Columbia Basin College (CBC) is committed to our vision to be the educational home that transforms students' lives through economic and social mobility. We are one of eight Hispanic-Serving Institutions in Washington state with Hispanic students representing just under half of our student population. As such, CBC is committed to discovering and enacting innovative ways to intentionally serve Hispanic students while serving all. We center equity in all that we do and seek to attract and retain engaged individuals committed to helping all students be successful in accomplishing their goals.
The Retention Specialist will assist students in enrolling in and successfully completing English Language Acquisition programs. This includes working with students to develop meaningful educational and career goals and connecting students to needed services. This position will work to develop new and existing ELA program opportunities and build pathways for Transitional Studies students to successfully transition into academic programs.
The Retention Specialist reports to the Director for Transitional Studies Operations.
This position closes on July 28, 2024 at 11:59 PM PST. The College will conduct initial interviews with selected candidates via Zoom and will conduct on-campus interviews with finalists.
CBC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the letter and spirit of all federal and state laws. CBC encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legal protected characteristics. Candidates who need any accommodation in the application process or in employment should contact the Office of Human Resources.
Primary Responsibilities
- Assist Transitional Studies students in transitions from ABE/ELA/GED/HS+ courses into I-BEST programs, other IET programs and academic pathways;
- Advise prospective and enrolled students regarding academic and vocational programs, admission procedures, and degree requirements;
- Assist students to identify funding sources for their intended pathway and assist in applications to secure funding;
- Partner with students in developing comprehensive and meaningful educational plans and clarifying educational and career goals;
- Collaborate with Transitional Studies staff to develop and implement innovative advising activities;
- Design and deliver group advising sessions, orientation workshops and information sessions;
- Act as a liaison to other campus student support services assisting students to find services for which they are eligible; link students to appropriate campus and community services and resources;
- Initiate appropriate interventions for students who are experiencing academic difficulties and respond to student needs identified in Early Alerts;
- Provide retention and follow-up services to students to ensure student success;
- Assist with the collection and reporting of data to college and agency systems; and
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Associate's degree or equivalent education from an institutionally accredited college or university; and
- Three (3) years of experience working with diverse populations.
OR
- Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university; and
- One (1) year of experience working with diverse populations.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish;
- Experience working with underprepared adults and non-native English speakers; and
- Experience working in a community college setting.