant funds.

• Works closely with Benefits Hub to ensure all available supports are available to our students.

Emergency Funding Assistance

• Processes requests for SEAG Grant funds, Foundation Emergency funds, and United Way King County Emergency funds. This includes processing applications and disbursing funds.

• Completes quarterly report for all emergency funds sources (SEAG, UWKC, etc.)

• Informs students of the results of their application and directs them to additional resources when appropriate.

• Performs grant-required 10-day and 45-day follow-up surveys.

• Manages the Passport to Careers program for foster youth, including working with WPN, CSF, SBCTC, and WSAC to streamline and grow the program.

• Serves on the Guided Pathways Basic Needs Subcommittee.

This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job, we are a team that works together to meet the needs of those we serve, and every member of the team is expected to contribute, even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this description.

What you bring as a candidate: (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience

• Superior technical skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office and database programs.

• Demonstrated experience facilitating meetings.

• Availability for in-state travel for trainings and meetings.

• Excellent customer service, communication, and teamwork skills.

• Demonstrated flexibility and ability to accommodate multiple stakeholders with various interests and needs.

• Strong planning and project management ability.

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Demonstrated experience in interpreting, reviewing, and applying program specific policies, procedures, and regulations.

Physical Requirements:

The Position

• typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office.
• encounters frequent interruptions throughout the workday.
• is regularly required to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion with or without reasonable accommodation.

Disability Accommodation

Persons with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with Seattle Colleges. This includes, but is not limited to, recruitment, application, interviewing, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer-supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources.

Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodation will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of "bullying" behaviors, including "cyberbullying".

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the Director of Legal Compliance.

Background Check Statement

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. In addition to the background check, candidates will complete Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB2327 as required.