"Instructional Program Specialist- Hollister Learning Commons"

Under general supervision, to coordinate and directly provide a variety of instructional and program assistance to students; to perform a variety of related office and support activities in support of instructors and/or program areas; and to perform related duties as assigned.

This paraprofessional classification provides instructional program support in a variety of areas, primarily in learning-assistance related settings, such as learning labs, study labs, tutorial centers, or direct class room support. Incumbents in this classification typically specialize in one or more areas of instructional assistance, including but not limited to math, language, ESL, or special education. Incumbents are expected to exercise thorough knowledge and skills within assigned subject matter or program areas, and adapt the assistance provided to special population groups or learning needs. This classification may assign, direct and supervise the work of students and other non-employees. This class is distinguished from Senior Instructional Program Specialist which has broader responsibility for coordination of support for learning assistance center and may provide lead direction to Instructional Program Specialists.

Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate for this position is an equity-minded individual who understands the importance of holding ourselves accountable for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices. Gavilan strives to attract candidates who view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility and who are able to reframe inequities as a problem of practice. The ideal candidate understands the mission and purpose of the Human Resources department and demonstrates a commitment to student-centered practices, effective cross campus collaboration, purposeful service to the community and culturally responsive practices.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to the needs of a diverse student and faculty population while providing in-person and online support to students, tutors, faculty, and staff. The ideal candidate will have a student-centered approach to support, experience working in a diverse and dynamic academic support role, and/or have knowledge and understanding of the linkage between academic support and student success. Desirable skills include bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, strong written and verbal communication, public speaking and presentation skills, student-centered event planning, technical use of Microsoft 365, basic webpage management, and social media platforms. The ideal candidate is detail orientated, organized, has excellent record-keeping skills, is technologically adaptable, and is comfortable managing and responding to large volumes of inquiries. This role requires a proactive individual committed to enhancing student learning and success.

• Provides individual assistance and/or group assistance/leadership for students in open and/or specialized learning assistance centers and classrooms, including learning labs, study, tutoring and other specialized centers or programs;
• Explains texts and other course materials, problem solving techniques, principles and rules of subject matter areas;
• Reviews student work to identify further assistance needed and correct areas of deficiency;
• Prepares instructional support materials for group and individual use in learning assistance and lab settings, and/or classrooms;
• Adapts assistance, explanations and materials to special population/program needs;
• Reviews and maintains current knowledge of class subject matter, reference/learning resources, equipment, computers and software within area of expertise;
• Works with faculty and/or program staff to coordinate learning assistance with curricula and program requirements;
• Orients, provides training, and assists students in identification and use of learning assistance equipment and materials such as computers, software, self-tutorial and assigned materials, log-in, and recordkeeping;
• Turns on, sets up and monitors learning assistance equipment; performs operator;
• maintenance of equipment; identifies equipment and facility problems and secures repairs and maintenance;
• Maintains lab/center materials and supplies in orderly and working condition; orders and maintains inventory and appropriate levels of supplies and equipment;
• Assists in marketing learning assistance and special program services to students, and/or recruiting students for special learning-assistance related programs; prepares flyers, announcements, posters and other materials, gives presentations, and makes other contact with students who could potentially benefit; assists students with required forms and paperwork related to special program areas; may coordinate special activities and/or clubs related to program, discipline or support area;
• Recruits, interviews and selects and trains student workers and other non-employees, and organizes, schedules, assigns, directs and reviews their work;
• Identifies other program and support resources of benefit to students, assists in referrals, and coordinates appointments;
• Monitors, documents and reports pertinent issues related to student progress, attendance, interactions and concerns;
• Operates a variety of standard office equipment such as desktop computers, copiers, scanners, and related;
• Maintains a variety of logs and records, compiles data, and prepares periodic and special summaries and reports;
• Performs a variety of support tasks such as in-person and telephone reception, compiling, collating, duplicating and distribution, coordination and scheduling, errands, and related;
• May provide specialized training, conduct field trips, and provide/operate physical/adaptive assistance related to specific needs of students with learning or physical disabilities, such as mobility training;
• May assist in orientation and training of new employees;
• May administer standardized non-interpretive tests.