Support Specialist

Sierra College remains deeply committed to equity and inclusion, valuing the diverse backgrounds of its campus community. The ideal candidate will have the knowledge and ability to support individuals from varied backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and historically underrepresented communities. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION Under general supervision, the role assists with the development, implementation, and evaluation of activities designed to increase student retention, persistence, and completion. Responsibilities include case‑management and cohort management, providing guidance and support for students, coaching, checking degree and certificate progress, and proactively connecting students to resources and services. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES Develops, coordinates, and implements complex multi‑level case‑management strategies to support students based on the needs of a diverse student population; utilizes student data and case‑management software to conduct coordinated email, call, and text campaigns to assess and address student retention, persistence, and completion; reviews student records to ensure progress toward academic and career goals; conducts and analyzes student needs assessments. Maintains case notes and generates performance reports summarizing student progress; updates the District’s Student Information Systems (SIS) and related databases; ensures accurate reporting of data related to students served; assists with providing data for reports related to student success and equity plans. Generates and responds to referrals through the District’s student case‑management system; meets with students in‑person, by phone, or virtually to assess student needs. Works proactively and efficiently to provide appropriate resources, information, and referrals to students; provides information regarding District services and programs, including registration, financial aid, educational pathways, academic supports, on‑campus employment, and student services; connects students with campus engagement opportunities based on interests and goals. Provides support services to implement retention and completion efforts; fosters student success and academic development, including critical thinking, problem‑solving, and self‑advocacy skills; coaches students to use student success skills such as time management, calendaring, organization, and communication. Plans, coordinates, and delivers equitable retention activities for disproportionately impacted students using data reporting and best practices for trauma‑informed and culturally responsive methods. Collaborates with faculty, Success Network Team, and other student services staff to provide cross‑functional, holistic support for each student based on individual needs, data and analytics, and institutional student journey momentum points. Monitors, tracks, and maintains institutional accountability for student progress in caseload; proactively communicates and connects with students to help them meet defined momentum points, such as completing financial aid documents, accessing counseling appointments, and attending workshops and engagement events. Collaborates with Success Network Team and other student services and instructional departments to plan, coordinate, and deliver proactive support for students; connects students with counselors for educational, career, and transfer planning, as well as crisis counseling appointments; provides assistance and referrals to students in major and career exploration. Networks with divisions, departments, and District staff to ensure smooth implementation of case‑management and communication strategies; researches, tests, and implements new communication systems and methods for continued effectiveness and process improvement. Plans, coordinates, implements, and evaluates Success Center related events, including tabling, workshops, and presentations; provides coordination and planning, including staffing, logistics, supplies, and catering; partners with other departments to develop, coordinate, and conduct transition workshops and activities for students. Oversees one or more assigned support and service initiatives, including orientation activities to connect students to programs and services. Provides administrative support, including composing correspondence, scheduling meetings, and facilities reservations; researches and recommends best practices, models, and methods; aids in planning and developing department objectives; develops and implements procedures and policies; maintains department information and communications. Provides onboarding support, general work training, guidance, supervision assistance, and directs activities of students or temporary employees. Performs related duties that support the overall objective of the position. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES Education/Training: Two years of coursework from a college or university. Experience: Two years of experience providing program support services to students or community members or related experience. License/Certificate: Valid California Driver’s License. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Sierra College and operations of student services offices. Collaborative problem‑solving and conflict resolution techniques. Culturally inclusive and equity‑minded practices and strategies. Historically underrepresented and disproportionately impacted student needs in higher education. External and public agencies, services, and resources. Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations regarding support of students, including FERPA, ADA, NCAA, and CCCAA. Principles, practices, and techniques of marketing, public speaking, and outreach. Basic research methods and data analysis techniques. English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. Ability to: Perform technical and operational duties to support students, including providing complex case‑management services and sensitivity to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Maintain accurate written case‑management records. Process and disseminate information accurately and clearly; synthesize information to develop an appropriate plan of action. Analyze and resolve confidential, difficult, and sensitive situations. Coordinate and conduct workshops, seminars, special events, presentations, and orientations. Screen, interview, and assess the needs of students and clients. Maintain current, accurate, and confidential records and files. Properly handle difficult, sensitive, and confidential situations and materials. Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority. Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact. Utilize office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers, technology, and applicable software applications such as database management and student information systems. Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems. Maintain confidentiality of information. Follow oral and written directions. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Provide onboarding support, general work training, guidance, supervision assistance, and direct activities of students or temporary employees. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Work with and show sensitivity to a diverse student population from a wide range of ethnic, socio‑economic, gender, sexuality, and accessibility backgrounds. Work independently and collaboratively. Apply District policies and procedures. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting. The position may require working evenings, nights, and weekends. Primary physical requirements include standing or sitting for prolonged periods, occasional walking, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting, lifting or carrying light to moderate loads, operating office equipment, and verbal communication. WHY SIERRA? One of Aspen Institute’s Top 150 Community Colleges in the nation. Accrediting Commission recognition for exemplary professional development practices. Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS). 18 paid holidays, including extended winter break. 12 accrued paid vacation days per year, with accrual increasing over time. Competitive benefits package. Flexible work schedules may be available. Summer 4x10 schedules for qualifying employee groups. Qualifying Employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (most cases). Sierra College is a Community College located near Sacramento, California, dedicated to academic excellence and student success. It serves over 17,000 students across multiple campuses. EEO & TITLE IX Sierra College is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination and the achievement of diversity and equity among its faculty, staff, and students. Persons with inquiries about the application of Title IX and/or EEO may contact the Director of Diversity, EEO & Title IX (Title IX Coordinator) at View phone number on click.appcast.io or via email at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr