Student Services Specialist

Job Description

Definition Develops, promotes, implements, coordinates, and evaluates various student services programs.

Typical Duties Provides program administration with technical and professional expertise on matters related to assigned program responsibilities. Plans, organizes and attends outreach activities targeting economically disadvantaged students eligible for special assistance and/or services such as EOPS, Gain, TRIO, Amnesty, and/or Title III. Establishes standards and goals and evaluates the results of assigned program. Oversees and participates in the intake screening and interviewing of students and the eligibility review of applications for programs and services. Gathers and assesses a variety of data related to the needs, interests, cultural, educational, and social background of students and develops programs based on these assessments. Interprets federal, state, District, and college policies, rules and regulations, and operational procedures associated with assigned student services programs. Attends and participates in program-related community activities and professional conferences and meetings concerned with the development and implementation of student services programs. Coordinates and participates in college orientation and counseling programs. Attends high school assemblies, community organization meetings, college fairs, adult school classes, and special events to present information on student services programs and services. Meets with community leaders, organizations and public agencies to encourage participation, stimulate interest, and coordinate campus projects with existing student services programs and activities. Prepares program budget and maintains budget balances, records, and statements. Estimates and justifies financial, staffing, facilities, and equipment requirements based on program needs and available resources and controls expenditures for programs and activities. Effectively utilizes standard office software applications to prepare correspondence, presentations, and detailed comprehensive reports related to student services. Prepares a wide variety of student services promotional materials such as new releases, brochures, and public service announcements. Supervises and participates in the maintenance of student services files and records. Selects, trains, and supervises assigned program staff. May negotiate and prepare contracts for student services programs. Performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics A Student Services Specialist develops, promotes, coordinates, and evaluates various student services programs. A thorough knowledge of a wide range of program goals, procedures, and requirements is continuously applied in performing the duties of this class. A Student Services Assistant participates in the development, promotion, coordination, and evaluation of a student services programs. A thorough knowledge of program requirements and procedures is continuously applied in performing the duties of the class. A Student Services Aide applies a working knowledge of the requirements and procedures of student services programs in the performance of a variety of specialized clerical duties such as obtaining and imparting program information and providing basic guidance and referral services.

Supervision General supervision is received from an academic supervisor or administrator. Immediate supervision is exercised over lower-level student services staff, clerical staff, and student employees.

Class Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Current trends in the design, implementation, and evaluation of student oriented programs and services
• Mission, objectives, and goals of assigned program area
• Fundamentals of budgetary preparation and control
• Principles of business and personnel administration
• Principles of public relations, publicity, and marketing
• Principles and techniques of research
• Applied psychology and social psychology
• Federal, state and local laws, regulations, and codes and District administrative rules, regulations, and policies governing student services
• Community resources and organizations and services common to community colleges
• Requirements, regulations, guidelines, goals, and objectives of student services programs such as EOPS, GAIN, TRIO, Title III, and Amnesty
• Educational and vocational advisory techniques
• Principles of supervision and training
• Organization and management of records
• Capabilities of computer applications, systems, and hardware common to the management of student services

Ability to:

• Independently formulate and coordinate student services programs
• Develop innovative programs and services to meet diverse needs and interests of the community
• Establish realistic program standards and evaluate program results
• Assess problems accurately and take appropriate action
• Interpret and apply laws, rules, and procedures pertaining to a student services program
• Gather and assess data pertaining to assigned programs
• Interface effectively with individuals from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds and different levels of academic achievement
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with administrators, staff, students, and representatives of other educational institutions, agencies and the public
• Prepare clear and comprehensive correspondence, reports, presentations, and publicity materials
• Supervise, train, and coordinate assigned staff
• Travel to local high schools, community organizations, public agencies, and other off campus locations to provide student services information to prospective students
• Learn specialized computer applications

Entrance Qualifications

Education and Experience: A bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university AND two years of full-time, paid experience with a student services, social services, or closely related community based program which included participation in program promotion and implementation. Experience in a lead or supervisory position within one of these programs is desirable.

Special: A valid Class “C” California driver's license is required. Travel to locations throughout the District is required.

Benefits Medical and dental insurance and vision care plans are provided for employees and their dependents. A $50,000 life insurance policy is provided free of charge for each employee. New employees receive 12 full-pay days and 88 half-pay days of illness leave. 19 paid holidays per year. Vacation days accrue annually beginning at 10 days and increasing incrementally to 24 days depending on years of service with the District. Vacation days for management and confidential positions begin at 15, 20, or 24 days. Other paid time off includes: bereavement leave, personal necessity leave, court subpoena, and jury duty. Employees become members of the Public Employees Retirement System. Employees are also covered by Social Security. Employee Assistance Program

Selection Process The examination process may consist of one or more parts which may include a training and experience evaluation, written test, performance test and/or oral interview.

Reasonable Accommodations Our class specification generally describes the duties, responsibilities, and requirements characteristic of the position(s) within this job class. The duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a particular position within this class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Los Angeles Community College District provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with covered disabilities on a case-by-case basis throughout the application, examination, and hiring processes and throughout employment. If an individual is in doubt about his or her ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a position or possession of any other requirement noted in a class specification or job announcement, he or she should always apply for a position and request reasonable accommodation at the appropriate time.