Retention Specialist - Fresh Start

Print


Retention Specialist - Fresh Start

Salary

$57,500.00 - $59,500.00 Annually

Location

Tacoma WA 98466, WA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

24-11-AP #MON

Division

Student Affairs

Department

Fresh Start

Opening Date

04/23/2024

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NA

Who We Are

Priority Consideration Date: May 28, 2024

Located in the scenic Puget Sound area with nearby mountain ranges and Mount Rainier in the distance, Tacoma is surrounded by outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating and camping. Tacoma, Washington has been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the country, due to the increasing career opportunities, cultural diversity and community engagement, just to name a few.  
 
Tacoma Community College (TCC) was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup and Squaxin Island Tribes. The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to Reservations to make way for colonizers; we recognize the privilege of utilizing this land has come at a great cost. We honor the resilience of the Puyallup and Squaxin Island people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well-being of our community. Our institution aims to increase partnerships and community ties with the local indigenous populations. Moreover, TCC stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black community by further strengthening collaboration with the Black Student Union as well as community entities such as the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, the Tacoma Urban League, and local black-owned businesses.   In addition, we strongly support the Stop Asian Hate movement and have an active Asian Pacific Islander Student Club as well as an Asian and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Coalition. TCC is committed to developing more culturally responsive curricula by infusing and incorporating more educational content focused on the lives, experiences, and contributions of Native, Black, Asian, and other marginalized communities. We continually strive to become an anti-racist institution.
 
We are specifically focusing on improved support for traditionally marginalized populations, including Black/African- American, Indigenous, People of Color, Dreamers, justice-involved, immigrants and refugees, Veterans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. To this end, TCC seeks applicants who:

  • Value intellectual curiosity and innovative teaching
  • Welcome difference and model respectful interaction with others
  • Recognize and honor the important role that diversity brings to an educational community
  • Are committed to educating a racially and socioeconomically diverse student population
  • Are committed to teaching in a community college setting
  • Care deeply about student success 
  • Intentionally support and promote efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
  • Honor TCC’s mission promoting equitable access to educational opportunities
  • Reflect the diversity of our community


The Fresh Start Program is part of the “Open Doors 1418” Youth Reengagement initiative administered by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).   The program is designed to reengage disconnected youth and provide multiple pathways for student success, as well as encouraging post-secondary achievement.  Fresh Start serves 16-21-year olds who wish to complete high school diploma requirements or earn an Associate Degree by completing courses at Tacoma Community College.

Position Summary 
The Retention Specialist position for the Fresh Start Program at Tacoma Community College is responsible for tracking, managing, and promoting student progress from intake until completion.  The Retention Specialist provides academic advice, educational planning, mentoring and advocacy as well as referrals to social and health services leading to increased retention and success of program participants. 

Essential Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive needs assessments for project participants; track and develop individualized plans to support retention and personal/academic success of Fresh Start students.
  • Assist students in clarifying educational, career, and life goals.
  • Provide mentoring and advocacy support to assist participants in overcoming barriers or obstacles to persistence and retention. Assist students in accessing needed services, including health and housing services.
  • Maintain accurate case files on each enrolled student.
  • Work with faculty as needed to assure appropriate and effective learning support and resources. 
  • Collaborate and represent the program internally and externally with departments and agencies in support of Fresh Start students and departmental goals.
  • Serve as a role model and mentor for students in the Fresh Start Program.
  • Participate as a team member in the implementation of services and activities to support the success of the Fresh Start Program and its students.
  • Assist with statistical information, data collection and summary reporting.
  • Plan and coordinate program events and activities to support student engagement and persistence, including information sessions, state-mandated testing, group advising, and recognition events.
  • Participate in professional development activities as appropriate.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Perform related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, or related field from an accredited college or university.
  • Experience working effectively with a diverse population of individuals with different cultural and ethnic backgrounds and abilities.
  • Experience managing large numbers of students/clients while maintaining quality service. 
  • Demonstrated Computer Literacy, at intermediate level for word processing, presentation and desktop publishing software.
 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Understanding of Student Development Theory.
  • Experience working in a community college setting.
 
