WorkFirst Services Specialist

Workfirst Services Specialist

Renton Technical College is seeking a Work First Services Specialist. The Work First Services Specialist is part of the Workforce Education and Grants team and will be responsible for administering day-to-day activities for the Work First student population and managing Work First Work Study. This position requires a dependable, self-motivated individual who is a strong multi-tasker, highly organized, and communicates professionally with students and co-workers.

This position focuses on ensuring student satisfaction, providing leadership, delivering exceptional customer service, and building strong relationships.

• Support the college's mission by creating a learning and work environment of mutual respect and fairness, while encouraging creative and critical thinking.
• Act as the primary intake specialist answering phones, responding to inquiries, and assisting students. Manage the day-to-day operations of the Workforce office including scheduling, reception office activities, enter purchase orders, maintain program files, and administrative office duties.
• Maintain, allocate, and track the WF loaner laptop program and ensure signed contracts are in place prior to distribution.
• Collaborate with Workforce team members, faculty, student services and administrators in delivery of comprehensive services to Workforce students.
• Develop job opportunities by building effective relationships with campus departments, faculty, and staff to identify employment opportunities and to promote the college's qualified students.
• Develop and maintain the Work First online job search portal for students.
• Assist students with all aspects of the employment process including interviewing skills, networking, resume writing, and job search techniques.
• Maintain currency of Work First federal and state rules and regulations.
• Monitor and track Work First program budget expenses by coordinating with the Financial Aid Office and General Ledger Accountant. Reconcile funds on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Document Work First Work Study awards for students in collaboration with relevant program staff and the financial aid office in line with student quarterly budget.
• Provide direction and assistance to students in outlining effective steps toward achieving their career goals as it relates to work study, internships, workshops, and job search efforts.
• Prepare and distribute work study application packets; collect all necessary paperwork.
• Set up and maintain all student files, tracking, and notifications to students with missing information. Enter confidential student data electronically. Develop new forms as needed.
• Track and prepare confidential documents for destruction as directed.
• Participate in RTC, Work First, and Workforce Team meetings.
• Communicate professionally and effectively, both orally and in writing, with college employees, departments, students, and outside agencies.
• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds such as sexual orientation, racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, socio-economic, physical, and learning abilities, and a commitment to an inclusive and equitable working/learning environment.
• Two years of experience demonstrating your ability to implement projects in complex systems and understand and comply with government or organizational policies and regulations,
• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Strong customer service skills, including experience working with individuals whose first language is not English.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, think critically, and exercise independent judgment required.
• Proficient computer skills and knowledge of electronic database systems and Microsoft Office, specifically experience creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Previous success learning new computer software programs/platforms required.
• Demonstrated ability to promote universal design and accessibility. Proficiency in (or ability to learn within 6 months of hire) the production of accessible content, whether print or electronic.
• Effective leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop productive working relationships with college faculty and staff.
• Demonstrated attention to…