Entry Services Specialist (Program Specialist 2).

Position Summary

The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. The Pierce College District is committed to being an anti-racist institution; to truly be anti-racist we must work deliberately to eliminate barriers that have prevented the most promising and capable students from entering and thriving in college.

Under the general direction of the Director of Advising and Advocacy, the Pierce College Entry Services Specialist will advance the equity-centered mission of Pierce College through promoting the student success of historically marginalized groups, with a particular focus on Black and Brown Excellence. This includes relational engagement to close college access gaps and areas of inequity to increase retention, degree completion, and university transfer and / or workforce readiness. The Entry Services Specialist collaborates closely with Pierce College’s Student Engagement Services (SES) to support student engagement and belonging.Within the context of a Guided Pathways framework, the Pierce College Entry Services Specialist will engage in culturally sustaining practices that center racial equity to remove barriers and support students in successfully navigating the Pierce College experience. Specifically, the Pierce College Entry Services Specialist serves as a key member of the Holistic Student Supports team and provides support in multiple modalities for prospective and newly admitted students.This position will engage in multiple roles to fulfill Pierce College mission, vision, and values and provide a brave student growth and development space for students to thrive. Roles will include entry navigation, outreach and retention supports, front-line customer service at our welcome desks, testing support, and data-entry in our student information systems. This position will partner with Student Success Coaches to support students through entry processes, including, but not limited to New Student Guide completion, technology setup and navigation, placement including entering information in student record, targeted outreach to our most vulnerable populations, and connections to support resources. Through a shared focus on student growth and development, this position will also support Student Success Coaches in their case management of our current students ensuring they stay on track in their Pierce College career pathway.

About the District

Pierce College is a high-performing, mission-driven, data-informed, student-focused district committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. For 55 years, Pierce College has developed a national reputation for academic excellence and support services to ensure student success. The district is proud of the many awards and recognitions it has received. Pierce College is an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction and was the 2017 recipient of their prestigious Leah Meyer Austin Award, given for measurable improvements in student outcomes.

Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist for the 2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023. Pierce is also one of 30 original AACC Guided Pathways colleges and one of first five College Spark Washington pathways colleges. We have bold goals to have all students on a career pathway to increase completion rates for all students and to close achievement gaps by 2027.

Want a feel for our District. !

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake.

Pierce College Puyallup

Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land with beautiful hideaways.

Pierce College at JBLM

Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active-duty families that are serving our country.

Our colleges enjoy a strong presence in the communities in which they serve and participate in numerous partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations.

Essential Functions

The Entry Services Specialist (Program Specialist 2) will be responsible for the following, but not limited to :

Entry Services

• Provide holistic and culturally sustainable support services to new, continuing, and returning students creating an environment where students feel welcomed, affirmed, empowered, and valued.
• Guide applicants through the entry process, providing information, support, and resources.
• Assist with Getting Started steps, discuss career and educational goals, share support resources, and connect prospective students to Pierce College Career Pathways and self-service career exploration tools.
• Provide systematic communication with students through multiple modalities, including district approved technology and social media platforms.
• Provide re-enrollment support to current and former students during the college's calling campaign.
• Process student intake and engagement forms, guide students through Guided Self-Placement processes, enter notes and milestones on student records.
• Prepare students and student records for initial advising appointments, schedule appointments using appropriate scheduling system, and follow-up with students.
• Connect students with various forms of funding, including eligibility requirements, deadlines, and initial application steps.
• Assist with navigation of the catalog, class schedule, support resources, and career pathway programs and plans.
• Partner with Student Success Coaches to ensure a smooth transition of newly admitted students into career pathway advising.
• Remain up to date on various payment deadlines, refund and withdraw dates, registration, and term dates.
• Participate in college engagement events and invite students to participate in engagement opportunities.

Customer Service and Assessment

Exam Proctoring

Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications

Education Required

Experience Required

Special Requirements

Required Competencies

Adaptability and Flexibility

Effective Communication

Information Competency

Cultural Humility

Ethical Behavior

Student Relations

Team Work

Personal Responsibility

Application Process

NOTE :   When applying, please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security Numbers (SSN), Date of Birth (DOB), etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy. Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents.

Application Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must :

Briefly describe how you have worked in your previous or current positions to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in your organizations and how you would do that in this position. Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.

Special Note

To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5 : 00 p.m. on the closing date.

All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your SCHOOLJOBS.COM account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) classified, overtime-eligible position with Pierce College District. This position is permanent after serving a 6-month probationary period. The primary work location will be at Pierce College, Fort Steilacoom campus. Occasional travel to Pierce College campuses or sites may occur. Work hours are between 8 : 00 a.m. and 5 : 00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings, weekend work, and occasional travel as required. This position may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites and may also be eligible for occasional work from home. Regular and consistent attendance is required.

Salary & Benefits

The starting salary range of this position is $3,999.00 to $4,740.00 a month (dependent upon qualifications), with annual periodic increments up to $4,865.00 monthly. However, your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. Life and long-term disability insurance plans; vacation, sic,k and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided.