Pierce College District Looking for Credential Evaluator (Program Specialist 2) Full Time

here: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/vaccinated-campus.

The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world.

Recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 10 community colleges in the nation, Pierce College is an innovative and equity-focused community college dedicated to helping all students achieve their academic and professional goals. This is Pierce College’s second time as an Aspen Prize top finalist. Check out our Aspen Institute Award for Community College Excellence.

Please note:

Pierce College is transitioning back to working in the office at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom after more than a year of primarily-remote work. One or two days in the office per week will be required at first (other days remote). This will increase over time. Health and safety precautions are in place.

Evaluations plays an integral role in assisting our diverse community of students in successfully navigating transfer of credit to Pierce College and completion of their educational path. The Credentials Evaluator (Program Specialist 2) provides a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for students who have applied to graduate or who transfer credits from other institutions. They empower students through active listening and support that honors each student’s journey and educational experience.

The Credentials Evaluator provides organization-wide responsibility for reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating a wide variety of educational transcripts for academic programs and the college and exercises professional judgment to fully leverage student equitable access and outcomes. The incumbent will interact with deans, division and program chairs, advisors, financial aid staff, military and college representatives, students, and other evaluators to assess credits and communicate standard policies and procedures. The Credentials Evaluator assists the college in removing barriers to student success and communicates with students so as to increase their understanding of decisions, processes, and policies. The work requires high attention to detail, advanced computer skills, people-centered skills, and extreme confidentiality. The incumbent is expected to become an advanced user of PeopleSoft. This position reports to the Admissions and Evaluations Program Manager. This position requires consistent and regular attendance.

About the District:

The College enjoys a strong presence in the community and participates in numerous partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations. The campuses have modern facilities that include state-of-the-art teaching and learning spaces; an immersive, full-dome digital planetarium; child development centers; and health education centers, all with a beautiful view of nearby Mount Rainier. Want a feel for our District? Take a peek at our campus views!

Following NWCCU Accreditation Standards, Intercollegiate Relations Commission guidelines, Pierce College specific program guidelines (including Corrections), Washington State reciprocity agreements, Washington Reverse Articulation Program guidelines, and process for evaluating international transcripts; evaluate and transfer in appropriate courses for all incoming students with prior college coursework that pertains to their pursued degree(s).

Utilize all available resources, including college catalogs, course descriptions, department chairs, syllabi and web-based college catalog database research, interpret and analyze courses to make informed decisions about transfer applicability while also researching a college’s structure including: accreditation status, calendar systems and grading policies.

Using our student managing system, transfer eligible courses onto the students account, making sure to keep accurate notes regarding the evaluation and communicating with students and advisors once the courses have been evaluated.

Maintain an up-to-date manual on evaluation policies and procedures.

Award and Post Credentials:

Analyze all degree audits for students who have applied for their degree(s)/certificate(s) for all campuses, making sure to meet any reporting deadlines such as MIS reporting to the State Board. This includes awarding and posting of all short-term certificates issued through individual departments and all high school diplomas.

Maintain College Degree-Audit System/Academic Advisement Reports (AAR)

Create and maintain degree audits for every program (degrees and certificates) the college offers for all campuses. Verify accuracy for every program listed in the catalog and the e-Catalog to ensure audits are up to date with any program changes.

Utilize People Soft and other computer applications at an advanced level to streamline the evaluation process for students to increase efficiency within the department.

Confer with constituents:

Advise students, staff, faculty and the public regarding program content and policies for degree requirements.

Recommend and provide alternative courses of action to assist students in meeting degree requirements and ensuring a smooth transition for transfer students.

Confer regularly with program faculty advisors and their staff regarding the interpretation and implementation of program policies and participants. Monitor program courses within the special programs within the established program parameters and determine variances from the program standards.

Provide Assistance during graduation:

As the primary department responsible for accessing and record-keeping of the graduation application database, this position must provide an accurate list of graduates for the graduation program. Coordinate with the graduation committee to ensure the program list is accurate, free of errors and completed in time for printing.

Evaluate and Transcribe Dual Credit for CTE high school credit:

Research CTE Dual Credit requests from students to have CTE high school credits transcribed to their Pierce College transcript. Maintain accuracy regarding rules for transcribing CTE credits.

Evaluate and transcribe credit for Institutional Learning including Joint Services and program specific certification equivalency requirements and other workforce credentials.

Assist with transcription of Credit by Testing, including AP/IB/CLEP/Cambridge.

This task includes keeping updated on current ACPL guidelines through the Washington State Board and legislation and current college policies and procedures

QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate’s degree.

Required Experience:

One (1) or more years’ experience providing direct customer service in a high touch and diverse environment.

