Outreach Specialist (Basic Needs Center-bilingual)

Salary: $54,011.04 - $75,995.64 Annually
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 2500101
Division: Office of Student Services
Department: Counseling & Advising
Opening Date: 10/24/2025
Closing Date: 11/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: CSEA-California School Employees Association

Description

About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 15,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.

College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including students of color, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.

When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.

Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.

• The Community - Coachella Valley
• College of the Desert

Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

• Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
• Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
• Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
• Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
• Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of the Director/Coordinator, schedule and perform specialized duties related to outreach, recruitment, application, admissions, registration, financial aid, and other program services; provide work direction in related areas to assigned staff/student assistants. Provide general information and guidance to campus staff and general public regarding college policies procedures, and programs; prepare and maintain a variety of statistical records and reports related to assignment; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing in English and Spanish; and perform general clerical duties.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

1. Provide detailed information and make appropriate referrals to current and potential students regarding College regulations, admissions, financial aid, residency requirements, and student support services available on campus and in the community.
2. Assist students in completing admissions and financial aid applications; and to utilize the College's electronic and phone registration systems.
3. Provide general information to students and community members regarding the availability of specific majors, certificate programs, two- and four-year degree programs, and financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
4. Organize, schedule, and conduct outreach and recruitment activities at high schools, community agencies, and on and off campus sites; including conducting large and small group presentations. Arrange transportation, facilities, and refreshments as appropriate.
5. Represent the College and its related programs at various meetings, conferences, and community events as assigned.
6. Assist in the planning, scheduling, and delivery of orientation sessions, application and financial aid workshops, and campus tours.
7. Prepare and maintain a variety of files and records related to services and activities; maintain student records and documentation to ensure accurate tracking of progress; assist in compiling and entering data and preparing comprehensive reports.
8. Assist in designing, preparing, and distributing outreach materials; including using computer graphics software and maintaining Web pages.
9. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and good customer service with students, staff, faculty, and the general public.
10. Perform general clerical work; prepare a variety of documents and forms; answer telephones; greet students, staff, faculty, and general public; and schedule appointments.
11. Assign, train, supervise, and review the work of assigned student workers.
12. Attend and participate in professional development activities as assigned.
13. Perform related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: Mission, goals, and objectives of the college and its programs; district policies and procedures regarding outreach, recruitment, admissions, registration, financial aid and other program services; available institutional and community resources; public speaking and presentation techniques; applicable district, state and federal laws and regulations; confidentiality rules and procedures, especially with regard to FERPA; data collection and basic research principles and practices; record keeping techniques; telephone techniques and professional etiquette; diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students; modern office practices, procedures, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, and databases; interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy; principles and practices of providing training, work direction, and guidance to student workers; correct English and Spanish usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

Ability to: Perform a wide variety of specialized duties related to the outreach, recruitment, admissions, registration, financial aid and other related program services; prepare and give oral presentations to current and potential students and other members of the public at high schools and other community locations; understand, interpret, and follow direction related to administrative and office policies and procedures as well as pertinent laws, regulations, and ordinances; respond to requests and inquiries from students, staff, or the general public and provide appropriate referrals; develop and maintain appropriate outreach materials; maintain current knowledge of related fields; compile and analyze data related to assigned functions and prepare related reports; maintain filing and record-keeping systems; compose and prepare correspondence and memoranda; plan and organize work to meet schedules and changing deadlines; operate a variety of office machines and equipment including computers, typewriters, calculators, copiers and fax machine and related software such as word processing, spreadsheet, and e-mail, and database applications; work under pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person; work independently and effectively in the absence of supervision; exhibit sensitivity and understanding of the varied racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual orientation, academic, socio-economic, and disabled populations of community college students; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing in English and Spanish; establish and maintain effective working relationships; bend at the waist, kneel or crouch to file materials; sit or stand for extended period of time; lift 25 pounds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination equivalent to an two years of college-level coursework with a "C" or better; two (2) years of increasingly responsible work experience including marketing in an educational setting or student service area; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing in English and in Spanish.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Environment: Office, lab and classroom environments; frequent outreach activities at high schools, four year colleges and universities, and other locations; constant interruptions; some outdoor activities; travel to local and regional sites.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid California driver's license and must have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier to drive District or personal vehicle to various locations.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Bargaining Unit Position
E: Essential Functions
Approved 7/2008
Range 9

SCHEDULE & LOCATION:

• This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
• The schedule is Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.
• The schedule and location is subject to change based on District need.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

• RESUME: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
• Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
• College Transcripts: Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

IN YOUR APPLICATION:

• List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and two colleagues. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.

TIMELINES:

• For consideration, please apply by Friday, November 14, 2025.
• Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
• Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.

FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions

PLEASE NOTE:

• Employment is contingent on residence in California.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.

The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:

• Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
• Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
• Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States including a Social Security Card; (Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.)
• Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
• May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to ctate-meyer@collegeofthedesert.edu.

Attendance Requirement:

All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/public-safety/.

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.

Additional Resources

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)
  • Discrimination Laws Regarding People With Disabilities
  • Reasonable Accommodation
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
• AP 7100 - Commitment to Diversity (Download PDF reader)
• COD - Equal Opportunity Plan (Download PDF reader)
Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)

THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


To apply, visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/collegeofthedesertca/jobs/5102027/outreach-specialist-basic-needs-center-bilingual

jeid-70092b0409645f4799af9a2327c053cf