Student Success Specialist

Renton Technical College (RTC) seeks a Student Success Specialist who values student learning and who is committed to the mission of the college. Student Success Specialist, full time and exempt from union representation, is a member of the Student Success Center and reports directly to the Dean of Student Success. The primary function of this position is to assist enrolled and prospective students in the development of meaningful educational and career goals by providing developmental, educational, and career planning services. The position provides career exploration and advising services to new and prospective career/technical students and transfer students. The Student Success Specialist also advises a small population of international students through their entry process into the institution, providing advisement/counseling for international students in matters related to immigration status which includes, but is not limited to, various categories of visa regulations, legal employment and career consideration for different disciplines. This position requires familiarity in all instructional programs and the ability to take leadership responsibilities in entry advising for career training, transfer degrees, university admissions requirements, and workshop development and facilitation. Applications received by Wednesday, December 1st 2021 will receive priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled.

Renton Technical College, located southeast of Seattle, has provided quality education in a variety of occupations for over 75 years. Our professional-technical certificate and degree programs offer entry and mid-level training in the areas of allied health, trades and industry, culinary, business, technology and automotive. Our outstanding college & career pathways program with classes in adult basic education, English as a second language, and GED preparation is available to those who need additional preparation prior to entering a training program and for those who simply wish to improve their math and English skills. Career Education and apprenticeships degree’s round out our offerings. As an Achieving the Dream and an Aspen Institute top 10 finalist in Community College Excellence, RTC is also proud to be a Military Friendly School, serving those who chose to serve.

Renton Technical College is committed to increasing its cultural diversity with an emphasis on equity and inclusion among its faculty and staff. The students that we serve come from a variety of backgrounds and are over 60% of color. We strongly encourage members of historically minoritized groups, veterans, and bi- or multi-lingual individuals to apply for this position to help meet the needs of our diverse students and service district.

Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions Include

Advising

Provide leadership in working to improve access and successful educational outcomes for diverse student populations, especially underrepresented and underserved groups.

Advise prospective and enrolled students regarding academic and career training; admission procedures; articulate college policies and procedures; clarify degree requirements and transfer requirements; assist in course selection.

Maintain a clear understanding of all college programs, requirements, and eligibility.

Assist students in clarifying educational, career, and life goals; help students to develop individualized educational plans.

Advise international students on federal visa and immigration regulations.

Participate as a team member in implementation of advising procedures and objectives.

Identify trends and best practices through literature review, research, campus visitations, and professional development opportunities.

Follow and maintain compliance with FERPA regulations regarding any student educational records.

Communication and Collaboration

Collaborate with student success staff, faculty and other RTC staff to develop and implement innovative advising activities.

Identify, collaborate, develop, implement, and oversee support services related to programs as the needs of our students and community change.

Collaborate with RTC faculty to maintain effective services to aid students engaged in online coursework.

Make referrals to appropriate resources necessary for student success.

Departmental Functions

Participate in college and community meetings, and outreach events as needed.

Serve as a Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer.

Ensure ongoing compliance with SEVIS regulations with regards to data submission and data management.

Prioritize and manage multiple tasks, under pressure, during peak advising times and within deadlines.

Support the mission and goals of the department and institution.

Coach, mentor, and train staff as necessary.

Approach conflict-resolution in an open and professional manner.

Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Outreach & Entry Services.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Experience collaborating with persons from diverse backgrounds such as sexual orientation, racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, socio-economic, physical and learning abilities, and a commitment to an inclusive an equitable working/learning environment.

Bachelor’s Degree in related field from a regionally accredited college.

Two years of professional experience in educational/career planning providing service to high school and/or college students (preferably in the community or technical college environment).

Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team and the ability to communicate clearly and professionally through both verbal and written skills.

Experience giving oral presentations in a group setting.

Exceptional customer services skills with the ability to place a high priority on professional excellence.

Ability to maintain confidentiality, think critically and exercise independent judgment required.

Proficient computer skills and knowledge of electronic data base systems, spreadsheets, Word, Outlook and Excel. Previous success learning new computer software programs/platforms required.

Demonstrated attention to detail required as well as previous experience maintaining accurate records, managing multiple tasks and planning and organizing work in order to meet changing priorities and deadlines, and following tasks through to completion.

An understanding of and commitment to the educational role and philosophy of the technical college.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, parents, staff, community partners and the general public.

Two or more years’ experience working in an advising setting preferred and an understanding of advising strategies and theory preferred.

Experience working within a technical or community college setting preferred.

Understanding of federal visa and immigration regulations preferred.

Ability to represent the college in a positive and professional manner, while using tact, discretion and courtesy.

