TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)/Special Population Coach

Fully Grant-Funded Position

STARTING SALARY RANGE: $48,243 - $55,926

DEPARTMENT: TRIO

REPORTS TO: Director of TRIO

FUNDING: Position is funded through August 2029 by two TRIO Student Success Services grants contingent upon the continuation of grant funding.

BENEFITS: 100% employer paid health, dental and life insurance for employees (spouse/domestic partner/dependent coverage also available), vision insurance, choice of Maine Public Employees Retirement System or TIAA CREF in lieu of social security, generous vacation/personal/sick time allowances, 13 paid holidays, professional development, and free tuition within the MCCS for employees, spouse and/or dependents. SMCC summary of benefits 2025.pdf

The TRIO SSS/special population Coach works as part of a team to design and deliver a comprehensive program of support and activities focused on improving academic achievement, retention and graduation rates of students with disabilities who are actively participating in the federally funded TRIO program. This position provides direct services to students with disabilities including but not limited to mental health disabilities, learning disabilities, ADHD or on the autism spectrum through the provision of guidance and mentoring to optimize student success. Specific responsibilities include assisting participants with academic advising, financial literacy, career and transfer planning and monitoring student progress toward graduation. Emphasis is placed on the quality of project design, continual program improvement and direct student services to achieve grant goals. The TRIO SSS/Special Population Coach reports to the SSS Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
• Two or more years of direct service experience working with adolescents or young adults with disabilities and demonstrated experience assessing and supporting their needs.
• Data management and program evaluation knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and experience working with students and/or individuals from diverse social, economic, ethnic, academic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Proficient with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and database software.

PREFERRED QUALIFCATIONS:

• Three years of experience working in a secondary and/or higher education setting
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in assessing and working with students to improve executive functioning, emotional regulation and social skills
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience supporting students with different learning styles
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with non-traditional students
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in academic advising and undergraduate retention strategies including career development, guidance, financial aid/literacy and the undergraduate admissions process
• Knowledge of assistive technologies or software, including apps, or tools to include voice recognition programs, screen readers, screen enlargement applications, notetaking support, recording devices, cognitive/memory aids, etc.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:  Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills; experience coordinating activities with faculty, staff, and students in a  post-secondary advising setting; and knowledge of student development, curriculum planning, and understanding the wide range of  SMCC students’ needs, and ability to relate to a diverse student body.

WHY WORK AT SMCC:

SMCC offers meaningful work in a mission-driven environment where employees are valued for their expertise, commitment, and care for students.  SMCC employees benefit from a collegial workplace, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a direct impact on student’s lives and Maine’s workforce.

ABOUT SMCC:

SMCC is Maine’s largest community college and a member of the Maine Community College System.  SMCC is dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education that prepares students for careers, transfer, and lifelong learning.

MISSION, VISION, & STRATEGIC ANCHORS:

SMCC is guided by a student-ready philosophy and a commitment to equity, access, and excellence.  Our work is grounded in three strategic anchors:

• Students - Supporting access, success, completion, and well-being
• People - Investing in a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workforce
• Community – Strengthening partnerships and responding to regional workforce and community needs

RECOVERY FRIENDLY WORKPLACE

SMCC is proud to be a Recovery Friendly Workplace.  We are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment that values the unique experience and contributions of individuals from all walks of life.  At SMCC, we believe in empowering all members of our community to thrive and succeed in both their professional and personal journey

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY:  In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Currently, SMCC is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa. 

THINKING ABOUT APPLYING?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

SMCC is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and non-discriminatory environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact 207-741-5568.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Review of applications will begin July 7, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and a list of three professional references. 

The TRIO SSS/special population Coach works as part of a team to design and deliver a comprehensive program of support and activities focused on improving academic achievement, retention and graduation rates of students with disabilities who are actively participating in the federally funded TRIO program. This position provides direct services to students with disabilities including but not limited to mental health disabilities, learning disabilities, ADHD or on the autism spectrum through the provision of guidance and mentoring to optimize student success. Specific responsibilities include assisting participants with academic advising, financial literacy, career and transfer planning and monitoring student progress toward graduation. Emphasis is placed on the quality of project design, continual program improvement and direct student services to achieve grant goals. The TRIO SSS/Special Population Coach reports to the SSS Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
• Two or more years of direct service experience working with adolescents or young adults with disabilities and demonstrated experience assessing and supporting their needs.
• Data management and program evaluation knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and experience working with students and/or individuals from diverse social, economic, ethnic, academic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Proficient with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and database software.

PREFERRED QUALIFCATIONS:

• Three years of experience working in a secondary and/or higher education setting
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in assessing and working with students to improve executive functioning, emotional regulation and social skills
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience supporting students with different learning styles
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with non-traditional students
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in academic advising and undergraduate retention strategies including career development, guidance, financial aid/literacy and the undergraduate admissions process
• Knowledge of assistive technologies or software, including apps, or tools to include voice recognition programs, screen readers, screen enlargement applications, notetaking support, recording devices, cognitive/memory aids, etc.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:  Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills; experience coordinating activities with faculty, staff, and students in a  post-secondary advising setting; and knowledge of student development, curriculum planning, and understanding the wide range of  SMCC students’ needs, and ability to relate to a diverse student body.

Salary : $48,243 - $55,926