Student Services Specialist II (Title V Grant)

Two weeks prior to the deadline to submit applications, the diversity of current applicants will be assessed. Upon review, if the pool does not include sufficient diversity at that time, the application window may be extended.

The Santa Clarita Community College District/College of the Canyons is seeking a full-time, grant funded, Student Services Specialist II (Title V Grant) in the Student Services Division. 

Salary Placement:

Salary placement will be on Range 18 of Classified Represented Salary Schedule B.** Initial salary step placement for new employees is customarily at step 1, 2, or 3 ($4,629.00/ $4,922.00/ $5,203.00 per month) of this 20-step salary range. 

The probationary period for new Classified employees is six months. The work year is 12 calendar months. The normal workweek for this position is 40 hours. Paid holiday, discretionary, and sick time are provided. Ten vacation days accrue during the first year of employment. A regular work schedule will be assigned, with the ability to occasionally work a flexible schedule as needed with supervisor’s approval.

Who We Are 

The Santa Clarita Community District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As presented in our District Strategic Plan, which focuses on Access, Engagement, and Success, “Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not goals in themselves, but ideologies embedded in all actions and planning across all departments and functions of our college and its two campuses.” These areas of focus demonstrate a resolve to focus on student success and confirm that we are at the forefront of change with integrated planning efforts that both evolve and anticipate the needs of our students. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences – fostering healthy inclusion through inquiry, shared dialogue, and reflection to ensure that we promote a sense of community, collegiality, and cooperation. When you join our team at the Santa Clarita Community College District, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, creative, flexible, innovative, and equity-focused community that engages students, each other, and the community in scholarly inquiry, creative partnerships, and the application of knowledge and success.

Who We Want 

We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate must be an equity-minded individual committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students, and community partners who share our commitment to closing equity gaps. The Santa Clarita Community College District seeks leaders possessing a strong grounding in academic and student services programs and a thorough understanding of the primary mission of the community college. We seek employees that value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, who are conscientious risk takers and transformational leaders guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals.

Position Description:

Under the direction of the Dean of Counseling, and in coordination with the Project SOL Counselor, the Student Services Specialist II assists with the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs designed to enhance student retention and completion. The position provides coaching and guidance to students, facilitates intervention strategies in collaboration with academic units, and ensures accurate tracking of student progress through the maintenance of databases and reporting systems. By collaborating with various campus departments and external partners, the Specialist works to connect students with resources, including workshops and services, which promote academic success and degree completion. Additionally, the Specialist plays a key role in outreach efforts, supports program recruitment, and assists in the facilitation of workshops, ensuring alignment with the College’s commitment to student success and equity.

Example of Duties

Essential Duties:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this class.

1. Provides support services to implement student success and retention efforts within the assigned area; assists with recruitment of students into a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program; presents and/or provides information on program benefits and requirements; may perform intake tasks associated with new student recruits.
2. Conducts and analyzes students need assessments.
3. Assists with the implementation of early intervention strategies and follow-up efforts designed to support student success, retention, persistence, and completion. Works collaboratively with academic departments and student support programs to help connect students with appropriate resources and services. 
4. Makes and receives referrals through the District’s Early Alert Program.
5. Provides individual coaching to help foster student success and academic development.
6. Maintains documentation of all student interactions and prepares regular performance summaries that highlight student progress using pre-defined metrics. Updates the college’s Student Information System (SIS) and other related databases as necessary to ensure data accuracy and consistency. Provides basic data entry and support to ensure information required for grants is captured and reported in accordance with established grant guidelines, utilizing standardized reporting formats and procedures. 
7. In collaboration with academic units, provides intervention strategies and assists with the development of plans for students who receive academic alerts. Tracks student involvement in support resources on campus, including academic counseling and the development of a Student Educational Plan (SEP).
8. Interacts and conducts outreach to current and prospective program students via email, text, phone, and other marketing methods. Assists with program outreach and recruitment and attends outreach and recruitment events on and off campus, as needed.
9. Assist students with scheduling Counseling appointments, may function as an intermediary between students and other service and support departments, ensuring that students are effective consumers of services and supports and have access to timely and accurate information.
10. Provides clarification and support to students regarding specific action plans related to their level of probation and/or dismissal.
11. Provides referrals to workshops and conducts workshops or presentations when appropriate.
12. Serves as a first point of contact for program students and members of the public who are inquiring about the program. Includes, but is not limited to, greeting walk-ins, staffing the front counter, answering phones, and responding to email inquiries.
13. Tracks assigned budgets and expenditures; may initiate purchase orders, budget transfers, and contracts; processes paperwork associated with payment to external vendors and entities. May assist in the collection and processing of timesheets and leave requests for program staff. 
14. Collaborates with Financial Aid to facilitate workshops on financial literacy by providing logistical and administrative support, ensuring effective delivery of pre-designed content. Works with Financial Aid staff to coordinate scheduling, materials, and communication with participants. Utilizes all District services, community agencies, special programs and interest groups affecting services offered to students for purposes of student retention and degree completion. 
15. Performs document production to prepare a wide variety of materials which include, but not limited to, correspondence, reports, surveys, forms, charts, spreadsheets, and databases.
16. Updates the website, social media, and other outreach communications/student information; develops and modifies program flyers, bulletins, and newsletters.
17. Keeps informed of present and pending laws, rules, regulations, and interpretations on the variety of areas affecting student success and retention.
18. Monitors and maintains updating of various databases, filing, and tracking for Title V services, and projects, including information that may be of a privileged or sensitive nature. Performs other computer-input tasks relative to the operation of the department.
19. Assists in with the development of Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs), contributing insights and input related to areas of responsibility. Engages with relevant stakeholders to address outcomes and ensure alignment with program goals.
20. Participates in committees, task forces, and special assignments, including, but not limited to Screening and Selection Committees and affiliated trainings. Prepares and delivers oral presentations related to assigned areas if needed.
21. Assists the Dean with coordination, training, and work direction for college assistants and short-term employees. Assists the Dean with the planning of regular staff meetings, training, and workshops. 
22. May perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the position. 

