STEP Specialist

COLUMBIA GORGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE•The Dalles, OR

About The Position

We offer an opportunity for… A collaborative, equity-minded leader to serve as STEP (Snap Employment and Training Program) Coordinator. The STEP Coordinator is responsible for providing coaching and case management to students participating in the College’s STEP Program, supporting their success from enrollment through program completion and transition to employment; and, accomplish the work of the division of Student Life. Student Life includes student basic needs, student life/engagement, the residence hall, athletics, and other student processes. This role reports directly to the Director of Housing and Student Life and serves on the Statewide STEP Consortium with the other participating community colleges across the state. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and community partners to reduce barriers to education and training, promote persistence and completion, and support pathways to living-wage employment. Accordingly, the STEP Coordinator will play a key role in advancing CGCC’s mission to ensure equitable access to education and inclusive prosperity throughout the Columbia Gorge region. Who we are… Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is a comprehensive community college dedicated to promoting an academic and social environment that serves the evolving needs of the vibrant and diverse communities across its district and beyond. The College aims to foster an inclusive and equitable climate where employees and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We understand these values are foundational to our mission and are critical to ensure the well-being of the communities in our service area. As a college CGCC commits to being accountable to communities who have been historically excluded from higher education, and to the land in the area it serves. Candidates from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Mission: CGCC prioritizes equitable access to education, empowers all students through learning, and drives inclusive prosperity throughout our community. Vision: As an institution of higher education, CGCC innovates and excels, champions equity and inclusion, and nurtures belonging among our students, employees, and the community. Priorities: Ensuring equitable access to education Advancing equitable student learning and educational outcomes Fostering economic growth, inclusive prosperity, and a thriving community Guiding Principles: Open Communication, Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Equity and Inclusion. Where we are… Columbia Gorge Community College serves a diverse region in north-central Oregon and south-central Washington. CGCC acknowledges we are on the homelands of the Confederated Tribe of the Yakama Nation and neighboring tribes as well as the 14 bands along the Inchi I’wana (Columbia River). Our main campus is within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in The Dalles, Oregon. We also have a beautiful site in the city of Hood River. What the area offers… Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, our College offers more than just a job; it offers a unique lifestyle. Imagine waking up to stunning mountain views, enjoying outdoor adventures in your backyard, and being part of a tight-knit community dedicated to educational equity and innovation. As a center of Native American trade for over 10,000 years and situated near the end of the Oregon Trail, the Columbia Gorge has a rich history. Much of the area is connected to agriculture, with large acreages of wheat fields, cherry, pear, and apple orchards. There are also dozens of world-class vineyards, wineries, and breweries that, together with outdoor recreation, have created a strong hospitality and tourism industry. Organizations like Comunidades, The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Washington Gorge Action Programs, and The Next Door are representative of the groups that span the Gorge area to provide community resources and leadership. Manufacturing, technology, and IT companies are expanding rapidly in the area, which is home to companies such as Insitu, Tofurky, Cardinal Glass, Sagetech, HoodTech, and Google. Portland is roughly an hour away, with its various urban attractions and access to international travel. What you will do… The STEP Coordinator supports students participating in the SNAP Training & Employment Program by providing coaching and case management from intake through program completion and transition into employment.

Requirements

Experience supporting adult learners or individuals from low-income, underserved, or marginalized communities.
Student-centered, equity-minded, and trauma-informed approach to coaching.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage a caseload, prioritize work, and meet grant-driven timelines.
Experience collaborating with internal teams and external partners.
Comfort using databases, spreadsheets, and case management or reporting systems.
Commitment to CGCC’s mission, values, and equity goals.
Associate’s degree and one year of relevant experience in social services, workforce development, education, or advanced customer service; or
Bachelor’s degree in counseling, education, psychology, social services, or a related field; or
Equivalent combination of education and experience working with underserved populations.
Ability to travel locally and between CGCC campuses.
Ability to pass a background check As required by Oregon DHS
Valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain one).

Nice To Haves

Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

Recruit and onboard eligible STEP participants, including SNAP-eligible and unemployed or underemployed students.
Provide academic, career, financial, and personal coaching to support persistence and completion.
Develop and maintain Individual Success Plans aligned with students’ academic and career goals.
Meet regularly with students to monitor progress, address barriers, and make appropriate referrals.
Coordinate job readiness and employment transition support in collaboration with campus and community partners.
Maintain accurate, confidential records and enter required data in compliance with STEP grant requirements.
Participate in STEP outreach, recruitment, trainings, and cross-departmental collaboration.

Benefits

excellent benefits including generous employer contributions to medical, dental and vision premiums, and participation in the Oregon PERS retirement system.

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