Experience with advising, student records, or other related work. Ability to understand, apply and communicate complex information. Experience in critical and systematic thinking.

Advanced computer skills to manage data and to utilize database programs in order to upload, download and merge data.

Experience maintaining records (manual and electronic) and performing data entry with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Proficiency with computer applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, the Internet and databases. Commitment to engaging in the advancement of equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education and serving resilient students who have been historically marginalized.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse community with a high degree of customer service.

Special Requirements:

Regular and consistent attendance at work. Must pass criminal background records check.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to treat people with a high level of respect and professionalism demonstrating excellent customer service and sensitivity in a highly diverse environment.

Addresses customer needs as a priority with a sincere desire to be helpful. Ability to repeat information multiple times.

Ability to be kind and empathetic to students, parents, staff, faculty and coworkers.

Performs work accurately with attention to detail in a high volume environment with frequent interruptions. Reviews work and make timely corrections.

Effectively communicate by actively listening and sharing relevant information with coworkers, supervisor, students and other constituents to anticipate problems and ensure program effectiveness; communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.

Notices and accurately interprets what others are feeling based on their choice of words, tone of voice, expressions, and other nonverbal cues (e.g., eye contact, expressions, gestures, posture, spatial proximity, physical contact, physical reactions such as blushing).

Listens attentively to people’s ideas and concerns.

Finds non-threatening and non-intimidating ways to approach others about issues by allowing for compromise and kindness.

Makes others feel comfortable by responding in ways that convey interest in what they have to say. Works with people who are upset, confused, demanding or otherwise difficult in a calm, non-strident manner.

Problem solves issues in a constructive manner and make appropriate recommendations or offer alternate solutions.:

Demonstrates responsible personal and professional conduct, which contributes to the overall morale, well-being, mission and goals of Pierce College.

Accepts personal responsibility for quality of work and for using work time efficiently and effectively. Acts in a manner perceived as positive, responsible, reliable and trustworthy.

Establishes consistent and regular attendance.

Manages work, records and files in an organized and efficient manner. Follows retention guidelines.

Organizes competing priorities and meet deadlines.

Remains calm under stress.

Strong, positive interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively; team-oriented; demonstrated trust and sensitivity to and mutual respect for others; remaining calm and tactful in stressful situations while adhering to a high standard of integrity and honesty and maintain confidentiality.

Ability to set aside one’s own beliefs to center another’s experience and create a welcoming environment that is inclusive and conducive to success for a diverse student body through methods, examples, language, and support.

Values diversity & possess an understanding of cultural humility and vulnerability; ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and community members from diverse backgrounds.

Adheres to high standards of integrity and honesty with students, coworkers and state resources. Comply with laws, rules, policies and procedures.

Follows guidelines of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and maintain confidentiality.. Ability to think in a systematic manner in order to perform tasks.

Critical, creative, and reflective thinking skills needed to independently identify problems, analyze and evaluate various solutions, implement solutions and monitor their effectiveness.

Knowledge of guidelines, policies and processes related to one’s position and responsibilities.

Embraces change as a primary function in today’s workplace as an effective employee; be willing to adopt new work methods; think and act with a growth mindset; remain optimistic during change.

Ability to access and move between multiple computers/software such as databases, word processing, and the internet to search for and/or enter/update information.

Ability to manage new and/or changing software quickly and easily in order to manage job functions.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

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. Apply for the specific job opening.

Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. At Pierce College, we value culturally competent and compassionate individuals who bridge diverse backgrounds and perspectives in support of academic equity and excellence. In your cover letter, please address how you will support the mission of Pierce College to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. Please include in your response how your previous education and/or professional experience contribute to your effectiveness in promoting a climate of student success for a diverse community of learners. (Cover Letter)

Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)

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. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: www.naces.org/members.htm (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)

Upload (attach) a list of at least two professional references with names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)

Provide a response to the following question. (Supplemental Questions)

1. How does this position impact the College’s goal to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission? Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.

Terms of Employment:

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) classified, overtime-exempt position with Pierce College District. The primary work location will be at Pierce College, Fort Steilacoom campus but occasional travel to Pierce College campuses or sites may occur. Work hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.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.

Salary & Benefits:

The starting salary range of this position is $3,294 – $3,792 a month (dependent upon qualifications), with annual periodic increments up to $4,286. 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. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr-benefits.

This position is required to work indoors in an office environment.

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:

Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.2 , state employees must be fully vaccinated no later than October 18, 2021. Your vaccine status will be verified upon hire.

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:

The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to 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.

For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, contact Human Resources at: [email protected].

Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:

Sean Cooke

Title IX Coordinator

(253) 840-8472

Holly Gorski

Vice President for Human Resources