Conditions of Employment
  • Successful completion of a criminal history background check.
  • Must have reliable transportation to go to community meetings and events.
The Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate
  • Ability to actively lead and participate on teams to advance the college towards the completion of shared goals.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of departmental and student records.
  • Ability to promote and maintain a healthy and positive work environment with collegial and cooperative work relationships.
  • Ability to provide clear and ethical principles to decision making and use judgment and discretion in sensitive matters. 
  • Experience working with diverse populations in an educational setting or community-based organization providing educational services.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to interact with a diverse population, both in and outside the college.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Superior organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Ability to perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and goals of the institution.
  • Ability to work under pressure, prioritize competing demands and be flexible.
  • Highly professional, ethical, and respectful of confidential data and individuals’ circumstances.  

Application Process

Application Process
Complete application packages must include the following:  

  1. Tacoma Community College online application.
  2. Resume & cover letter describing how your educational background and experience align with the responsibilities and qualifications of this position.
  3. Copies of transcripts for all colleges and universities attended.
  4.  Diversity Statement: Tacoma Community College is committed to creating and supporting a multi-cultural climate that welcomes, fosters, respects, and celebrates diversity.   Please attach a statement (maximum two pages) describing your experiences with other cultures and communities, your level of cultural self-awareness and how you have integrated both experience and self-awareness into your living/working environment.
Terms of Employment
This is a full-time professional position. Continuation of this position is based on funding and evaluation of successfully promoting student academic progress. Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet the needs of the department. Some evening, off-campus sites, and weekends are required. The salary range for this position is $57,500 – 59,500.  The salary will be prorated to reflect the actual number of contract days worked in the remainder of the fiscal year.  Tacoma Community College offers a comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition for the employee; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our employment page/employment benefits: https://www.tacomacc.edu/about/employment/. Degrees must be from accredited colleges or universities recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and verified by the National Student Clearinghouse.  International degrees must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service. 
 
Tacoma Community College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Tacoma Community College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Stephen Smith, Title VII and Title IX, Building 14, 253-566-5055; Kathryn Held, Section 504 Officer,  Building 7, 253-566-5328. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice.   
 
Tacoma Community College, Human Resources
6501 S 19th St Bldg. 14, Tacoma WA  98466  

The benefits information presented on this page is a summary of College provided benefits. This information is subject to change and is subject to the provisions of any legislative mandates and College policy changes. For more detailed information about Tacoma Community College (TCC) benefits, please do not hesitate to contact the College benefits coordinator at (253) 566-5024.

TCC offers a comprehensive benefits package which include medical, dental, life insurance, and long- term disability insurance through the Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB), along with retirement benefits through TIAA and the Department of Retirement System

Eligibility
Full-time faculty, classified staff, administrators and professional staff are eligible for benefits. Hourly employees and part-time faculty may be eligible for benefits if, and when, they meet specific criteria and are notified by TCC Human Resources.

Effective Date of Coverage
Coverage begins the first day of the month following the date of hire, or date of achieving eligibility status. If the date of hire is the first working day of the month, coverage begins immediately.

Health Insurance
Medical Plans
Eligible employees have several medical plan options to select from (provided by PEBB). Employees pay a monthly premium through payroll deduction.

Premium Rates Effective January 1, 2024


Resources:
PEBB Website

Medical Plan information

PEBB Medical Plan Comparison

 

Dental Plans
Employees choose from three dental plans. TCC covers the full dental premium for employees and enrolled dependents.

Resource:
Dental Plan Comparison

Vision
Covered under medical plan chosen.

Waiving Medical Coverage
If you have other employer-based medical insurance, Medicare or TRICARE, you have the option to waive PEBB medical coverage. Dental is mandatory for all eligible employees and cannot be waived, unless enrolled in dental coverage as a dependent under a SEBB (School District Employee Benefits Board) plan.

Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) & Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) & Limited Purpose FSA
FSA & DCAP accounts allow employees to set aside pre-taxed dollars to cover out-of-pocket health care and/or childcare expenses.

