This position is partially grant-funded.

The Student Support Specialist is pivotal in supporting students within the Non-Traditional Occupations (NTO) Program. Responsibilities include developing and coordinating retention and support activities for specific groups not limited to first-generation, low-income, students of color, international and immigrant, and at-risk students in non-traditional occupation programs. This role involves direct case management, connecting students to district resources, and fostering a sense of belonging through engagement and inclusive excellence practices. The objective is to facilitate a seamless transition into higher education, address challenges, and improve retention, graduation rates, and a sense of belonging. Collaborating with the Director of Inclusive Excellence and the Support Specialist team, the position actively contributes to crafting programs tailored to special populations, promoting inclusive excellence, and supporting academic and personal success.

This position reports to the Director of Inclusive Excellence.

Case Management for Special Populations:

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive student database for reporting and tracking participant information and activities in alignment with department, college and grant goals and objectives.

• Provide intrusive case management for up to 200-250 special population groups in non-traditional occupation programs (for instance, first-generation, students of color, ABE/ELL, newcomer/immigrant populations, at-risk students).

• Offer constant support, monitor progress, and initiate interventions for student success.

Interdepartmental Collaboration:

• Collaborate with other Student Support Specialists, Learning Success Division, and Student and Academic Affairs to coordinate services and promote an institutional climate supportive of a diverse student population.

• Work with Gateway staff and faculty to ensure students receive necessary support services (academic, career, financial, personal counseling, tutoring, remediation, computer tutorials, life skills workshops).

• Assist in developing a holistic, culturally responsive delivery of support services for students at various stages.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

• Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in campus climate, inclusive excellence, sense of belonging, retention, and completion.

• Foster an equity mindset valuing each student as a unique individual.

Continuous Program Evaluation:

• Conduct regular evaluations to assess the contribution of activities/components towards program and grant objectives.

• Modify strategies based on evaluation outcomes to enhance effectiveness.

• Develop, monitor and report on grant activities associated with non-traditional program student support services.

• Co-write grant application(s) in partnership with the Grants Office and Director of Inclusive Excellence.

Committee Management:

• Manage and lead non-traditional occupations or related committees and subcommittees that contribute to retention and completion for student success.

District-Wide Engagement:

• Participate in district-wide activities and events, including Open House, Call-nights, Gateway Promise, and Red Hawk days.

Additional Duties:

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work or a related field.

• Three (3) years of recent demonstrated successful experience in program management.

• Three (3) years of recent demonstrated successful experience working with a diverse population in an educational environment.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Experience with grant-funded projects.

• Strong presentation and facilitation skills (verbal, written, and computer skills).

LOCATION: Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Racine
COMP GRADE: 27
FLSA DESIGNATION: Exempt

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Employment is contingent upon an acceptable background
• Flexibility is needed to accommodate day, evening and weekend student & business needs

To provide equal employment, advancement, and learning opportunities to all individuals, employment and student admission decisions at Gateway will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Gateway will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student or applicant for admission, in any program or activity that it operates, on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, political affiliation, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, disability, age, membership in any reserve component of the armed forces, union affiliation, arrest and conviction record, or any other protected category under applicable federal law (link is external) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) and state law (link is external) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader), including but not limited to Title IX, Title VI/VII, and the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act.

Gateway Technical College is an Equal Opportunity/Access Educator/Employer operating under an Affirmative Action Plan. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and need special accommodation for the application process, please contact the Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights at 262.564.3062 (Wisconsin Relay 711) or compliance@gtc.edu.

Violations of this policy can be reported at gtc.edu/eeo (civil rights) or gtc.edu/TitleIX (sex-based discrimination and sexual misconduct).