Health Sciences Student Retention Specialist

Skagit Valley College•Mount Vernon, WA

42d•Onsite

About The Position

The Health Sciences Student Retention Specialist provides high-impact, student-centered academic and career support for students enrolled in health sciences programs. The Specialist collaborates with faculty, advisors, and support services to promote student success, retention, and completion, while fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position working 40 hours per week, 12 months a year. This position works on-site at the Mount Vernon Campus in Washington.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, Health Sciences, or a related field, or a combination of equivalent education and experience.
Two (2) years of experience working in student support, academic advising, or related roles in higher education.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Knowledge of issues affecting community college students, especially those in health-related programs.
Proficiency with student information systems and technology tools (e.g., TargetX, Starfish, CRM platforms, MS Office, Canvas, CTCLink).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, Public Health, or related discipline.
Experience working in a health sciences education setting (e.g., nursing, allied health).
Familiarity with accreditation standards related to health professions education.
Bilingual or multilingual proficiency is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized academic support and educational planning for students in health sciences programs through appropriate referrals and collaboration.
Support students in navigating registration, financial aid processes, academic policies, and institutional resources.
Assist students in preparing for clinical placement requirements (e.g., immunization records, background checks).
Provide monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to the Dean of Health Sciences on students contacted, success in retention, and initiatives in progress or completed.
Track student progress using case management systems and intervene with proactive outreach when academic risk is identified.
Maintain accurate records and produce reports related to student engagement, success, and outcomes.
Participate in retention and persistence efforts aligned with institutional goals and accreditation requirements.
Serve as a liaison between students, faculty, and campus resources, including disability services, counseling, and career services.
Coordinate and implement student success initiatives such as workshops, orientations, tutoring/educational referrals, and career exploration.
Promote an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all students.
Communicate with department staff and faculty to understand student needs, identify opportunities for improvement or change, and collaborate in a team for student success.
Work with department faculty and support staff as appropriate to understand cohort needs, progression, and individual learning contracts for students’.
Attend department meetings for all health sciences programs, typically 3 per quarter, and additional meetings as needs arise.