Demonstrated Abilities:

Position requires ability to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of and implementation of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism efforts in an educational setting. 
• Demonstrate successful experience linking student services to the community. 
• Work effectively with the public offering high quality customer service skills. 
• Type with speed and accuracy using word processing, spreadsheet, and other business-related software.
• Work effectively and demonstrate currency of knowledge with computers and other forms of advanced technology utilized in providing high quality services.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Assume responsibility and initiative to conduct routine office functions.
• Compose correspondence independently. Apply knowledge of proper English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Establish and maintain comprehensive and accurate files and records and prepare concise and complete reports.
• Learn and interpret policies, rules, regulations, and operational procedures including current State and Federal regulations pertaining to the department.
• Organize and prioritize work in anticipation of needs and deadlines. Handle diverse tasks quickly and accurately.
• Apply knowledge of modern office practices and equipment, including record management and filing systems, receptionist and telephone techniques, correspondence and report writing.
• Apply knowledge of basic methods and techniques of organization and planning.
• Take and transcribe notes with speed and accuracy.
• Maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive and privileged material and information.
• Demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staffing, and the community.

Qualifications and Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements: 

Experience:
Two (2) years of full-time equivalent experience working in community colleges, universities, high schools, community agencies, or similar work involving programs or activities to assist the public. 

Education:
Education equivalent to an Associate’s degree (60 semester units) is required. Two additional years of related experience in addition to that identified above may be substituted for one year (30 units) of the education requirement.
 

Desirable Qualifications:

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) – read, write, speak.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience with Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) programs in a higher education, or similar, environment.

Physical Characteristics:
Sedentary position requires use of a computer and related equipment for extended periods of time; frequently exerting 10 to 20 pounds of force to move objects; communicating and providing information to others; work outside on all parts of the campus and in varying weather conditions. In the event of an emergency, employees will be relied upon to serve as emergency service workers.

Further Details

District Classified Employee Benefits:

Full-time employees are provided with a diversified program that includes medical, dental and vision insurance including dependent coverage, disability, and life insurance as well as Section 125 options. These benefits commence on the first of the month following the date of hire. Professional development opportunities are provided to all employees. Educational incentive is available to eligible Classified Represented and Confidential employees.

RETIREMENT: Classified employees contribute to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit retirement plan through the State of California.

Conditions of Employment:

Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109.

Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member.

Board of Trustees approval.

Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment.

Ability to maintain a flexible workweek with hours that may vary, including evening and weekend assignments as needed, 

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Santa Clarita Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to employing qualified employees who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity and provide consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not unlawfully discriminate in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Human Resources office directly at (661) 362-3427.

About the District
Access. Engagement. Success.

College of the Canyons serves more than 37,000 students on two campuses in the Santa Clarita Valley, about 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. Better known locally as COC, the college excels at both transfer and career preparation, sending thousands of graduates each year to California’s top public and private four-year universities, and into high-wage careers in Southern California’s fastest-growing industries.