Members of WFSE (HE CCC) and WPEA, will be eligible to receive a $250 FSA card if employed as of November 1, 2023 with an annual full-time equivalent salary of less than $60,000, and is enrolled in a non-CDHP medical plan as of January 1 of the plan year that FSA funds are made available. This card is
issued by PEBB in the following January and does not count against the annual FSA limit, if enrolled in an FSA with Navia.

The Limited Purpose FSA is eligible for employees who are enrolled in a consumer-directed health plan (CDHP) that has a Health Savings Account. The Limited Purpose FSA is only for dental and vision expenses.

Resource:
Navia Benefit Solutions

Life Insurance
Benefits eligible employees, lawful spouse or same-sex domestic partner, dependent children under 26 years of age are eligible to enroll in life insurance. Coverage is effective first of the month following the date of employment for basic coverage; for optional coverage, amounts become effective the first of the month following approval date.

Basic Coverage: $35,000 Basic Term Life & $5,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) This is employer-provided at no cost to the employee.

Supplemental Life Insurance Coverage(s): Any supplemental term life insurance and AD&D coverage for employee, lawful spouse, qualified same-sex domestic partner, and family is available at additional cost to the employee.
Resource:
MetLife Life Insurance

Long Term Disability (LTD)
Basic LTD: Provides 60% of the first $400 pre-disability earnings, reduced by any deductible income at no cost to the employee.

Supplemental LTD: Supplemental LTD coverage to replace at 60% or 50% of full pre-disability earnings is available at an additional cost to the employee.

Resource:
PEBB Long-Term Disability Insurance

PAID LEAVE
Classified staff, Administrators, and Professional staff are eligible for paid vacation, sick leave, and personal leave, along with paid federal holidays. Classified Monthly vacation entitlement amounts can vary from 11.33 to 16.67 hours per month depending on the length of state service. Administrator/Exempt Professional vacation leave is 16.00 hours per month. Monthly sick leave entitlement is 8.00 hours per month based on 100% FTE position and will be prorated accordingly if less than 100% FTE. Annual personal leave entitlement varies depending on employee type. Full-time classified, administrators, and professional staff are paid for all federal holidays.

Full-time faculty receive 84.00 hours of paid sick leave per academic year along with 28.00 hours of personal leave. Full-time faculty are paid on an annual contract and do not receive pay for federal holidays.

Part-time faculty receive sick leave each quarter using a formula based on the total FTE% from the cumulative teaching contracts issued to them that quarter. They would receive 7.00 hours of personal leave if they are issued a multi-quarter appointment at the start of the academic year. Part-time faculty do not receive pay for federal holidays.

Part-time hourly and student employees receive 1 hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked in a month (and fractions, thereof). Up to 40 hours of sick leave can carry over from one calendar year to the next.
If a part-time hourly or student employee is hired into a full-time position, the sick leave hours earned in the part-time position do not carry over to the full-time position. Part-time hourly and student employees are not paid for federal holidays.

Monthly entitlements are given at the beginning of the following month.
All employees in salaried positions may take up to five days of paid bereavement time off for the death of a family member. This is separate from the sick leave or vacation leave.

RETIREMENT
Retirement participation is mandatory for retirement benefit eligible TCC employees. Employees are offered a choice between two retirement plans and that choice is generally irrevocable while employed at TCC.

Classified Employees and (retirement eligible) Part-Time hourly:
Classified employees and eligible part-time hourly employees must choose between the Public Employees Retirement Systems (PERS) Plan 2 or Plan 3. More information about these plans can be found at this link: Department of Retirement Systems Plans

Faculty:
Faculty can choose to enroll in the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP) with the plan administrator being TIAA or the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) Plan 2 or Plan 3 administered by the Department of Retirement System (DRS). Prior history in any of these plans may limit current plan choice. Click here to compare TRS Plan 2, TRS Plan 3, and SBRP.

SBRP -TIAA – This is a Defined Contribution Plan. The employee contributes a mandatory defined amount and the state matches the employee’s contributions. Contribution rates are based on age.

