Retention Specialist - High School Equivalency Program

Salary : $55,057.00 - $57,514.00 Annually
Location : WA 99301, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: E-23-025
Division: Instruction
Department: Transitional Studies & HEP
Opening Date: 11/02/2023
Closing Date: 12/3/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Columbia Basin College ("CBC" or the "College") seeks a Retention Specialist who will respond to retention issues and provide academic and career advising to enhance the success and retention of students in the High School Equivalency Program (HEP). This position will conduct follow-up interviews with HEP graduates to track placement data, develop and implement the annual retention plan and calendar. The Retention Specialist will report to the Director for HEP.
This position is open until filled. First consideration will be given to applicants whose complete application has been received by December 3, 2023 @ 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
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

• Provide academic and career advising to HEP students, including interview techniques, resume preparation, labor market information and job retention skills;
• Respond to inquiries from prospective students, outside agencies and other College staff regarding program and College information;
• Monitor attendance and implement a HEP retention plan for all participants, especially at-risk students;
• Collaborate with other HEP staff to help determine student eligibility and assist with student needs;
• Assist students with the admission/registration process and other student intake;
• Under direction of HEP Director, lead HEP tutors;
• Periodically assist with HEP events and outreach efforts;
• Conduct data collection and maintain database for student evaluation purposes, including but not limited to GED® practice test and official GED® tests for each student;
• Prepare and maintain Individualized Education Plans for GED® program participants;
• Collaborate with the HEP Director and other staff to implement the goals and objectives of the program as established by the federal grant and assist to ensure implemented goals and objectives are being met;
• Provide and participate in advising, programming and interventions aimed at promoting student retention and completion; may include home visits and addressing barriers to success; coordinate math and language arts workshops, orientation for new students; educational planning workshops or appointments; connecting with students nearing completion to ensure academic goals are accomplished;
• Develop and maintain an updated regional educational/employment and training social service directory;
• Conduct participant exit interview, follow-up and accomplish placement goals as required by HEP performance standards;
• Coordinate cultural and academic enrichment activities; organize other support activities to increase student success;
• Conduct student career evaluations for proper job and education placements;
• Develop and implement a HEP student transition plan to post-secondary area focus;
• Link students to appropriate campus and community services and resources;
• Attend regular HEP staff meetings; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education or related field from an institutionally accredited college or university;
• One (1) year of experience in academic advising;
• One (1) year of experience working with migrant/seasonal farm workers and/or diverse populations of varied ethnicities, ages, backgrounds and abilities in an educational, nonprofit or social services setting; and
• Bilingual and biliterate in English and in Spanish.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in basic GED® preparation in English and in Spanish;
• Experience working with federal grants;
• Applicable experience in the program specialty;
• Knowledge of community college environment; and
• Understand the role of retention and academic and career advising within the program scope and the population it serves.

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;
Analytical Skills:Synthesize complex or diverse information; collect and research data; identify data relationships and dependencies; design workflows and procedures;
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;
Attitude Toward Progress & Change:Cooperate and support change and new processes; acceptance and quality performance throughout change;
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;
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;
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 and 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;
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; 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 full-time, overtime eligible, professional staff position. The typical work hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; however, must be available to work a flexible schedule when prior notice is given by the College.
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.The position is directly engaged in the performance of work on a federal contract or grant which requires compliance with the College's Drug-Free Workplace Policy as well as reporting requirements, as a condition of employment.
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.
Usual office working conditions. The noise level in the work area is typical of most office environments with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises. There is an occasional need for travel in this position.
MEDICAL/DENTAL INSURANCE
Eligibility
Permanent, seasonal and part-time employees as determined by WAC 182-12-114. Benefits also cover spouse or State-Registered Domestic Partner (SRDP), and qualifying dependents.
Effective date of coverage
First day of the month following date of employment. If the date of employment is the first working day of the month, coverage begins on that date.
Medical Plan Monthly Costs
Employees pay their portion of medical care costs through payroll deduction. The employee premium is based on the choice of plan and elected coverage for spouse or SRDP, and dependent children. *Medical plans are available by county of residence. The listed plans are available for employees who reside in Benton and Franklin counties.
2024 Employee Monthly Contribution by Family Tier
Kaiser WA Classic:
Employee Only: $226
Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $452
Employee and Child/Children: $396
Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $622
Kaiser WA Value :
Employee Only: $211
Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $422
Employee and Child/Children: $369
Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $580
Kaiser WA CDHP*(Consumer-Directed Health Plan):
Employee Only: $26
Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $52
Employee and Child/Children: $46
Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $72
Uniform Medical Plan (UMP) Classic, administered by Regence BlueShield:
Employee Only: $124
Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $248
Employee and Child/Children: $217
Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $341
UMP Select, administered by Regence BlueShield:
Employee Only: $59
Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $118
Employee and Child/Children: $103
Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $162
UMP Plus-UW Medicine Accountable Care Network, administered by Regence BlueShield:
Employee Only: $109
Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $218
Employee and Child/Children: $191
Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $300
UMP CDHP* (Consumer-Directed Health Plan), administered by Regence BlueShield:
Employee Only: $35
Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $70
Employee and Child/Children: $61
Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $96
*Consumer-Directed Health P...