Instructional Program Specialist- STEM

Gavilan College•Gilroy Campus, CA

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Instructional Program Specialist coordinates and directly provides instructional and program assistance to students, performs office and support activities for instructors and program areas, and carries out related duties. This paraprofessional role supports learning-assistance settings such as learning labs, study labs, tutorial centers, and classrooms. Specialists typically focus on one or more subject or program areas and adapt support to students’ learning needs and special populations. The role may assign, direct, and supervise students and other non-employees. For the STEM assignment, the specialist coordinates academic support across the STEM Center, Math Lab, and Hollister site, collaborating with faculty, staff, and programs such as MESA. Support includes connecting students with tutoring, study sessions, academic resources, and enrichment opportunities; supporting tutor recruitment, hiring, training, and scheduling; and assisting with STEM Academy activities, classroom visits, outreach, the STEM Lending Library, and faculty referrals. The position provides in-person and online support to students, tutors, faculty, and staff and contributes to a welcoming, student-centered learning environment. The work is performed primarily indoors in classroom and learning-assistance-center settings. The role requires vision to read or operate computer screens, texts, instructions, and lab equipment; speech and hearing for normal communication; and manual dexterity to handle papers and operate keyboards, office equipment, and specialized learning-assistance equipment. Some positions may require color vision.

Requirements

Associate of Arts degree with major coursework related to the area of assignment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Two years of experience in instructional support or other responsible experience demonstrating mastery of the subject matter and the ability to explain it and assist in instruction.
Knowledge of principles, theories, methods, resources, and equipment in the specialized instructional or program area at the community-college level.
Knowledge of instructional and program-assistance methods and techniques.
Knowledge of special needs, techniques, and adaptive equipment for working with assigned socioeconomic, ethnic/cultural, and/or learning or physical-disability populations.
Ability to apply instructional methods and procedures and to read, understand, and present technical or specialized course materials.
Ability to operate specialized equipment, computers, software, and materials and train others in their use.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and adapt information, materials, and interactions to the needs of diverse populations.
Ability to maintain accurate records, logs, files, and databases and prepare clear reports and written materials.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Use and operation of standard office equipment and common applications software; basic records management, data recording, and report preparation; and correct English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Specified positions require a valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record, willingness to work shifts, and/or certification of bilingual skill, as applicable.
Physical ability to read and operate computer screens, texts, instructions, and lab equipment; communicate through speech and hearing; and manipulate papers and operate keyboards and office or specialized learning-assistance equipment.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, public speaking, and presentation skills.
Student-centered event-planning experience.
Technical proficiency with Microsoft 365, basic webpage management, and social media platforms.
Experience in a diverse and dynamic academic-support role or knowledge of the relationship between academic support and student success.
Successful past experience in STEM courses and understanding of higher-level mathematics.
Ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently, adapt to a fast-paced environment, and support diverse student populations in person and online.
Strong organization, attention to detail, record-keeping, and ability to manage and respond to large volumes of inquiries.

Responsibilities

Provide individual or group assistance and leadership for students in learning centers, classrooms, labs, tutoring, and specialized programs.
Explain texts, course materials, problem-solving techniques, and subject-area principles and rules.
Review student work, identify areas requiring further assistance, and address deficiencies.
Prepare instructional support materials for individual and group use.
Adapt explanations, assistance, and materials to special-population and program needs.
Maintain current knowledge of assigned subject matter, learning resources, equipment, computers, and software.
Coordinate learning assistance with curricula and program requirements in collaboration with faculty and program staff.
Orient and train students to use learning-assistance equipment, materials, software, tutorials, and procedures; support log-in and recordkeeping.
Set up, operate, and monitor learning-assistance equipment; identify equipment or facility problems and arrange for repair and maintenance.
Maintain center materials, supplies, and equipment in orderly working condition, including ordering supplies and maintaining inventory.
Promote learning-assistance and special-program services through outreach materials, presentations, and direct student contact; assist with program forms and paperwork.
Coordinate program activities or clubs as assigned.
Recruit, interview, select, train, schedule, assign, direct, and review the work of student workers and other non-employees.
Identify student support resources, assist with referrals, and coordinate appointments.
Monitor, document, and report issues related to student progress, attendance, interactions, and concerns.
Operate standard office equipment, including desktop computers, copiers, and scanners.
Maintain logs and records, compile data, and prepare periodic and special reports.
Perform reception, telephone, copying, distribution, scheduling, errands, and other support tasks.
As assigned, provide specialized training, conduct field trips, or provide and operate physical or adaptive assistance for students with learning or physical disabilities.
Assist with orientation and training of new employees as assigned; may administer standardized non-interpretive tests.
For the STEM assignment, coordinate academic support services across the STEM Center, Math Lab, and Hollister site, working with faculty, staff, and programs such as MESA.
Support tutor recruitment and hiring in collaboration with Human Resources and faculty coordinators, train new tutors, and develop schedules responsive to student needs and tutor availability.
Support STEM Academy activities, coordinate classroom visits and outreach events, facilitate access to the STEM Lending Library, and assist with faculty referrals.
Identify opportunities to improve services, strengthen collaboration across programs, and promote student engagement and academic success.