Student Support Specialist (TEMP)

CSU Careers•San José, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a temporary, benefited, 3-year appointment with the possibility of extension. The Student Support Specialist supports San José State University’s commitment to student success and equity by advancing retention and persistence efforts under the CSU Advancing Student Achievement Program (ASAP) grant. The position is responsible for providing culturally responsive services that enhance the educational experiences and promote the success of low-income, first-generation, and underserved Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students, as well as other underrepresented student populations. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Identity-Based Retention Centers, the Student Support Specialist implements proactive outreach and engagement strategies to support students throughout the student lifecycle—including first-year, transfer, and continuing students—in navigating the university, connecting to campus resources, and persisting from term to term. The Student Support Specialist provides guidance on university systems and fosters a sense of belonging and academic success. A key function of this role is to support re-enrollment and ongoing retention efforts by identifying and conducting outreach to students who are not enrolled in subsequent terms. Using tools such as phone banking and student data systems, the Student Support Specialist assesses barriers to persistence, including academic, financial, housing, and basic needs challenges and facilitates timely referrals to appropriate campus services. The position collaborates closely with academic advising units and campus partners to ensure coordinated support, while not serving as a primary academic advisor. The Student Support Specialist contributes to the CSU ASAP grant-funded initiatives and targeted retention strategies, including efforts to improve outcomes for male-identified undergraduate students, and supports data tracking and reporting to strengthen retention outcomes.

Requirements

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration or a job‑related field.
Two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field.
Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and respectfully with diverse student populations, faculty, staff, and campus partners.
Working knowledge of the experiences, challenges, and strengths of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI), first-generation, low-income, and other historically underserved college students.
Knowledge of culturally responsive, asset-based, and equity-minded practices that support student retention, persistence, and sense of belonging.
Ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse, multicultural environment.
Knowledge of student success, retention, and persistence strategies in higher education, particularly for first-year, transfer, and continuing students.
Ability to conduct proactive outreach and engagement using multiple modalities (e.g., phone banking systems, email campaigns, student information systems).
Ability to assess student needs and barriers (academic, financial, housing, basic needs) and make appropriate referrals to campus resources.
Working knowledge of campus resources and ability to navigate and explain university systems, policies, and procedures to students.
Ability to collect, track, and analyze student data, and prepare clear, concise reports for program assessment and grant requirements.
Ability to use a broad range of computer applications and systems (e.g., CRM tools, student databases, Google Suite).
Ability to take initiative, collaborate, and complete projects independently and as part of a team.
Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and projects, effectively organize work, and meet deadlines while following safety and confidentiality protocols.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive student information and performing complex tasks.
Ability to keep supervisor informed of progress toward goals, challenges, and relevant campus partner initiatives.
Strong organizational and coordination skills, including the ability to plan outreach efforts, events, and follow-up activities.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to facilitate group workshops, presentations, and student engagement activities.
Ability to recommend improvements to programs and services using student feedback and data-informed practices.
General awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), and a willingness to develop skills in their appropriate, responsible, and ethical use in a higher education environment, consistent with institutional policies and practices.
Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in a job‑related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience.
Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Ethnic Studies, or a related field.
1-2 years of experience supporting student retention, persistence, or student success initiatives in a college or university setting.
Experience working with Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students and/or implementing culturally responsive programming.
Experience conducting proactive outreach and engagement (e.g., phone banking, case management, CRM systems, or student success platforms).
Experience collaborating with multiple campus partners (e.g., academic advising, financial aid, housing, basic needs programs).
Experience developing or facilitating workshops, programs, or student engagement initiatives.
Experience using data to inform outreach, programming, or retention strategies.

Responsibilities

Support the implementation of CSU ASAP grant initiatives focused on AANHPI and other disproportionately impacted student populations.
Conduct proactive outreach to first-year and transfer students (with an emphasis on AANHPI, low-income, and first-generation populations) to support successful transition to SJSU.
Design and implement engagement strategies that increase students’ sense of belonging, connection, and awareness of campus resources.
Provide students guidance on navigating university systems, policies, and processes (e.g., enrollment, registration, use of campus platforms).
Maintain accurate records of student participation and engagement for reporting purposes.
Identify and track students who stop out or do not enroll from term to term using institutional data systems.
Conduct outreach (including phone banking campaigns, email, and text) to assess barriers to persistence and re-enrollment.
Support re-engagement efforts by connecting students to appropriate campus services and facilitating their return.
Serve as a liaison between students and campus partners, including the Center for Asian Pacific Islander Student Empowerment (CAPISE), academic advising units across colleges, financial aid, housing, and basic needs services.
Ensure timely referrals and warm handoffs to appropriate offices to address student barriers.
Maintain detailed records of student contacts, outreach efforts, and outcomes using designated systems.
Analyze trends in student engagement, retention, and stop-out patterns to inform program adjustments.
Prepare reports and summaries to support grant compliance and institutional decision-making.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support student outreach and programming.