Please Note: The salary range for this position is $66,072.00 - $78,504.00 annually, depending on qualifications, with periodic increments up to $80,496.00 annually. This is a full-time, permanent, classified, overtime-eligible position with the Pierce College District and may be eligible for up to two days of remote work per week after the probationary period.
The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. The Pierce College District is committed to being an anti-racist institution; to truly be anti-racist we must work deliberately to eliminate barriers that have prevented the most promising and capable students from entering and thriving in college.
The Pierce College
Student Success Coach (Program Specialist 3) (SSC-PS3)advances Pierce College’s mission through equity-centered, holistic, and relationship-based student support grounded in the Belong, Advance, and Thrive (BAT) framework and Inclusive Practices philosophy.
Within a Guided Pathways framework, the SSC-PS3 provides culturally responsive, appreciative, and sustaining advising and case management services that support student belonging, persistence, completion, transfer, career readiness, and overall well-being. The SSC-PS3 works intentionally to remove barriers and advance equitable outcomes for students who have been historically underserved or excluded from systems, policies, and practices, with a commitment to Black and Brown Excellence.
The SSC-PS3 builds meaningful relationships with students to identify strengths, interests, goals, and support needs; guides students in academic and career planning; and connects students to campus and community resources that promote engagement, self-efficacy, and success. In partnership with student services, instruction, and other campus partners, the SSC-PS3 contributes to an inclusive college environment where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. This position reports directly to the Director of Advising and Advocacy. This position requires regular and consistent attendance.
About the District
Pierce College is a high-performing, mission-driven, data-informed, student-focused district committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. For 55 years, Pierce College has developed a national reputation for academic excellence and support services to ensure student success. The district is proud of the many awards and recognitions it has received. Pierce College is an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction and was the 2017 recipient of their prestigious Leah Meyer Austin Award, given for measurable improvements in student outcomes.
Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist for the 2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023. Pierce is also one of 30 original AACC Guided Pathways colleges and one of first five College Spark Washington pathways colleges. We have bold goals to have all students on a career pathway to increase completion rates for all students and to close achievement gaps by 2027. Want a feel for our District. Take a peek with aerial campus views!
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake.
Pierce College Puyallup
Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land with beautiful hideaways.
Pierce College at JBLM
Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active-duty families that are serving our country.
Our colleges enjoy a strong presence in the communities in which they serve and participate in numerous partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations.
Education Required
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or Customer/Client Relations.
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree. If using equivalency for education, the following requirements must be met:
-
Associate’s degree and two (2) years of experience serving clients, students, or customers from diverse backgrounds and intersecting identities.
OR
-
Four (4) years of equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree. This experience must be in addition to the minimum experience required for the position.
Experience Required
Student/Client Service Experience
-
One (1) year of experience providing direct student services in an educational setting such as advising, financial aid, TRIO, multicultural services, Workforce Education, or related programs; OR one (1) year of experience managing a client caseload in a school, nonprofit, or human services setting.
Equity, Inclusion, and Student Support Experience
-
Demonstrated experience providing culturally responsive services to individuals with diverse and intersecting identities and multicultural backgrounds.
-
Demonstrated experience assisting individuals with goal setting, problem solving, decision-making, and exploring academic, career, or personal options.
-
Demonstrated experience making effective referrals to internal and external support resources.
Communication and Technology Experience
-
Demonstrated experience providing services through multiple communication modalities including in-person, phone, email, chat, and virtual platforms.
-
Demonstrated experience using electronic information systems, databases, or case management software.
-
Demonstrated experience learning and following privacy laws, confidentiality requirements, and compliance standards.
Special Requirements
After a conditional offer of employment, the successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal records background check. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability to perform in this position.
Required Competencies
Communication and Relationship Building
Demonstrates strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including active listening, respectful feedback, and professional communication across multiple settings and modalities.
Builds and maintains positive, ethical, and professional relationships with students, colleagues, and community partners.
Demonstrates strong customer service and student support skills with the ability to foster trust, rapport, belonging, and meaningful engagement.
Cultural Humility and Inclusive Practice
Demonstrates cultural humility and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, linguistic, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and life experience backgrounds.
Provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and student-centered support that recognizes and values diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives.
Uses inclusive and respectful communication practices that promote equity, dignity, belonging, and access for all students.
Adaptability and Professional Effectiveness
Adapts effectively to changing priorities, responsibilities, technologies, and organizational needs.
Maintains professionalism and effectiveness while managing competing demands, interruptions, deadlines, and high-volume workloads.
Demonstrates strong organization, time management, follow-through, and attention to detail.
