Description

Grays Harbor College is now accepting applications for two (2) full-time, grant-funded Educational & Student Success Specialist for TRIO Upward Bound (UB) positions for our recently approved 5-year federal grant which includes two UB projects at Hoquiam, and Raymond/Ocosta High Schools. The TRIO Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance for high school students from low-Income families, and/or neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. This position provides individual and group advising on educational, career and life skills and other related services for participants. Presentations, information booths and workshops will be given to school personnel, students and parents within targeted communities established by UB grant proposal guidelines.

This position reports to the Director of Upward Bound. The position is funded by a federal grant project, which runs in 5-year cycles. The current grant cycle will end August 31, 2027, and the college will reapply for the grant. Of note – TRIO projects at GHC have been continually funded since September of 2005. There is no guarantee of funding beyond 2027, yet any experience that provides a positive outlook could extend the grant for the cycle.

Grays Harbor College has an excellent benefits package to include comprehensive health care insurance, primary and supplemental retirement programs, long-term disability insurance, vacation and sick leave, and employee tuition waivers.

Work Location Details Based on the approved federal grant, two schools are located in Grays Harbor County (Ocosta and Hoquiam) with one school located in Pacific County (Raymond). We anticipate one UB specialist to be located at Hoquiam High School and one specialist to split time between Ocosta and Raymond High Schools. Work schedule and location may vary based on student need and grant deliverables.Grays Harbor is committed to providing excellent educational opportunities. We prioritize student learning, promote student and faculty success, foster an inclusive environment, manage our resources, and connect with the community. We strive to create a culturally relevant environment on campus and in the community by learning and practicing equity-mindedness and promoting faculty, staff, and student diversity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborates with Director, high school administrators, teachers, and counselors to identify program participants at project schools and execute a comprehensive program to improve high school persistence, graduation, and postsecondary enrollment to completion
• Coordinates and conducts recruitment strategies, accepts referrals, and helps select Upward Bound participants
• Makes presentations to school personnel, students, and parents outlining program benefits
• Utilizes a student-centered approach and advises participants for academic success, grade promotion, and college readiness
• Manages a caseload of 30-60 students depending on the UB project and completes individual needs assessments to develop customized, individual College, Career, and Academic Plans (CCAPs); reviews and interprets report cards, transcripts, test scores, college entrance exams, etc.
• Meets one-on-one with students and families to discuss academic and nonacademic obstacles, as they relate to student progress, involvement, and program satisfaction
• Coordinates and makes referrals to tutorial services and develops study skills workshops with input from teachers and other school staff
• Monitors attendance and disciplinary records for continued program eligibility and resource intervention
• Advises, promotes, and mentors participants; assists with development of positive self-concept and helping students envision a future beyond high school
• Develops student assessments and completes program evaluation
• Partners with college departments and community constituents for effective program delivery, workshops, etc.
• Coordinates and leads student-centered college and university exploratory field trips, enrichment activities, and cultural events
• Assists students and families complete all necessary steps for college readiness and enrollment (e.g. ACT/SAT, financial aid, college application, etc.)
• Develop financial, personal growth, and/or student-based workshops to increase student success
• Participates in school staff and team meetings to review timelines, discuss objectives, refine implementation plans, and problem-solve
• Receives confidential application materials and maintains participant files, tracks services, and submits weekly contact forms and other reports as required by the grant
• Participates in professional development activities appropriate to the functions of the position, including state meetings/conferences, Department of Education sponsored training, and school district trainings
• Supports the mission, vision, and values of the College, project schools, and the TRIO Upward Bound program
• Perform other duties as assigned which support the purpose and initiatives of the Program and College

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, psychology, human development or related field
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability work collaboratively in a team environment
• Two years’ experience in an educational setting
• Strong organizational, written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of the unique needs of limited-income, first-generation and/or historically underrepresented student groups
• Ability to use a computer and other current computer technologies as routine work tools and operate student information management software to assist students.
• Ability to interview students and assess educational, personal, and financial needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• TRIO project experience or equivalent program that serves students who are first-generation, low-income and/or preparing for college entrance
• Experience in an educational setting related to admissions, financial aid, or advising services
• Similar characteristics to the participant population being served
• Tutoring and mentoring experience
• Experience in trauma-informed counseling and practices in equity and inclusion
• Multilingual and culturally competent

Supplemental Information

In addition to the GHC online Application you will need to submit the following materials. Incomplete applications will not be accepted or considered.

• 
  Letter of application addressing your qualifications for the position.
• Resume
• Contact information for 3 professional references.
• Transcripts of all college work completed. Unofficial copies are acceptable, official copies will be required at time of hire.

Background checks - 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. Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Grays Harbor College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and Washington State’s Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Title II/Section 504 Coordinator - Darin Jones, Chief Executive of Human Resources, 360-538-4234

Title IX Coordinator – Kari Collen, Dean of Student Access and Success, 360-538-4121

Grays Harbor College, 1620 Edward P. Smith Drive, Aberdeen, WA 98520

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.