Academic Specialist | (Kennewick, WA)
About The Position
Washington State University Tri-Cities GEAR UP is hiring an Academic Specialist to work in middle schools in Kennewick, Washington. The role uses professional judgment and skills to improve GEAR UP students’ academic performance through direct tutoring and development of positive academic behaviors and non-cognitive skills. GEAR UP is federally funded by Department of Education grants intended to increase the number of low-income and underrepresented students who graduate from high school and successfully complete post-secondary education. This is a full-time, temporary, on-site position expected to end September 30, 2027. Extension or renewal depends on program needs and/or additional funding. The position is overtime eligible.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience in student services, specifically providing instruction or direct outreach services to students and/or working with parents in individual or group settings, or related education/experience. A master’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of professional work experience. Relevant education and professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
- Proficiency with computers, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office software programs.
- Willingness and ability to travel overnight and work a flexible schedule, including frequent nights and weekends.
- Occasional supervisory responsibility for students.
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated knowledge of school programs, student success, the school community, and/or parental involvement in a community or school setting.
- Familiarity with the organization and operation of school/district administration and university/community college systems.
- Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse people, including peers, university and school administrators, faculty, staff, students, parents, and the general public.
- Experience managing, tracking, and reporting program data.
- Experience in student academic support programs.
Responsibilities
- Mentor and advise students to increase college and career readiness.
- Guide students through college and career exploration.
- Plan and supervise field trips to college campuses.
- Work with GEAR UP staff, classroom teachers, counselors, and administrators to achieve GEAR UP grant outcomes.
- Monitor, collect, and document student data for assessment and reporting requirements.
- Provide direct tutoring and support the development of positive academic behaviors and non-cognitive skills.
Benefits
- Paid sick and vacation leave
- Paid holidays
- Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance for employees and dependents
- Retirement benefits
- Deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts
- Training and development
- Employee tuition waiver
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
