Student Programs Specialist - EOPS (IN-HOUSE ONLY)

Coast Community College District • Huntington Beach, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Student Programs Specialist provides administrative, technical, clerical, and program support for students applying to or participating in special-funded programs, including EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, NextUp, and Guardian Scholars. The role supports outreach, enrollment, eligibility determinations, student retention, and access to services for economically and socially disadvantaged students, foster youth, and other students facing barriers to higher education. The Specialist is a first point of contact for students and community members and provides information, referrals, and direct program support.

The position coordinates student services and outreach, maintains confidential student files and records, enters and tracks student data, and supports workshops, advisory meetings, and other program activities. It also involves case-management oversight and referrals to campus departments, community organizations, employment offices, and social services. The Specialist collaborates with students, staff, faculty, administrators, and community partners, and may provide work direction to student workers, peer counselors, and volunteers.

This is an in-house-only, on-campus position at Golden West College. It is a full-time classified position scheduled for 40 hours per week, 12 months per year, with normal working hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Work is performed indoors with minimal safety considerations. The position requires an associate degree in social science or education and two years of experience working with special populations; additional experience may substitute for some higher education. A bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, human services, or a related field and relevant experience are preferred. The role also requires demonstrated responsiveness to and understanding of diversity in the community college population and the application of equity-minded practices.

Requirements

• Associate degree in social science or education and two years of experience working with special populations; additional experience may substitute for some higher education.
• Demonstrated responsiveness to and understanding of racial, ethnic, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, academic, and cultural diversity within the community college student population, including differing ability statuses, and how these factors relate to equity-minded practice.
• Working knowledge of state-funded programs and resources for socially and economically disadvantaged students, particularly foster youth services, the juvenile court system, and trauma-informed best practices.
• Knowledge of methods, practices, terminology, guidelines, and procedures used in college foster youth processes and services.
• Working knowledge of higher education certificate and degree requirements that can accommodate disadvantaged students.
• Working knowledge of Title 5, EOPS, and related state regulations.
• Knowledge of social and cultural programs that can enhance student retention.
• Working knowledge of funding sources and requirements and services available through other agencies, including Chafee Grant, AB12, SB1023, and other financial aid compliance reporting.
• Human relations skills to explain technical concepts to students, exercise patience, and make presentations to secondary schools and outside agencies.
• Language and writing skills to prepare reports and correspondence.
• Working knowledge of common office productivity software, including student databases, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation graphics.
• Math skills sufficient to maintain financial and statistical records.
• Ability to implement programs and services that enhance disadvantaged students' admission, retention, and outplacement into the job market.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to a diverse population and determine student eligibility for special-funded programs by interpreting rules and regulations.
• Ability to maintain productive and cooperative working relationships.
• May require the ability to perform work assignments at all college locations and off-campus settings.
• May require a valid driver license.
• Must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
• Selected candidate must provide a tuberculosis exam certificate, complete Live Scan fingerprinting at their expense, present original documents proving U.S. work eligibility, and attend a new-hire onboarding appointment.
• Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the position is subject to mandated reporter requirements under California law and District policies.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, human services, or a related field.
• Experience in psychology, counseling, social and behavioral sciences, communication, and/or trauma-informed care.
• Any combination of education and experience that meets the required equivalent qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide information to potential students about extended opportunity programs, application procedures, college enrollment, and related services; assist with applications for student services and activities.
• Conduct student intake, determine eligibility by reviewing financial and other information, apply program guidelines, and certify continuing eligibility.
• Conduct and coordinate outreach to economically disadvantaged students eligible for financial aid or services; assist with enrollment and enter data into student databases.
• Distribute and deliver promotional and informational materials for special programs, including EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, NextUp, and Guardian Scholars.
• Collect and record student statistical and demographic information; enter data into automated information systems; maintain confidential files and records; track student contacts and follow up by phone or correspondence.
• Coordinate day-to-day student services operations, balance service workflows and priorities, and assist students with class schedules, career goals, instructors, academic progress, and problem resolution.
• Refer students to community employment and social service organizations, employment offices, and local businesses; provide case-management oversight and direct services to program participants.
• Collaborate with campus departments to support foster youth students and make appropriate service referrals.
• Plan, organize, and provide student support services, workshops, and advisory board meetings.
• Communicate and coordinate with student services personnel, faculty, student groups, staff, administrators, and others; provide information and assistance concerning student success and support objectives.
• Advocate for students and help resolve issues relating to assessment and orientation.
• Assist with hiring, training, and directing student workers, peer counselors, and volunteer staff; address performance issues as needed.
• Maintain current knowledge and skills related to the role.
• Assist in developing and implementing program objectives, student service outcomes, assessment measures, policies, and procedures.
• Attend and present at conferences, workshops, seminars, and professional development activities for training, program updates, outreach, and recruitment.
• Establish and maintain relationships with community partners to expand student resources; attend partner meetings.
• Produce the end-of-year narrative for the state and serve as advisor for the EOPS/CARE/Guardian Scholars Club.
• Create, update, and monitor counselor schedules in the SARs database.
• Perform other related duties that support the position’s objectives and comply with District policies and procedures, including the Code of Professional Ethics.

Benefits

• Generous medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees and dependents
• 21 paid holidays
• Cumulative sick leave
• Paid vacation
• Longevity salary programs
• PERS/STRS retirement plans
• Deferred compensation/457 plans
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree