Retention Specialist - Transitional Studies

Description

Columbia Basin College (CBC) is committed to our vision to be the educational home that transforms students' lives through economic and social mobility. We are one of eight Hispanic-Serving Institutions in Washington state with Hispanic students representing just under half of our student population. As such, CBC is committed to discovering and enacting innovative ways to intentionally serve Hispanic students while serving all. We center equity in all that we do and seek to attract and retain engaged individuals committed to helping all students be successful in accomplishing their goals.

The Retention Specialist will assist students in enrolling in and successfully completing English Language Acquisition programs. This includes working with students to develop meaningful educational and career goals and connecting students to needed services. This position will work to develop new and existing ELA program opportunities and build pathways for Transitional Studies students to successfully transition into academic programs.

The Retention Specialist reports to the Director for Transitional Studies Operations.

This position closes on July 28, 2024 at 11:59 PM PST. The College will conduct initial interviews with selected candidates via Zoom and will conduct on-campus interviews with finalists.

If you have questions or need assistance during the application or search process, please contact the recruiter for this position, Ashley Jordan at ajordan@columbiabasin.edu or (509) 542-4567.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist Transitional Studies students in transitions from ABE/ELA/GED/HS+ courses into I-BEST programs, other IET programs and academic pathways;

• Advise prospective and enrolled students regarding academic and vocational programs, admission procedures, and degree requirements;

• Assist students to identify funding sources for their intended pathway and assist in applications to secure funding;

• Partner with students in developing comprehensive and meaningful educational plans and clarifying educational and career goals;

• Collaborate with Transitional Studies staff to develop and implement innovative advising activities;

• Design and deliver group advising sessions, orientation workshops and information sessions;

• Act as a liaison to other campus student support services assisting students to find services for which they are eligible; link students to appropriate campus and community services and resources;

• Initiate appropriate interventions for students who are experiencing academic difficulties and respond to student needs identified in Early Alerts;

• Provide retention and follow-up services to students to ensure student success;

• Assist with the collection and reporting of data to college and agency systems; and

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent education from an institutionally accredited college or university; and

• Three (3) years of experience working with diverse populations.

OR

• Bachelor's degree from an institutionally accredited college or university; and

• One (1) year of experience working with diverse populations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish;

• Experience working with underprepared adults and non-native English speakers; and

• Experience working in a community college setting.

Competencies

Approachability:Willing to take immediate time to actively listen to others. Considered "accessible" or can be depended upon to be available when needed. Responsive;

Interpersonal Skills:Focus on solving conflict, not blaming; maintain confidentiality; listen to others without interrupting; keep emotions under control; remain open to others' ideas and try new things;

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;

Professionalism: Ability to approach others in a tactful manner; react well under pressure; treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accept responsibility for own actions; follow through on commitments;

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:Support initiatives of the district, colleges and divisions to expand the human qualities that differentiate our workforce and workplace. Exemplify tenants of tolerance, acceptance and interest in different viewpoints, cultures, and backgrounds and demand similar conduct of assigned staff and department; and

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).

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 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; however, work hours may vary due to work demands and some weekend and evening work may be required.

CBC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the letter and spirit of all federal and state laws. CBC encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legal protected characteristics. Candidates who need any accommodation in the application process or in employment should contact the Office of Human Resources.

CBC offers excellent medical/dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave, retirement plans, and a variety of benefit options. Please view the "Benefits" tab for comprehensive benefits information.

Successful candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Provide proof of lawful permanent residency or other appropriate work authorization as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.

• Disclose any substantiated findings or any ongoing investigations related to sexual misconduct as required by RCW28B.112.080

• Pass a criminal background check. Note: information learned during the criminal background check will not necessarily preclude employment but may be a factor in eligibility for the position.

• Maintain an alcohol-free and drug-free workplace during employment.

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.