Testing & Student Engagement Specialist

Position Purpose

The Testing/Student Engagement Specialist supports student success by ensuring secure, efficient, and accessible testing services across Vance-Granville Community College. This role includes administering placement and high school equivalency (HSE) tests, with a special focus on serving justice-involved learners through travel to correctional facilities within our service area. The person in this position will be required to conduct testing inside the correctional facilities.

The specialist maintains strict confidentiality and ethical standards while overseeing testing operations, including scheduling, documentation, and compliance with state and vendor guidelines. As part of the Admissions & Enrollment Services team, this position contributes to continuous improvement efforts and engages in professional development as required by the College and the State of North Carolina.

Teleworking: This position is not eligible for regular teleworking.

Organizational Structure: This position reports directly to the Director of Admissions & Enrollment Services and is part of the Instruction & Student Services Division.

Salary: VGCC considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; and internal peer equity in offer calculations.

Note: The following list of essential duties reflects the general nature and level of work required. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Testing Administration & Center Operations

• Administer, proctor, score, and process computer-based and paper-based tests, including placement testing for incoming students.
• Verify tester identity and eligibility; maintain seating charts and student folders.
• Schedule and publish testing sessions on the college website and for testing agencies.
• Maintain inventory of testing materials and coordinate with IT for software updates.
• Obtain and maintain required certifications for all administered tests.
• Ensure secure handling of testing materials and compliance with vendor, state, and federal policies.
  
  

Correctional Facility Testing

• Travel to prison locations to administer GED and HiSET tests.
• Maintain relationships with North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NC DAC) personnel to ensure compliance with VGCC, North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS), NC DAC, and vendor policies.
• Process PSI (HiSET) answer sheets and submit for scoring.
• Record testing hours for the Literacy Education Information Systems (LEIS) [spell out] specialist and maintain documentation.
  
  

Student Engagement & Support

• Provide resources and referrals for students experiencing academic challenges.
• Deliver high-quality customer service to prospective, current, and returning students.
• Interpret select test results when appropriate and communicate findings to students, faculty, and administrators.
• Collaborate with the Counseling Department to provide testing accommodations and administer special testing.
  
  

Communication & Collaboration

• Serve as a point of contact for placement, HSE, prison, and certification testing.
• Maintain relationships with NCCCS testing liaisons and contracted test providers.
• Communicate testing updates and procedures to college departments and testing sites.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to ensure a seamless admissions experience.
  
  

Data Management & Reporting

• Collect, evaluate, and report testing statistics across campuses.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to meet state and vendor requirements.
• Support data-driven decision-making through the interpretation of testing data.
  
  

Professional Engagement & Other Duties

• Participate in ongoing professional development as required by the State of North Carolina and VGCC.
• Attend department meetings and serve on college committees.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records.
  
  

Required

• Associate degree from a regionally accredited institution in psychology, social work, public administration, business, education, or a related field.
• One to two years of experience in admissions, student services, customer service, or a related area.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and collaborate across departments.
• Proven dependability, strong work ethic, and attention to detail in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.
• High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment with sensitive student information.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing high-quality service to diverse populations.
• Ability to adapt to change, think critically, and manage time effectively.
• Demonstrated student-centered or customer-centered mindset with a holistic understanding of cultural and systemic barriers to success.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data tracking tools such as Watermark or similar platforms.
• Hold a valid driver’s license.
• Employees must comply with all security regulations and protocols established by the Department of Adult Correction when working in prison settings.
• The ability to qualify for certification as an Examiner with GED Testing Service and as a Testing Administrator with ETS HiSET is often required for the position.
  
  

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, public administration, business, education, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education admissions, financial aid, or other student services.
• Experience working in a North Carolina Community College.
• Experience with Colleague (Ellucian student information system).
• Experience working with diverse student populations.
  
  

This position is primarily based in a shared office setting on the VGCC Henderson campus and involves both sedentary and active duties. The role requires:

• Sitting and/or standing for prolonged periods.
• Intermittent light physical effort, including carrying, lifting, or moving materials or equipment.
• Occasionally lifting and/or moving items up to 20 pounds.
• Frequent travel throughout the service area, including regular visits to correctional facilities.