TRS Plan 2 – A 401(a) defined benefit plan. TCC and employee contribute a percentage of salary to fund the plan. Your monthly benefit at retirement will be based on your earned service credit and compensation.

TRS Plan 3 – A 401(a) hybrid plan with Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution components. The defined contribution portion of the plan is funded through mandatory employee contributions. The employee may choose between six contribution options. TCC contributes to Defined Benefit part.

Administrative/Exempt Employees
Administrators and Exempt employees may choose to participate in the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP), administered by TIAA, or the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 or Plan 3, administered by the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Prior history in a Washington State Retirement Plan may limit plan choice. Click here to compare PERS Plan 2, PERS Plan 3, and SBRP.

SBRP/TIAA – This is a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan. The employee contributes a mandatory defined amount and the state matches the employee’s contributions. Contribution rates are based on age.

PERS Plan 2 – A 401(a) defined benefit plan. TCC and employee contribute a percentage of salary to fund the plan. Your monthly benefit at retirement will be based on your earned service credit and compensation.

PERS Plan 3 – A 401(a) hybrid plan with Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution components. The defined contribution portion of the plan is funded through mandatory employee contributions. The employee may choose between six contribution options. TCC contributes to Defined Benefit part.

PERS Rates Effective September 1, 2023

TRS Rates Effective September 1, 2023.



State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP) - Contributions Rates:
Contributions are based on your age:

Voluntary Retirement Savings:
State Board Voluntary Investment Program (SBVIP):

SBVIP is a voluntary, optional, unmatched retirement savings plan, operating under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), administered by TIAA. SBVIP participants may contribute on a pre-tax and/or after-tax (Roth) basis, up to the annual IRS limit and can start and stop their contributions at any time during employment. Contact Human Resources to start/stop contributions.
 
Deferred Compensation Program (DCP):
Tax-deferred savings plan administered by the Department of Retirement Systems. New Full-time employees are automatically enrolled in DCP 3 months after hire at a contribution rate of 3%. Employees are sent a notification letter within approximately 30 days of hire. This notice includes information about auto-enrollment and the necessary steps to take if one chooses to opt-out or make changes to their DCP enrollment. Contributions can be changed at any time during employment. Following the initial auto- enrollment possibility, employees would contact DRS to setup contributions and can contribute on a pre- tax basis up to the annual IRS limit.


Tuition Waiver
Administrative, Classified, Full-time Faculty, and Part-Time faculty employed for more than 50% FTE are eligible to register for space-available classes, up to 10 credits per quarter, with the State Employee Tuition Waiver program. Class registration and any applicable class fee will still apply. Click here for the Tuition Waiver form.

Liberty Mutual
PEBB members may receive a discount of up to 12% off Liberty Mutual’s auto insurance rates and up to 5% off of Liberty Mutual’s home insurance rates.

Contact Liberty Mutual at 1-800-706-5525 and mention that you are a State of Washington PEBB Member (client #8246) or visit a local Liberty Mutual office and let them know you are State of Washington PEBB Member (client #8246) for a quote.


Collective Bargaining Agreements:
WFSE Higher Education Community College Coalition: WFSE (HE CCC) CBA
WPEA Higher Education: WPEA CBA
WFSE Represented Exempt Bargaining Unit: WFSE-Exempt CBA
TCC Faculty Negotiated Agreement: TCC Faculty Negotiated Agreement

01
Which best describes your level of education?
  • High School graduate or equiavelent
  • Some College
  • Associates degree from an accredited college or university
  • Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university
  • Masters degree or higher from an accredited college or university
02
What is the field or discipline of your degree?
03
Do you possess eperience working effectively with a diverse population of individuals with different cultural and ethnic backgrounds and abilities.?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Do you possess experience managing large numbers of students/clients while maintaining quality service?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Which of the following best describes your level of proficiency with wordprocessing, presentation, and desktop publishing software?
  • None
  • Basic
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
06
Do you have a strong understanding of Student Development Theory?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Do you have experience working at a community college?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
Tacoma Community College
Division
Student Affairs
Address
6501 South 19th St

Tacoma, Washington, 98466
Phone
253-566-5115