Student Support Specialist, Workforce Solutions

Working Title

Student Support Specialist, Workforce Solutions

Education Support Spec III

29144-SW

Exempt

04

295R0832

Tidewater Community College Division Tidewater Community College (Div)

Norfolk - 710

$50,000 - $60,000, commensurate w/ experience

No

B-Professional

Full Time

No

8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, to include some evenings and weekends

Tidewater Community College has served South Hampton Roads – both students and employers – for 50 years. It has grown from 1 campus into a regional educational and economic force. TCC is the largest provider of higher education and workforce services in Hampton Roads, enrolling nearly 25,000 students in 2024-25. Founded in 1968 as a part of the Virginia Community College System, Tidewater Community College (TCC) services South Hampton Roads with 4 campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach, 7 regional centers and 2 important cultural institutions.

The college had 3,399 graduates in , 40 percent of whom pursued degrees that would let them transfer to 4-year institutions. Of South Hampton Roads residents enrolled in higher education 33% enrolled ’s institutional accreditation is affirmed through 2027 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The organizational objective of Workforce Solutions is to provide high quality training that meets the needs of employers in South Hampton Roads. This is accomplished through open enrollment classes and as well as customized training solutions for employers that are designed and delivered by TCC subject matter experts working in conjunction business clients.

The Student Support Specialist is a dynamic, student-centered professional who plays a critical role in supporting individuals throughout their Workforce (WFS) program journey. This position is uniquely structured to provide support across five core areas: onboarding/enrollment, career coaching, student retention, outreach/engagement, and employment support. The Specialist serves as a trusted guide, advocate, and connector—ensuring that students not only enter the college successfully but also persist, complete their training, and transition into meaningful employment.

In this role, the Student Support Specialist engages with prospective students from their first point of contact, helping them navigate the processes of program selection, application, and financial aid. They provide personalized career coaching to help students align their training with long-term goals, and they offer ongoing support to address academic and non-academic challenges that may arise during the student’s journey.

The Student Support Specialist actively promotes WFS programs through community engagement, marketing initiatives, and relationship-building with local employers and partners. They play a key role in expanding the college’s reach, increasing enrollment, and ensuring that students are connected to real-world opportunities that align with their training.

This position requires strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to student success. The ideal candidate is passionate about workforce development, skilled in using technology to enhance communication and tracking, and committed to helping students overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

This is a restricted funded position.

May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

• Knowledge of recruitment, enrollment, and advising for workforce programs.
• Knowledge of barriers to educational success and a desire to help others reach their career goals
• Demonstrated skill in academic and career counseling.
• Strong interpersonal skills to help engage, provide support to, and motivate students
• Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to effectively follow up and…