Student Application Specialist

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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

Job Summary:
The Office of Access and Enrollment (OAE) is responsible for managing the application, testing, selection, and notification process for all district elementary schools, and district and charter high schools.

The Student Application Specialist for OAE will report to the High School Student Application Manager and will be responsible for managing a variety of processes and procedures relative to the GoCPS application process. The Student Application Specialist serves as an important liaison between the Application Team and school personnel, and acts as a resource for internal communications and assists Call Center staff and Data Analysts to resolve issues, as needed. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on salary basis.

The Student Application Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
• Provide support with quality control checks on each database and program
• Oversee the high school GoCPS appeals process by reviewing and organizing submitted appeals, escalating cases to the appropriate manager, and drafting response language in collaboration with the Communications Specialist.
• Act as a liaison between the Application Team and OAE staff to troubleshoot and problem solve
• Conduct presentations and support live trainings and webinars for CPS administrators, school staff, and families.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the family application experience
• Serve as a primary resource for schools with regard to information requested from parents, Central Office staff, and school staff regarding the application, selection and notification process, and assist in counseling parents regarding schools and programs, including application procedures and policies. Support our Project Manager and Communications Specialist in responding to emails from parents, counselors, and other stakeholders.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Student Application Specialist must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:
• High School Diploma and or GED required Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred
Experience Required:
• A minimum of five (5) years of professional work experience is required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Ability to respond accurately, comprehensively, and clearly to questions from parents, public officials, school administrators, and others
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Extremely detail-oriented
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work activities to ensure project completion
• Self-motivated with high ethical standards
• Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and other database systems.

Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.