Program Assistant, Workforce Grants

Program Assistant

Skagit Valley College is accepting applications for a Program Assistant within the Workforce Grants office. This person will work with the BFET, Opportunity Grant, Student Emergency Assistance Grant, and the Supporting Students Experiencing Homeless grant programs. This position will communicate with students during their enrollment process into Workforce Grants programs, as well as during their time utilizing funding/supportive services. Some students may be receiving benefits from DSHS, experiencing homelessness, considered lowincome, or need additional assistance; it is important for the person in this position to have a studentcentered philosophy students are the top priority.

This position is a 12-month classified position, working 40 hours per week onsite at the Mount Vernon Campus. The incumbent will work in-person Monday through Friday. This position is grant-funded and contingent on continued grant funding. This position reports to the Workforce Grants Manager and will assist with administrative activities associated with BFET, Opportunity Grant, SEAG, and SSEH. The assistant position

The Location: Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People's, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington. Mission : Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities. Vision : The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:

• Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
• Our Guiding Principles;
• Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
• The development of our employees;
• A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

Guiding Principles : Respect, Integrity, Open and Honest Communication, Collaboration, and Compassion. About SVC: Established in 1926, Skagit Valley College is a comprehensive community college within the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) providing associates and bachelor's degrees, as well as certificates, in high-quality academic transfer pathways, workforce training, basic education for adults, and lifelong learning opportunities. Our equity goals align with SBCTC's Vision statement; "Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities." SVC's commitment to equity and social justice drives our collective work to increase access to higher education, inspire student learning and achievement, and strengthen our diverse community. We embrace equity through our core themes of access, achievement, and community by pursuing the continuous examination and revision of norms, policies, and practices to foster the success of all. SVC aspires to reflect the diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic demographics in the district, particularly a growing Latinx population. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) SVC seeks equity-minded leadership, faculty, and staff that are committed to inclusive practices and diverse environments where students from all backgrounds can thrive via multidisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of an array of services. Candidates representing all aspects of diversity are encouraged to apply. Skagit Valley College offers:

• An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
• Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship.
• Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
• Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban, and urban lifestyles.
• Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments.
• Excellent benefits include competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• BFET/ Opportunity Grant Support and Compliance
• Provide basic Workforce Grants information to students, including:
• Application status;
• Outstanding requirements and next steps;
• Document submission methods and deadlines.
• Refer complex or case-specific questions to appropriate Workforce Grants staff or program specialists;
• Monitor and triage incoming Workforce Grants emails:
• Respond to general inquiries using established guidelines;
• Forward emails requiring review or action to the appropriate program specialist.
• Perform intake of Workforce Grants documents and forms received via email, secure drop box, or in person:
• Prepare and save documents for review;
• Ensure documents are routed correctly for review and processing.
• Assist with orientation sessions for OG and BFET students;
• Provide front desk coverage during office hours;
• Assist in documenting student information and progress reporting in the DSHS eJAS system;
• Support general office operations, including scanning, filing, and other administrative tasks as needed;
• Provide excellent customer service while supporting equitable access to Workforce Grants, college, and community resources;
• Other duties as assigned related to Opportunity Grant & BFET.

• SSEH/SEAG Support and Compliance

• Provide basic SEAG and SSEH information to students, including:
• Application status;
• Outstanding requirements and next steps;
• Document submission methods and deadlines.

• Refer complex or case-specific questions to appropriate Workforce Grants staff or program specialist;
• Perform intake of SEAG application documents and forms received via email, secure drop box, or in person:

• Prepare and save documents for review;
• Ensure documents are routed correctly for review and processing;

• Provide front desk coverage during office hours.
• Assist in documenting student information and progress reporting;
• Support general office operations, including scanning, filing, and other administrative tasks as needed;
• Provide excellent customer service while supporting equitable access to Workforce Grants, college, and community resources;
• Other duties as assigned related to SEAG and SSEH.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and/or understanding of:
• Office procedures and practices;
• The mission, values, and core themes of Skagit Valley College;
• Flexibility and ability to accommodate multiple stakeholders with various interests and needs;

Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database programs;
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical abilities;
• Written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Excellent customer service, communication, and teamwork skills;
• Computer and technological skills, including software programs, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing.

Ability to:

• Accept responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work;
• Work with a tight-knit team;
• Use Microsoft Office, the internet, and search engines;
• Respect and maintain confidentiality;
• Use judgment and critical thinking to resolve problems or issues using principles of collaboration and continuous improvement;
• Make timely decisions without sacrificing quality even under ambiguous circumstances;
• Actively contribute to a work environment that embraces diversity and uses diverse perspectives;
• Address problems and issues in an open, constructive, professional manner;
• Understand and follow applicable laws, regulations, and standards to establish and maintain a safe work environment;
• Effectively organize multiple assignments;
• Effectively communicate information and ideas orally and in writing;
• Promote the welfare and best interests of the students at all times;
• Perform assigned duties consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and goals of the institution, community, and technical college system;
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with FERPA & grant regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent education and experience;
• Experience working with multicultural and/or low-income students/clients;
• Experience using Microsoft platforms to track information;
• Experience assisting with projects and tracking mechanisms.

Preferred