Student Success Coach at JBLM

Position Summary

Position Summary:
The Pierce College district is looking to fill two vacancies for Student Success Coaches at the JBLM campus. The salary range for this position is $62,892.00 to $74,724.00, with most candidates starting at $62,892.00. This is a full-time, permanent, classified, overtime-eligible position with Pierce College District at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and may be eligible for remote work after the 6-month probationary period. This position reports directly to the Director of Advising and Advocacy and requires regular and consistent attendance.

The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities to a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. The Pierce College District is committed to being an anti-racist institution; to truly be anti-racist we must work deliberately to eliminate barriers that have prevented the most promising and capable students from entering and thriving in college. We work to ensure that every student in the Pierce College District feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their goals. We provide a brave space for Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ/QTPOC students, students with disabilities, and all students and staff to seek refuge, and an opportunity for them to cultivate their strengths, intelligence, resilience, and creativity.

To learn more about our Equity, Engagement, and Belonging efforts, please visit: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/equity-engagement-and-belonging.

We are honored to serve those who serve and have served: Through direct student care, support and innovative programs, Pierce College at JBLM delivers full academic career pathways online and in-person that meet the needs of today’s military-connected students. We L.O.V.E. (Listen, Observe, Value/Validate, Embrace/Empower) our students to success. Serving Military-Connected Students: The Student Success Coach (SSC) serves in a key role for the success of students pursuing their education at Pierce College at JBLM and other locations within Pierce College District. The SSC works under the general direction of the Director of Advising & Advocacy. The SSC provides advising and student support to a caseload of students with a primary focus on military-connected students (servicemembers, spouses, dependents, and veterans). This position also serves as a liaison with multiple military education partners on the installation, as well as those located in other geographic areas around the world.

Advancing Pierce College Mission: The Pierce College Student Success Coach (SSC) works to advance the equity-centered mission of Pierce College through a purposeful focus on serving marginalized students and commitment to Black and Brown Excellence. This includes relational engagement to close college access gaps and areas of inequity in order to increase retention, degree completion, university transfer and workforce readiness. The SSC will work in close collaboration with Pierce College’s Student Engagement Services team to support student engagement and belonging.

Advancing Guided Pathways: Within the context of a Guided Pathways framework, the student success coach will engage in culturally sustaining practices that center racial equity in order to remove barriers and support students in successfully navigating the Pierce College experience. The student success coach provides expertise and builds relationships with students to identify interests and needs, develops a Graduation Plan, and advance the strategies, skills, and self-efficacy that lead to individual and community growth and success.

About the District:
Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist for the 2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023.

Want a feel for our District? Take a peek with aerial campus views!

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake.

Pierce College Puyallup

Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land with beautiful hideaways.

Pierce College at JBLM

Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active-duty families that are serving our country.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions:

Advising caseload management

• Provide culturally appreciative advising case management services to advance the engagement and success of marginalized and minoritized students.
• Create an atmosphere for students to feel affirmed, empowered, and valued.
• In a culturally responsive and sustaining manner, support and guide students through their educational journey, exploring past educational experiences and trauma, identifying cultural/racialized barriers to success, and support dismantling and/or navigating barriers to program completion, including appropriate referrals to internal and external partners.
• Collaborate with internal and external funding sources to assist students through the funding options and processes.
• Collaborate with students and colleagues to support student development of career goals, career pathway maps, understanding course/degree requirements, and explore opportunities.
• Partner with colleagues to connect students to culturally sustaining engagement opportunities.
• Partner with students to develop rapport, respect, and trust relationships via multiple communication modalities.

Assessment and Coaching

• Partner with students to identify initial strengths and challenges in academic, career, and personal pathway by identifying factors impacting academic progress.
• Examine alternatives based on changing goals, academic progress, unique needs, and interpret analytics to guide and empower students to establish academic and career goals.
• Provide expertise within career pathways including helping students select a career pathway program and guiding students to exploration and engagement opportunities.
• Use caseload analysis tools in a culturally sustaining manner to frequently and intentionally identify and guide students at critical moments and in greatest need.
• Evaluate unofficial transfer credits to assist students with enrollment, short- and long-term planning and funding source approvals.
• Partner with evaluations and job and career connections team to support students through graduation process including an official graduation evaluation, transfer preparation, and career entry.
• Promotes removal of barriers to degree/program completion by assisting students in requesting Academic Credit for Prior Learning (ACPL) Assessments and connecting them with appropriate faculty for interview and evaluation.

Retention management

• Monitor academic progress of caseload by analyzing progress reports, satisfactory progress toward degree, and compliance with funding source requirements.
• Identify opportunities for resource referrals; partner with students in gaining early access to key college resources (e.g. library, writing center, tutoring, basic needs resources, student life opportunities, etc.); knowledgeable of military-connected resources and promotes timely connection for military-connected students who would benefit.
• Use college approved case management technology for advising and comprehensive retention management of caseload.