Problem Solving and Student Support
Analyzes complex situations, identifies student needs, and develops appropriate solutions, referrals, and support strategies.
Uses sound judgment and critical thinking to support student success, persistence, and engagement.
Technology and Information Competency
Proficient in Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, or comparable software systems.
Effectively navigates databases, case management systems, online platforms, and other technology tools.
Accesses, evaluates, interprets, and applies information and student data to support decision-making, improve services, and reduce barriers to success.
Ethics, Integrity, and Accountability
Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, honesty, and ethical behavior in all interactions and responsibilities.
Maintains confidentiality and complies with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Accepts personal responsibility for the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of work.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Works collaboratively and cooperatively with colleagues and campus partners.
Values diverse perspectives, contributes positively to team efforts, and supports a culture of respect, inclusion, and shared responsibility.
To be considered for this position, applicants must:
Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
Complete the online application profile at https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr and apply for the specific job opening.
Cover Letter: Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
Resume: Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience.
Transcripts: Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education and/or coursework. International transcript must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services, visit: https://www.naces.org/members.
Please note: Certain positions require specific levels of educational attainment such as a post-secondary degree, licensures or certifications. In order to evaluate applicant materials to determine if the minimum qualifications are met, information regarding your education and experience should be included in your application materials.
Applications without transcripts attached, may receive notification that their application materials are incomplete. If you receive a notice and information has been provided elsewhere in your applications materials, please disregard. (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire).
References: Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. One of which must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted.
Supplemental Question: Provide a response to the following question.
The College's goal is to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission. If you were selected for this position, how would you contribute to and support this goal? Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.
To learn more about our Equity, Engagement, and Belonging efforts, please visit: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/about/mission-vision/equity-engagement-belonging/
Special Note
To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.
All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your SCHOOLJOBS.COM account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.
Terms of Employment
This is a full-time (40 hours per week) classified, overtime-eligible position with Pierce College District. This position is permanent after serving a 6-month probationary period.
The primary work location will be at Pierce College, Fort Steilacoom campus. Occasional travel to Pierce College campuses or sites may occur. Work hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekend work, and occasional travel as required. This position may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites. This position may be eligible for occasional remote work once the incumbent is established in the role. Regular and consistent attendance is required.
Salary & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $66,072.00 - $78,504.00 annually, depending on qualifications, with periodic increments up to $80,496.00 annually.
However, your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long-term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided.
Physical Work Environment
This position is required to work indoors in an open office environment, which requires visual concentration on detail, dexterity, precision, and is subject to frequent noise and interruptions.
Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.
Screening & Interview Process
Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.
Please Note
This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the district’s needs will be eligible for further consideration.
Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written, oral and performance examinations, and final interviews.
Conditions of Employment
Prior to the start of employment, finalist(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. 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.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Conditional offer letters will be accompanied by a declaration and authorization to release information form to be completed by the applicant. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.
An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the district to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.
Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.
Bargaining Unit
This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employee Association (WPEA).
Equal Opportunity
Pierce College supports and values the dignity of each member of its community and visitors, and is committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination and harassment. This commitment applies to all levels and areas of operations and programs and is intended to ensure that all students and employees are provided equitable opportunities to realize their goals and to function safely and effectively within the Pierce College environment.
Pierce College recognizes its responsibility under state laws and their implementing regulations to investigate, resolve, implement corrective measures, and monitor the educational environment and workplace to stop, remediate, and prevent discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Pierce College prohibits discrimination against and harassment of members of these protected classes, as well as any additional class(es) protected by local, state, or federal law. Any individual found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including the possibility of exclusion from Pierce College facilities, dismissal from Pierce College as a student, and/or dismissal from employment, as applicable.
Members of the college community, guests, or visitors who believe they have been the subject of discrimination or harassment should report the incident or incidents to the District Title IX/EEO Coordinator identified below. If the complaint is against that Coordinator, or if for some other reason a report cannot be made to the Coordinator, the complainant should report the matter to one of the alternate designees listed below.
District Title IX Coordinator and District Section 504 Coordinator
Kelly Benson
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
Cascade Building, Room 237
9401 Farwest Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98498-1999
253-964-6716
[email protected]
District Affirmative Action Officer
Paula Henson-Williams
253-864-3229
[email protected]
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
District Athletics
Duncan Stevenson
253-964-6612
[email protected]
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Student Conduct
Julie Draper Davis
253-912-2331
[email protected]
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Pierce College at Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Ron Burleson
253-912-2242
[email protected]
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
EEO/Human Resources
Deena Forsythe
253-964-6586
[email protected]