UNITE-Umoja Sakhu/BSS-Student Support Specialist

The Black Student Success Center and Umoja Sakhu Learning Community are partners in supporting and promoting Black excellence at American River College. A crucial way to achieve Black excellence at American River College is by seeking the support of those who are here to assist you. Feel free to reach out to our Peer Tutors for academic support with your classes or navigating Canvas.  Additionally, please meet the rest of the team members listed below, who are here to provide support and guidance throughout your educational journey.

STUDENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST DEFINITION 

Under the direction of the assigned supervisor/manager, coordinate student success and support related programs, components, and activities; assist in the planning, implementation, and delivery of support programs and services associated with the college plans; and provide support. 

TYPICAL DUTIES 

Oversee one or more college student support programs; provide coordination and planning for assigned program activities and events; and assist in conducting program review and strategic planning for the assigned college programs; ensuring compliance with and implementation of student services related regulations, policies, and procedures; gather and maintain data and statistical information in an effort to ensure appropriate services are provided to students in compliance with district and state regulations, policies, and procedures; participate in recommending and monitoring systems to provide and track support services to students; budget development and coordination and preparation of the required state and district reports; attend college, district, and department meetings in an effort to assist in ensuring coordination of support services and follow-up activities; communicate with and advise students to move them through the Steps to Success and core services of assessment and educational planning; monitor the academic progress of assigned students and provide support, and coordinate intervention; assist students in their academic career by providing them referrals and resources to meet their educational and vocational career objectives; present activities to connect students to college programs and services; develop, coordinate and conduct workshops and activities, including subjects such as entering students coming directly from high school, students transferring to a four year university, financial literacy and other related subjects; assist in planning and coordinating follow-up and retention activities for at-risk students including those on probation and dismissal; prepare appropriate forms of communication regarding career education events, activities, programs, and initiatives for dissemination to college personnel and students; assist with the development and presentation of professional development activities for faculty and staff to support student success; assist in the recruitment, training and oversight of temporary employees; perform related duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

EXPERIENCE 

Two years of related experience in student services on a college campus or in a community agency that provides comparable services to students or diverse community members. One year of experience is equal to 12 months of experience at 40 hours per week.  Applicable part-time experience will be converted to the full-time equivalent for purposes of meeting the experience requirement. 

EDUCATION 

Completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in an area related to the assignment.  NOTE:  Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for up to two years of the required education on a year-for-year basis.   One year of education is equal to 30 semester units.  Education must be from an accredited institution. 

KNOWLEDGE OF 

Applicable policies, regulations, procedures and processes; applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations; practices and trends in serving diverse and first-generation student populations; techniques of fact finding and interviewing; effective customer service skills; general student services procedures; organization, functions, and activities of a community college; the budget preparation process; principles of leadership; how to compose effective correspondence; the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and rules for letter and report writing; principles and practices of effective communication; how to train others to perform specific tasks; basic principles of leadership, oversight and training; numbers, their operations, and interrelationships, including arithmetic at the level required to effectively perform the duties of the position; administrative and clerical procedures and systems, such as filing and recordkeeping techniques in a complex business environment; computers, including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, internet usage, and database management; modern office practices, procedures and equipment.  

ABILITY TO 

Perform the essential functions of the position; sustain regular work attendance; work cooperatively and effectively with the public, students, faculty and staff, demonstrating understanding, sensitivity and respect; exercise initiative and good judgment; work as a member of a team; meet schedules and time lines; maintain accurate and complete records; interpret and applies applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, District policies and regulations, and office processes and procedures; manage one’s own time and the time of others; understand and carry out oral and written directions; read and understand information and ideas presented in writing; speak effectively to large and small groups; work successfully with diverse populations; accept assigned procedures toward completion of tasks as well as assign tasks to others and provide appropriate oversight including feedback; compile data and prepare reports; analyze and solve problems; make responsible decisions affecting students and student programs; effectively communicate college and district standards and procedures to students and the public; coordinate, plan, and schedule various activities and events; advise and guide large groups in organizational functions; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, database and other applications; adapt to changing technologies; work successfully with diverse populations. 

TYPICAL EQUIPMENT USED 

(May include, but not limited to) Computer, copier, printer, and other modern office equipment; other equipment common to the field to which the position is assigned.