Retention Specialist - Fresh Start

Priority Consideration Date: May 28, 2024

Located in the scenic Puget Sound area with nearby mountain ranges and Mount Rainier in the distance, Tacoma is surrounded by outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating and camping. Tacoma, Washington has been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the country, due to the increasing career opportunities, cultural diversity and community engagement, just to name a few.

Tacoma Community College (TCC) was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup and Squaxin Island Tribes. The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to Reservations to make way for colonizers; we recognize the privilege of utilizing this land has come at a great cost. We honor the resilience of the Puyallup and Squaxin Island people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well-being of our community. Our institution aims to increase partnerships and community ties with the local indigenous populations. Moreover, TCC stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black community by further strengthening collaboration with the Black Student Union as well as community entities such as the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, the Tacoma Urban League, and local black-owned businesses. In addition, we strongly support the Stop Asian Hate movement and have an active Asian Pacific Islander Student Club as well as an Asian and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Coalition. TCC is committed to developing more culturally responsive curricula by infusing and incorporating more educational content focused on the lives, experiences, and contributions of Native, Black, Asian, and other marginalized communities. We continually strive to become an anti-racist institution.

We are specifically focusing on improved support for traditionally marginalized populations, including Black/African- American, Indigenous, People of Color, Dreamers, justice-involved, immigrants and refugees, Veterans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. To this end, TCC seeks applicants who:

• Value intellectual curiosity and innovative teaching
• Welcome difference and model respectful interaction with others
• Recognize and honor the important role that diversity brings to an educational community
• Are committed to educating a racially and socioeconomically diverse student population
• Are committed to teaching in a community college setting
• Care deeply about student success
• Intentionally support and promote efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Honor TCC's mission promoting equitable access to educational opportunities
• Reflect the diversity of our community

• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments for project participants; track and develop individualized plans to support retention and personal/academic success of Fresh Start students.
• Assist students in clarifying educational, career, and life goals.
• Provide mentoring and advocacy support to assist participants in overcoming barriers or obstacles to persistence and retention. Assist students in accessing needed services, including health and housing services.
• Maintain accurate case files on each enrolled student.
• Work with faculty as needed to assure appropriate and effective learning support and resources.
• Collaborate and represent the program internally and externally with departments and agencies in support of Fresh Start students and departmental goals.
• Serve as a role model and mentor for students in the Fresh Start Program.
• Participate as a team member in the implementation of services and activities to support the success of the Fresh Start Program and its students.
• Assist with statistical information, data collection and summary reporting.
• Plan and coordinate program events and activities to support student engagement and persistence, including information sessions, state-mandated testing, group advising, and recognition events.
• Participate in professional development activities as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Perform related duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Education, or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience working effectively with a diverse population of individuals with different cultural and ethnic backgrounds and abilities.
• Experience managing large numbers of students/clients while maintaining quality service.
• Demonstrated Computer Literacy, at intermediate level for word processing, presentation and desktop publishing software.

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Understanding of Student Development Theory.
• Experience working in a community college setting.

• Successful completion of a criminal history background check.
• Must have reliable transportation to go to community meetings and events.

• Ability to actively lead and participate on teams to advance the college towards the completion of shared goals.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of departmental and student records.
• Ability to promote and maintain a healthy and positive work environment with collegial and cooperative work relationships.
• Ability to provide clear and ethical principles to decision making and use judgment and discretion in sensitive matters.
• Experience working with diverse populations in an educational setting or community-based organization providing educational services.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with a diverse population, both in and outside the college.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Superior organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and goals of the institution.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize competing demands and be flexible.
• Highly professional, ethical, and respectful of confidential data and individuals' circumstances.

Application Process
Complete application packages must include the following:

1. Tacoma Community College online application.
2. Resume & cover letter describing how your educational background and experience align with the responsibilities and qualifications of this position.
3. Copies of transcripts for all colleges and universities attended.
4. Diversity Statement: Tacoma Community College is committed to creating and supporting a multi-cultural climate that welcomes, fosters, respects, and celebrates diversity. Please attach a statement (maximum two pages) describing your experiences with other cultures and communities, your level of cultural self-awareness and how you have integrated both experience and self-awareness into your living/working environment.