College Support

• Serve as a world language resource, support, or referral for Success Center, specifically serving students who are native Spanish speakers.
• Advance Pierce College's mission for equity and commitment to antiracism in order to provide access and opportunity for our diverse community of learners.
• Assists in the development, preparation, and updating of advising and coaching materials, specifically to advance the experience and success of marginalized students.
• Participate in career and transfer fairs to support student access, retention, completion, and post-graduation preparation.
• Implement recommendations related to improvement of advising and coaching services to better serve those who have been excluded from systems, policies, and practices.
• Seek learning in growth areas and integrate learning from professional development through personal practice improvements and sharing with team to advance team learning and development.
• Participate in shared governance and committee work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or Customer/Client Relationsor equivalent work experience serving clients, students, or customers from diverse backgrounds and intersecting identities.

• One-year (1) of experience working in an educational environment providing direct student service (such as academic advising, financial aid, TRIO, multicultural services, or Workforce Education), or one-year experience in an agency or school setting managing a client caseload.
• Demonstrated experience providing culturally responsive services and assistance to students/clients with intersecting identifies and multicultural backgrounds
• Demonstrated experience assisting individuals in goal setting, problem solving, exploring options, and making decisions.
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals who speak multiple languages.
• Demonstrated experience learning and complying with privacy laws, confidentiality requirements, and compliance structures.
• Demonstrated experience in providing effective referrals for students, customers, or clients.
• Demonstrated experience working with electronic information management systems/database software.
• Demonstrated experience providing student/customer/client sessions via multiple communication modalities, i.e. phone, email, chat, in-person services, etc.

• The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check after a conditional offer of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability to perform in this position.
• Must meet and maintain security standards for military installation access authorization.
• The primary location for this position is at the Stone Education Center with occasional travel to the McChord Education Center and across the District. This is an active military installation, and the candidate will be exposed to armed military personnel, noise from military equipment and military security measures. Candidate is required to have a REAL ID approved identification, and proof of current vehicle registration and vehicle insurance to receive access and driving privileges on the installation. JBLM has limited public transportation options.

Adaptability and Flexibility: Adapts to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities. Handles high workloads, competing demands, work assignments, interruptions, and distractions with poise and ease.

Effective Communication: Possesses excellent communication skills, including clarity and frequency, active listening, providing feedback with respect for dignity, and assertive communication.

Information Competency: Ability to access, evaluate, and apply information from various sources, tools, and contexts and adapt to changing technologies.

Cultural Humility: Effective at developing and using constructive communication skills to interact respectfully with others. Utilizes appropriate methods for interacting sensitively, effectively, and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds and persons of all ages and lifestyle preferences.

Ethical Behavior: Adheres to high standards of integrity and honesty. Adheres to the laws, rules, policies, and procedures. Develops work habits that allow you to retain ethical standards despite deadlines, student requests, and other professional/personal factors.

Student Relations: Maintains ethical and appropriate relationships with students while providing a positive environment, engaging in trauma-informed practices, and demonstrating the ability to interpret student needs and provide student-specific solutions.

Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others, recognizes and appreciates team members' contributions, and respects the team and its perspectives.

Personal Responsibility: Demonstrates responsible personal and professional conduct, which contributes to the overall mission and goal of the organization and accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work.

Application Process

Application Requirements:

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
• Complete the online application profile at:https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr.
• Apply for the specific job opening.
• Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
• Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)
• Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: https://www.naces.org/members (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
• Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. At least one reference must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)
• Provide a response to the following question. (Supplemental Question): "How does this position impact the College's goal to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission?" Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.
  • For definitions of certain equity, engagement, and belonging language, please visit: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/eeb-definitions

Terms of Employment:

This is a full-time (40 hours per week), classified, overtime-eligible position with the Pierce College District. This position is permanent after serving a 6-month probationary period. The primary work location will be at Pierce College on Joint campus. Occasional travel to Pierce College campuses or other sites may occur. This position may be eligible for remote work after the 6-month probationary period. Standard work hours are between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours required. This position may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites. This position reports directly to the Director of Advising and Advocacy. This position requires regular and consistent attendance.

Salary & Benefits:

The starting salary range for this position is $62,892.00 to $74,724.00 annually with annual increments up to $76,608.00. The salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and related experience. Most candidates will start at $62,892.00. Your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr- benefits.

Physical Work Environment:

This position is required to work indoors in an open office environment, which requires visual concentration on detail, dexterity, precision, and is subject to frequent noise and interruptions.

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

Screening & Interview Process:

Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned. Please note: This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the District's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Conditions of Employment:

Prior to the start of employment, finalist(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. 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. As this position would also do contracted work for the Department of Corrections (DOC), the DOC will conduct a background to ensure the incumbent is eligible to work in their facilities and work with incarcerated individuals. 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 RCW 28B.112.080.An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire. Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.

Bargaining Unit:

This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employee Association (WPEA).

Equal Opportunity:

The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to 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.

For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, contact Human Resources at:jobs@pierce.ctc.edu

Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:

Kelly Benson - Interim Title IX &ADACO/Section 504 Coordinator

(253) 964-6716

Deena Forsythe - Vice President for Human Resources

(253) 964-6586

Paula Henson-Williams - District Affirmative Action Officer

(253) 864-3229