Speaker of a language in addition to English is preferred– preference for top spoken languages in the RTC service area (Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Somali, Chinese).

Terms of Employment

Renton Technical College’s faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive an approved exemption/accommodation.

The person hired is required to provide authorization for employment in the United States.

All offers of employment are contingent to background checks, including employment and required degree/credential verification. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform successfully in the position. Finalists are required to complete the Sexual Misconduct Disclosure form as required under RCW 288.112.080. Post offer, pre-employment criminal background checks are also required.

For questions regarding this position contact [email protected] or 425-235-2296 OR [email protected] 425-235-2475

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2020 Employee Benefits SummaryCoverage begins the first day of the month following the date of hire. If the date of hire is the first working day of the month, coverage begins immediately. Spouse or same-sex domestic partner, and dependent children are eligible for coverage. Eligible employees at Renton Technical College (RTC) receive a generous benefits package in addition to their paycheck, including:Medical Insurance Employees pay a portion of their medical care cost through payroll deduction. The employee premium is based on the choice of plan and coverage for lawful spouses, same-sex domestic partners, and dependent children. more information can be found by visiting www.hca.wa.gov/pebb 2020 Employee Monthly Contribution by Family Tier PEBB medical Plans Employee Employee & Spouse Employee & Child(ren) Employee & Family Kaiser Permanente NW Classic $140 $290 $245 $395 Kaiser Permanente NW CDHP $25 $60 $44 $79 Kaiser Permanente WA Classic $176 $362 $308 $494 Kaiser Permanente WA CDHP $27 $64 $47 $84 Kaiser Permanente WA Sound Choice $42 $94 $74 $126 Kaiser Permanente WA Value $100 $210 $175 $285 UMP Classic $104 $218 $182 $296 UMP CDHP $25 $60 $44 $79 UMP Plus-PSHVN $69 $148 $121 $200 UMP Plus-UW Medicine (ACN) $69 $148 $121 $200 Dental Coverage Renton Technical College provides dental coverage at no monthly premium cost to the employee. Benefit eligible employees have a choice of dental plans. Options include: Uniform Dental Plan (Preferred Provider Organization -PPO plan) Administered by Washington Dental Service (WDS) – DeltaCare (Managed Care Plan) Administered by Washington Dental Service (WDS) Willamette Dental (Managed Care Plan) Administered by Willamette Dental Vision Employees do not pay separate premium for vision coverage; it is covered under the medical plan. Optical service frequency and hardware (glasses, contact lenses, etc.) vary depending on type of plan selected.Waiving Medical Coverage If you have other medical insurance you can choose to waive medical coverage for yourself or any family member. If you have existing coverage through your spouse or domestic partner, please contact the plan directly to see how they will coordinate benefits. If waiving medical coverage, the employee will still be covered under the dental insurance plan at no monthly premium cost. Medical Flex Spending Accounts (FSA) & Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) The FSA and DCAP plans are offered by the College and the State of Washington. FSA is a PEBB sponsored benefit program that allows you to use pre-tax money in a calendar year to pay for certain out-of-pocket medical expenses and/or Child care expenses. An FSA can save you 25 – 40% on your eligible expenses. Both plans are offered as payroll deductions. Annual contributions in 2020 can be between a minimum of $240 to maximum of $2,700. As a “use it or lose it” IRC governed plan, medical expense reimbursements can be requested for employee, spouse, or their IRS eligible dependents. Dependent Care FSA (DCAP) allows you to save on child or elder care expenses (e.g. babysitting, daycare, in-home care for an older dependent inept of self-care).Life-Insurance Permanent employees, lawful spouse, qualified same-sex domestic partner and dependent children under 26 years of age. Are eligible to enroll in life Insurance. Coverage is effective first of the month following the date of employment for basic coverage; for optional coverage, amounts become effective the first of the month following approval date. Basic Coverage: $35,000 Basic Term Life & $5,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) This is employer provided at no cost to the employee. Supplemental Life Coverage(s): Supplemental term insurance coverage for employee, lawful spouse, qualified same-sex domestic partner and family is available in $10,000 increments from $10,000 up to $100,000, at additional cost to the employee. Supplemental AD&D Coverage: Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment for employee, lawful spouse, qualified same-sex domestic partner and family is available at additional cost to employee. Life Insurance Evidence of Insurability may be required for certain supplemental coverage amounts.Long-Term Disability (Two Plans offered) Basic Plan: Employer provided and at no cost to the employee. It Provides 60% of the first $400 pre-disability monthly earnings, reduced by any deductible income. The maximum benefit $240 per month; the minimum benefit $50 per month. Benefits begin after 90 days of disability or the period of accumulated sick leave, whichever is longer. Optional Plan: Pays 60% of