Program Retention Specialist

May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

• Master’s Degree Required in Counseling, education, social work, or related fields from an accredited college or university with an endorsement in English, Math, Science, counseling or related field or those who have equivalent experience.
• Minimum of two years of appropriate and relevant professional experience working with federal programs or similar related program/project for disadvantaged and at-risk college students.
• Experience coordinating and supervising project programming and field experiences.
• Experience advising and assisting students with four-year college admissions and financial aid process.
• Professional or personal experiences in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting students.
• Formal training and/or work experience in programming that promotes the annual persistence rates of students from one academic year to the next.
• Formal training and/or work experience in programming that improves the annual academic standing rates of students.
• Formal training and/or work experience promoting college graduation rates for low-income and potential first-generation college students.
• Knowledge of academic advising and college, career, financial aid and economic literacy activities and related services for low-income and potential first- generation college students.
• Knowledge of personal and career counseling.
• Ability to perform recruitment presentations.
• Ability to review, analyze, and evaluate student applications.
• Ability to effectively maintain a caseload of students and provide them with services and activities as indicated on their Individual Service Plans.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills including Office software.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Exceptional interpersonal, counseling, communication, organization and facilitation skills in case management.
• Knowledge of barriers to postsecondary education faced by low income and potential first- generation college students.
• Knowledge of project/program planning, financial and grant accountability principles, or statistical analysis and interpretation.
• Must possess a current driver’s license in order to assist with educational events

The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/

The Virginia Community College System, an EEO employer, welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and recognizes the benefits of a diverse workforce. Therefore, the VCCS is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disabilities, political affiliation, veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors.

The VCCS is an EOE and Affirmative Action Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), VCCS will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing and selection processes.

VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.