The college has earned numerous regional, state, and national awards for its innovative and collaborative efforts to increase student access, engagement, and success. It was the only California community college to receive the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification from the American Council on Education and Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The college is also recognized for its high degree of Hispanic student enrollment and degree achievement, having been named one of the top colleges in the nation for those achievements by The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine.

The college takes seriously its mission to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a 48-percent Hispanic student population, it is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), as well as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).

College of the Canyons is:

• Guided by an elected five-member Board of Trustees composed of former faculty members and community members committed to prudent fiscal management and thoughtful policy development. 
• Supported by an active Foundation that generates more than $1 million of revenue and awards more than $300,000 in student scholarships each year.
• Recognized as a statewide leader in the development and implementation of OER/ZTC (open educational resources/zero textbook costs) materials, saving students millions of dollars in textbook costs. 
• Resourceful, as evidenced by the $16 million in grant revenue generated in the past year. 
• Highly regarded in the community, whose residents voted to approve more than $400 million of bond funds in three separate elections since 2001.
• Focused on making higher education more affordable, as evidenced by the Canyons Promise program that provides the first two years of study free for new, full-time students. 

The best measure of our success is the achievement of our students. Their accomplishments include:

• Transferring to the top University of California campuses, including Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
• Earning national and state academic awards, including Jack Kent Cooke Scholarships, Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars, and Phi Theta Kappa All California Academic Team honors.
• Winning 39 state championships while competing in 17 intercollegiate sports.
• Designing research projects carried aboard NASA spacecraft.
• Garnering numerous awards in Model UN, Forensics (Communications), and Future Business Leaders of America competitions.
• Achieving a 21 percent median wage increase after completing career education courses.

Those who are selected for positions at College of the Canyons will join a team of accomplished administrators, esteemed educators, and dedicated staff members who are innovative and focused on enhancing people’s lives by continually expanding educational access, engagement, and success.

Ready. Set. Grow. 

College of the Canyons is poised to continue growing in its ability to expand access to higher education, to enhance student engagement, and to bolster the ongoing success of our students and wider community.

Currently, we are:

• Building an off-site Advanced Technology Center to provide hands-on training in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and welding.
• Renovating the Student Center to create a more welcoming gathering space for students.
• Enhancing the services we offer to students at our Canyon Country campus with the addition of 110,000 square feet of classrooms, labs, and support spaces in the new Takeda Science Center and adjoining Student Services & Learning Resources Center. 
• Offering 275 associate degree and certificate programs (and always developing more), including new Allied Health training programs in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy Technology, and Diagnostic Medical Sonography. 
• Creating a safe space for students to share their voices and engage in dialog and connection in our new Intercultural Center. 
• Hosting world-class entertainers in the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at the Valencia campus.
• Offering a wide variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from partner universities at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center.
• Bolstering the economic development of our region by raising $2.5 million in external funding to provide customized workforce training for more than 5,100 local employees. 

By always working to create new opportunities, focusing on innovation, and embracing dynamic partnerships, we create ongoing success that benefits everyone we serve.

Are You Ready to Join Us?

College of the Canyons is looking for faculty, staff, and administrators who are leaders, innovators, and creators focused on putting the needs of students first. Specifically, we seek those who share our commitment to:

• Teaching and Learning – College of the Canyons values high performance in teaching and learning.
• Respect for All People – We expect students and employees to demonstrate honesty, integrity, social responsibility, and ethical behavior that fosters a college climate characterized by civility, collegiality, and acceptance.
• Partnership with Community – We advance the educational, intellectual, artistic, civic, cultural, and economic aspirations of our surrounding community by actively partnering with more than 100 community schools, colleges, universities, businesses, and government and social agencies.
• Excellence – We set the highest standards for ourselves and support the professional development of faculty, staff, and administrators. 
• Creativity and Innovation – We encourage members of the college community to be entrepreneurial, forward-thinking, creative, persistent, spontaneous, and willing to explore new ideas that strengthen our ability to enhance student access, engagement, and success. 

Location. Location. Location. 

The single college within the Santa Clarita Community College District, College of the Canyons is located in Santa Clarita, the third most populous city in Los Angeles County, and serves a 367-square-mile area in the northern part of the county. The college’s two campuses are just a short drive from downtown Los Angeles.

With mild weather and convenient freeway access, the Santa Clarita Valley offers residents and visitors convenient year-round access to what makes Southern California a popular destination. Theme parks, Pacific Ocean beaches, and mountains are nearby, along with the dining, cultural, and sports attractions of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and other iconic destinations.