pre-disability monthly earnings, reduced by any deductible income, and is available at additional cost to employee. Maximum benefit $6000 per month; minimum benefit is $240 per month. Cost for the optional plan is determined by employee type and waiting period selected. Retirement Options (Tax Deferred Retirement Plans) PERS Plan 2: defined benefit plan for classified staffEmployee Contribution: 7.90% of gross salaryEmployer Contribution: 12.86% of gross salary PERS Plan 3: defined benefit & employee defined contribution for classified staff, Administrators, and Exempt employeesEmployee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15%Employer Contribution: 12.86% of gross salary TRS Plan 2: defined benefit & employee defined contribution for FacultyEmployee Contribution: 7.77% of gross salaryEmployer Contribution: 15.51% of gross salary TRS Plan 3: defined benefit & employee defined contribution for FacultyEmployee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15% of gross salaryEmployer Contribution: 15.51% of gross salaryTIAA-CREF: defined contribution plan for Faculty, Administrators, and Exempt employees. Employee Contribution: Under 35: 5% of gross salary; 35-49: 7.5% of gross salary; 50 & over: 10% of gross salary *Employee and Employer contributions to applicable retirement plans are mandatory for benefit eligible employees. The amount of the deduction and contribution are dependent upon the retirement plan chosen and may vary by current contribution rates in effect.Supplemental Retirement & Deferred Compensation Plan Supplemental Retirement Plan: In addition to regular matched retirement, employee can voluntarily participate in a 403(b) plan and set aside a portion of their income in Pre-Tax Elective Deferral or an After-Tax (Roth) Elective Deferral. Agreements and amounts can be changed at any time. Deferred Compensation Plan: The State of Washington 457 plan permits employee to set aside additional pre-tax earnings for retirement savings. Certain tax regulations allow employees to participate in one or both supplemental 403(b) plans and State of Washington’s 457 deferred compensation plan. Contributions to a 403(b) or 457 plan are funded solely by the employee. Credit Classes (Reduced Classes) Faculty employed at 50% or more and permanent classified, exempt, or administrative staff may take almost any credit class on a space-available basis if requirements and prerequisites have been met. To get the reduced tuition rate, the employee may not register until the date listed in the enrollment calendar (usually the third day of the quarter). Hourly and probationary employees are not eligible for this reduced tuition.Auto and Home Insurance – Liberty Mutual PEBB members may receive a discount of up to 12 percent off Liberty Mutual’s auto insurance rates and up to 5 percent off Liberty Mutual’s home insurance rates. In addition to the discount, Liberty Mutual also offers: Discounts: based on your driving record, age, auto safety features, and more. A 12-month rate guarantee on their competitive rates. Convenient payment options including automatic payroll deduction, electronic funds transfer, or direct billing at home. Prompt claims service with access to local representatives. Credit Unions Eligible employees may join one of two credit unions. Both offer member services that include payroll direct deposit, automatic bill pays, savings and checking accounts, overdraft protection, personal lines of credit and low interest loans. School Employees Credit Union of Washington Washington State Employees Credit Union Home Street As an RTC employee you are eligible for exclusive homeownership benefits with the Hometown Home Loan Program offered through Home Street Bank. With this benefits package, you have access to vital homeownership resources. Paid Holidays Eligible employees will be paid for up to eleven (11) of the following holidays: Labor Day Veteran’s Day Thanksgiving Day The day after Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day New Year’s Day The legally designated day for Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday Presidents’ Day Memorial Day Independence Day Personal Holiday (1 day) Leave Employees accrue vacation (16.67 hour per month for exempt employees), sick (8 hours per month), and personal leave based on their classification (8 hours per year for exempt employees). To determine the accrual rate, refer to the appropriate contract or collective bargaining agreement. Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML): This benefit offers partially paid leave to care for yourself or a loved one in times of serious illness or injury; to bond with a new child joining your home through birth, adoption or foster placement; and for certain military-connected events if you have a family member in active duty service. Under the PFML program, the Employment Security Department (ESD) will replace up to 90% of an eligible employee’s typical weekly wage (up to $1,000 per week). To learn more about this benefit, please visit the ESD PFML website at https://www.paidleave.wa.gov/workers Resources:Health Benefits / Plan Comparisons / Plan Contact Information: www.hca.wa.gov/pebb Retirement Programs: State Board Retirement: http://www.sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/my-employment/retirement.aspx State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP)/TIAA-CREF: http://enroll.tiaa-cref.org/sbctc/ Washington State Department of Retirement Systems: http://www.drs.wa.govRenton Technical College Benefits Office: Soha Qassis – Benefits Manager Phone: 425-235-7861 [email protected]