What are the responsibilities and job description for the TRiO SSS Engagement and Retention Specialist (Grant-Funded) position at Forsyth Technical Community College?
TRIO Programs at Forsyth Tech Community College hosts three (3) U.S. Department of Education federally funded TRIO Programs: Student Support Services and (2) Upward Bound Programs.
Student Support Services (SSS) serve 140 low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities at Forsyth Tech Community College. Student Support Services provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and motivates students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention, graduation, and 4-year transfer rates of its participants. The SSS Success Advisor provides programmatic and direct student support for the SSS program.
Minimum Qualifications
Student Support Services (SSS) serve 140 low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities at Forsyth Tech Community College. Student Support Services provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and motivates students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention, graduation, and 4-year transfer rates of its participants. The SSS Success Advisor provides programmatic and direct student support for the SSS program.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform such essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Note: Degrees and hours must be from a college accredited by a United States Department of Education accepted accrediting agency such as SACSCOC.
Required
- Bachelors Degree required in Education, Counseling, Humanities, or related field, and
- Two years of experience teaching, tutoring, or advising low-income, first-generation students and/or students with disabilities, preferably at the college level.
- Familiarity with ADA law/disability services, financial aid requirements and college admissions
- Knowledge and/or experience working in a collegiate environment
- Strong organizational skills
- Proven ability to gain the respect of the internal and external constituent community
- Masters Degree in Education, Counseling, Humanities, or related field
- Preference given to individuals who have overcome similar academic, economic and cultural
- obstacles.
- Experience with Blumen or other database management systems
- Experience working in a community college;
- Knowledge of and experience specifically with TRIO or SSS services, objectives, and regulations
Essential duties include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Plan, coordinate, and implement student engagement activities and events to provide just in time
Plan, coordinate, and implement student engagement activities and events to provide just in time
services and information to students in support of the student’s progression through college, from
entry to completion.
- Facilitate academic skill-building workshops to support persistence and success. (Financial Literacy, Career Development and Study Skills)
- Ensure that all students are served at least three times per semester.
- Monitor student progress through early alerts, SSS attendance, workshop participation, and staff meetings; provide timely intervention and encouragement.
- Document all student contacts and services electronically and in student files, maintaining confidentiality.
- Will recruit student participants, application review, interviews, and the enrollment process.
- Assist in college and university transfer visits, educating students on transfer procedures and opportunities.
- Lead in planning and execution of:
- Mentoring Program o Welcome Back Events o Program Orientations · Act as the co-advisor of the TRIO SSS Honor Society
- Report monthly to the Associate Director of TRIO SSS on activities, challenges, and achievements through a written document.
- Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings to address program effectiveness and student needs.
- Assist the Executive Director of TRIO Programs and Associate Director with the administration of the SSS Supplemental Grant Aid program.
- Assist in preparation of the Annual Performance Report as required by U.S. Department of Education
- Plan, accompany, and supervise students on cultural enrichment trips, including overnight travel.
- Attend local, state, and national meetings, conferences, and seminars (up to 20 days annually), including overnight stays.
- Follow and support all College activities, policies, and procedures.
- Serve on college committees as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
At Forsyth Tech we cultivate a culture of belonging where every member – students, staff, and faculty – are valued, respected, accepted and encouraged to use our true and authentic self and the voice of our unique characteristics and experiences.
Physical Demands: (Standard)
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The employee will need to regularly operate and use computers, phones and other electronic equipment.
- The employee will frequently communicate and must be able to exchange accurate information with others.
- The employee may need to move around their office and/or campus to attend meetings/ classes and to access files, machinery or other job-related tools.
- The employee may need to lift and/or move equipment, tools or paperwork up to 25 pounds.
- The employee may need to position themselves by reaching, stooping, kneeling or crouching in order to adjust or collect equipment and/or supplies.
- Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Posting Detail Information
Open Date
11/12/2025
Close Date
12/03/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
If you have trouble, please call HR at 336-734-7302. AA/EOE.