Our service area is a hub of advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and film production. By redefining the traditional role of community colleges, we have become the training provider of choice for local companies, which count on us to deliver high-quality, cutting-edge training.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications online. Please visit our website at http://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources. If you require assistance, please call the Human Resources office at (661)362-3427 or for the hearing-impaired TTY/TDD Line at (661)362-5178. Applicants may check the status of their application online and may expect to be notified within approximately 4 to 5 weeks following the Review Date as to the status of their application.

All application materials must be uploaded online or received in the Human Resources office by the end of the day on the Review Date in order to assure consideration for this position. Postmark is not acceptable for this purpose. Separate application materials must be submitted for each position applied for. Materials submitted become property of the District and will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings. The Human Resources office is located in the University Center, Suite #360, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

Your application is not completed until the following required materials have been uploaded online or received by the Human Resources office:

• Online District CLASSIFIED Application.
• Detailed resume, which includes month/year dates of employment and descriptions of responsibilities at each employer.
• Letter of interest. In your letter, please address your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the job duties and the abilities section of this announcement.
• Copies of complete and legible college transcripts clearly indicating all college units earned and any degree awarded. You can submit unofficial copies of transcripts for application purposes. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment. Please see our website for the requirements for evaluation of transcripts from foreign colleges or universities.
• Confidential Recruitment Source Information (voluntary survey). This is voluntary and is a part of the online applicant profile, separate from the application.
• Supplemental Questionnaire. Please answer the following questions as part of your application packet.

1. Do you possess an equivalent to an Associate’s degree (60 verifiable semester units) or higher from an accredited college or university? If yes, please provide a legible copy of your college/university transcript(s) in your online application packet. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. If not, and you are using additional years of relevant work experience in lieu of semester units, please clearly indicate how you meet the minimum educational requirement through this additional work experience. 
2. Do you possess two (2) or more years of full-time equivalent experience working in community colleges, universities, high schools, community agencies, or similar work involving programs or activities to assist the public? Please describe your experience, and include employer name(s), your position title(s), dates of employment, full time or part time status (% of time or number of hours worked per week), and your roles and responsibilities. Please provide your total years of full-time equivalent experience. 
3. Describe your experience developing tracking systems and reports, including how you compiled the information and how the data was used to support student success. Based on this experience, explain how you would apply similar or improved systems, processes, or tools to regularly monitor and update information for a cohort of 300 to 500 STEM students.
4. Please describe your experience tracking activities and budgets for a grant funded project.
5. What does “student equity” mean to you?
6. Why do you want to work at the College of the Canyons in this staff position?

• Letters of reference are optional.

Please note:

• Skills evaluation of candidates for interviews may be required.
• Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.
• Hiring committees review all complete, qualified application packets. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.
• “Experience” generally refers to relevant paid experience. In some instances, unpaid experience may be counted as experience towards meeting the minimum qualifications or requirements for the position only if it entailed responsibilities substantially similar to those of relevant paid positions in the field. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide sufficient information and details to the Human Resources office at the time of submission of their application packet. Details should include the organization, contact name, contact information, start, and end dates, hours per week, and a list of relevant unpaid/volunteer duties or responsibilities performed. Not all unpaid experience may qualify. Upon offer of employment, an applicant will be required to obtain written verification(s) of any relevant unpaid/volunteer experience.
• Current COC employees who are applying for this position: Please be aware that materials from your personnel file are not included as part of the application file; therefore, please provide the same requested application materials as any other applicant.
• Please be aware that, should you be considered as a finalist for this position, reference checks will include current supervisor(s). 
• Applicants are encouraged to apply online. If you need assistance with the application process, contact:

Human Resources Office

(661) 362-3427

TTY/TDD (661) 362-5178 or visit our website at

www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials are fully and correctly submitted. All materials submitted are for this position only and become the property of the District. Materials will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings. Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of the official application form.

The College is expecting to conduct initial interviews between the weeks of June 23, 2025, and June 30, 2025, and conduct final interviews between the weeks of June 30, 2025, and July 7, 2025. This is an estimated timeline and is subject to change. 

Interviews may be conducted in-person or remotely via Zoom. 

** This is an in-person, 40-hour per week position whose primary work location is on the District’s Valencia Campus. **

Positions are offered contingent on funding. We reserve the right to withdraw, extend the filing date, reopen, or delay filling this position. Recruitment may continue until the position is filled.  

This recruitment may be used for future vacancies, including positions on either the Valencia Campus or the Canyon Country Campus.

Employer

Santa Clarita Community College District (CA) / College of the Canyons (CA)

Address

26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd.

Santa Clarita, California, 91335

Phone

661-362-3423

Website

https://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources/