First Year Experience (FYE) Specialist - Aspira

Summary

The FYE Specialist for Aspira serves the unique needs of the Hispanic/Latinx identified student population, with chief responsibility for implementation of the first year Aspira program.  The Specialist teaches the Aspira course, provides instructional support for all faculty teaching the course, and partners with academic support and student development services to assist students in achieving their academic and career goals.   The Specialist determines strategies to strengthen the first year curriculum, pedagogy, and co-curricular opportunities for all students enrolled in the Aspira Program.  The Specialist also manages the Aspira Scholars Program and assists in neighborhood outreach efforts.  The position reports to the Dean of Student Development, Equity, & Inclusion.

Contingent upon MSI funding through June 2023.

Salary is restricted to posted range and will not exceed the maximum of the range. Salary offers are non negotiable and offers are determined and are based upon related work experience submitted on resume.

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides recommendations as needed, for Admissions, Director of First-Year Experience, and Academic Advising to strengthen efforts to recruit and enroll Hispanic/Latinx students in the Aspira first year course.
• Assists in the recruitment of adjunct faculty to teach FYE Aspira courses.
• Teaches at least 2 sections of the first year Aspira course.
• Recruits and orients faculty to teach additional sections of the Aspira course, providing coaching as needed, relative to curriculum, pedagogy, student support services and co-curricular opportunities for students.
• Meets with Aspira students regularly to review academic success and progress to graduation, providing guidance, as needed, including appropriate referrals to various resources/services within the college.
• Facilitates student discussion groups on topics of social justice issues, inequality, Hispanic/Latinx history, and the history of Latin America.
• Collaborates with other college staff to provide first and second year co-curricular programs and activities to support Hispanic/Latinx students and engage their families. 
• Assists in staffing the Equity Center, providing a nonjudgmental space where students feel a sense of belonging and support in their identity development.
• Collaborates with Financial Aid to manage, monitor and further develop the Aspira Scholars program.
• Assists the Director of Curriculum, Assessment, and Articulation to strengthen relationships with baccalaureate granting institutions by identifying means of support for LCCC Hispanic/Latinx graduates who wish to transfer upon graduation.
• Assists community outreach efforts with Latinx neighborhood groups and organizations, providing information about Aspira and related efforts to support student success.
• Assesses Aspira student outcomes data to determine the effectiveness of efforts designed to support the success of Aspira students.
• Serves on college committees and task forces, as assigned to bring forward the Latinx student perspective.
• Completes special projects and perform other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:
Education:

• Master’s degree in Latin American Studies, Counseling, Higher Education, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.  
• Foreign degrees – must provide a US equivalency report of your degree credentials with your transcript, if not, your resume will not be accepted.

Certifications:

• Act 153 Clearances (Act 34 PA Criminal Background, Act 151 PA Child Abuse History, Act 114 FBI Clearance Fingerprinting) 

Language:

• Bilingual and Bicultural (English/Spanish) 

Experience:

• At least one year experience working with the Hispanic/Latinx student population in a higher education environment. Sufficient combination of education, work, and lived experience to demonstrate ability to meet the qualifications and essential skills described below.
• Experience developing and implementing academic curricula and/or designing and implementing learning and culturally sustaining pedagogical models. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of best practices, issues, barriers and equity-minded strategies pertaining to Hispanic/Latinx student college success, including academic excellence, persistence and retention, graduation.
• Knowledge and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, gender, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of first-generation Latina/o/x students and their families.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness, agility, ability to build trust and credibility while navigating a complex landscape.
• Demonstrated experience working with faculty and staff, with the ability to collaborate with student and academic affairs.
• Familiarity with learning management systems and educational software programs that support student learning, academic planning, and student success.
• Ability to organize and manage a multi-level, multi-faceted program and perform in a professional and efficient manner.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with students, parents, faculty, and staff, both verbally, in writing (English and Spanish).
• Familiarity with FERPA regulations and guidelines for confidentiality of student matters.
• Must possess a high level of the following work skills and behaviors: teamwork/cooperation, initiative, customer service, and commitment to continuous professional growth in skills and knowledge.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and virtual meeting software, such as Zoom and Google Meet. 

PREFERRED:

• Understanding and support for the mission of community colleges.
• One year or more working at a Hispanic Serving Institution, directly supporting Hispanic/Latinx students.
• Experience working with diverse populations of underrepresented/marginalized college students. 

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee may regularly life and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally life and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
 

To Apply

LCCC Internal candidates must apply within 15 days of posting.
  
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and unofficial transcript through our online application system at www.lccc.edu/jobs.
 
LCCC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from diverse candidates.