Student Support Specialist

Student Support Specialist

The Student Support Specialist supports the success of students enrolled in the Turning Point program and the Center for Adult Transition. This position provides mentorship and guidance to students in their college elective courses, to foster a more successful transition to postsecondary education and employment, and assist students with developing skills for greater independence.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide academic advising and individualized guidance to students with disabilities on course planning, degree requirements, and program policies, supporting them in setting goals, exploring options, and developing actionable plans to achieve academic, social, and personal success.
• Provide comprehensive, scaffolded student support that extends beyond academic advising, effectively addressing complex behavioral, social, and disability-related needs while promoting student success, inclusion, and well-being.
• Collaborate with faculty to design and adapt courses being audited that align with students' career goals and meet guidelines for inclusive education.
• Collaborate with students and faculty to promote independence and support more successful educational and social outcomes for students.
• Monitor academic progress of students and assist with their post-graduation transition to work and community.
• Assist with planning and implementing programming events and workshops.
• Monitor students' progress through ongoing outreach and advising; make appropriate referrals and interventions as needed.
• Provide program information as the initial point of contact for prospective families, case workers, and K-12 school districts; ensure consistent communication and follow-up; ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations pertaining to students with disabilities.
• Act as a central point of contact for families, college personnel, and disability community agencies, providing specific guidance and support on all program related matters.
• Review and verify program charges electronically, ensuring accurate coordination with the Bursar's Office for proper payment distribution.
• Collaborate with the Scheduling Office to secure classroom space that meets accessibility guidelines.
• Supports the Turning Point program and Center for Adult Transition students in preparation for ceremonies and events, educational experiences and social interactions.
• Develop and distribute program literature and play a key role in organizing award ceremonies and other campus events.
• Maintain confidential records and provide student information on each assigned student for the required database. (Provide information for college, state, and federal reports)
• Assist with the review and determination of student disability accommodation requests in accordance with ADA, Section 504 and all applicable federal and state regulations.
• Identify and proactively address barriers to access through consultation with students, faculty and other campus partners.
• Coordinate and support grant funded activities as needed.
• Assist with admissions and recruitment events.
• Assume related administrative duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Director or Assistant Director.

Special Skills and Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Education, Special Education, Psychology or related field, Master's Degree in Education, Special Education, Psychology preferred.

Experience:

Must demonstrate prior knowledge and experience of Section 504, ADA regulations and other relevant laws pertaining to disability in higher education. A minimum of 3 years prior experience supporting students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a higher education setting is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrates understanding of the community college mission and practices an open door policy. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with a variety of on-campus and community based stakeholders. Has basic proficiency in the use of the Microsoft, Excel, and Google Office suite. Exhibits strong skills in:

• Communication
• Customer and Student Focus
• Building Relationships
• Organizing
• Planning

Salary and Benefits

• $55,000
• NJ Educators Health Plan with free Vision and Dental.
• NJ State Pension plan.
• 403B Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 15 vacation days, 15 sick days, 4 personal days, 2 floating holidays, all designated holidays and 5 non-designated holidays a year. 3 Partial Sick Days.

Bergen Community College provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.