Student Retention Specialist (Health Sciences)

The Opportunity: 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.

About SVC: Established in 1926, Skagit Valley College is a comprehensive community college within the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) providing associates and bachelor’s degrees, as well as certificates, in high-quality academic transfer pathways, workforce training, basic education for adults, and lifelong learning opportunities. Our equity goals align with SBCTC’s Vision statement; “Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities.”
 
SVC's commitment to equity and social justice drives our collective work to increase access to higher education, inspire student learning and achievement, and strengthen our diverse community. We embrace equity through our core themes of access, achievement, and community by pursuing the continuous examination and revision of norms, policies, and practices to foster the success of all.
 
SVC aspires to reflect the diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic demographics in the district, particularly a growing Latinx population. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) SVC seeks equity minded leadership, faculty, and staff that are committed to inclusive practices and to diverse environments where students from all backgrounds can thrive via multidisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of an array of services.  Candidates representing all aspects of diversity are encouraged to apply. 
 
Mission: Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.

Vision: The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:

• Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
• Our Guiding Principles;
• Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
• The development of our employees;
• A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

• An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
• Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship.
• Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
• Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban and urban lifestyles.
• Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments.
• Excellent benefits including competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

Student Liaison

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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).

• 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.

• Ability to communicate with a wide variety of students, faculty, and college staff;
• Ability to work autonomously given goals and mission of the department as directed by supervisor.

Salary and Benefits:

• Annual salary rate for this twelve-month, 100% of full-time position is $60,000 - $65,000, annually, depending on experience;
• Contracts are written annually for the period of July 1 to June 30.  This position will be filled as soon practical after a candidate is identified and the salary will be pro-rated for the remaining contract period.  
• This position is exempt from civil service. This position is eligible for overtime.
• Salary, retirement, medical and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations and may be subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates.  Additional information on benefits can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/pebbhealthplan/compare.aspx.

1. Meet the minimum qualifications and;
2. Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.eduthat includes the following:
   • The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references;
   • A current resume; (Attachment: Resume); 
   • A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position; (Attachment: Cover Letter).

• Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
   
  Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.

• In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students. 
• If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.   
• Completion of academic degree(s) will be verified through receipt of official transcripts at the time of hire.