Retention specialist

POSITION : #278-CLS-08-24 :

Student Retention Specialist - Bilingual

Wenatchee High School

8.0 hours per day / 205 days per year

Salary : $23.92 - $26.32 per hour

Position Summary : The Retention Specialist will provide comprehensive and culturally competent support services designed to ensure the academic success of students as measured by meaningful academic engagement, college and career readiness, and graduation rates.

The incumbent provides specific instructional and non-instructional support to teachers, students and families and is responsible for monitoring and assisting individuals or groups of students without supervision.

The incumbent performs the full range of instructional assistant duties and responsibilities in support of college and career readiness learning experiences, comprehensive academic support services, social services and activities, including individualized post-secondary plans, goals, and objectives combined with applying vocationally specific experience and training to support student learning.

The Retention Specialist works under the day-to-day direction of certificated staff member(s) and under the direct supervision of the Wenatchee High School administration.

Education. The Retention Specialist is responsible for being familiar with school / district policies and procedures which govern their work and their interaction with students, teachers, parents, and community members.

Major Duties and Responsibilities : Works collaboratively by assisting teachers in assessment tasks, curriculum implementation, student interactions, enforcing safe behaviors, and enhancing social growth of students in the classroom.

Participates in data reviews and processes to determine student services and support needs for engagement and retention, including working with students and families to re-engage, maintain learning and ultimately graduating on time.

Provides support in determining and coordinating referrals and supports to other agencies or WSD departments as appropriate.

Monitors academic reporting systems for early alert to students’ performance and academic progress risk, thus identifying and providing timely interventions for those who are in need.

Prepares and implements intervention plans to work with at-risk students. Assists students in the use and application of specific curriculum and technology software that enhances the student learning experience.

Communicates about academic progress and behavior with students and parents with respect and confidentiality and consistent with the direction and guidance of staff, administrators, and school / district policies and procedures.

Provides technical assistance to students concerning college and career planning, assessment, scholarship and financial aid research, and preparation and development.

Assists students with establishing, developing, pursuing, and meeting individualized postsecondary planning, goals, and objectives to match student interests and opportunities.

Maintains a caseload of up to 150 students with the goal of knowing the status of each student and co-creating a roadmap and plan of success.

Handles confidential student information with tact, discretion and in compliance with FERPA regulations. Discusses grades with students and assists them with strategies and plans to improve grades.

Assists students with school work, coaching them through barriers. Oversees student behavior and safety. Takes steps to intervene when students are not in control, not in the proper location, or may be in dangerous or unsafe situations.

Provides instructional support and tutoring to students in large groups, small groups, and one-on-one situations. Documents behavior and progress of students to assist teachers in assessing progress with education plans.

Maintains, or assists in maintaining, student weekly progress reports. Performs clerical duties such as making copies, operating office equipment, and record keeping.

Attends and applies appropriate training as it relates to the job.

Minimum Qualifications : Applicants must have successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities, or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to strengthening engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with a diverse population.

Bachelor Degree in Education or a related field (Preferred) Bilingual and bicultural skills in Spanish, Five (5) years of education experience (Preferred) May be required to be certified or to become certified in first aid, CPR, and / or operation of defibrillators.

May be required to be trained in specific instructional methodologies in such content areas as college and career readiness, Career Technical Education, reading, writing, and mathematics.

Skill in the use of office and computer equipment and use of standard office software and student information system software.

Specifically, must have basic computer literacy, to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email management skills. Demonstrate ability to develop effective working relationships with partners, campus officials, staff and community agencies, schools and students and families of diverse backgrounds.

Able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions and changing tasks and priorities. Able to assist, console, and manage students who may be emotional, distraught, or frustrated.

Able to remain calm, focused, and in control when working with students, parents, guardians, and community members who may be difficult and challenging to engage.

Able to follow written and verbal directions, take the initiative to seek clarity, and take action when needed. Be or become knowledgeable and supportive of classroom management and student discipline procedures.

Constantly exhibit command and proper enunciation, spelling, syntax, and use of the English language to assist and model proper language usage by students.

Able to organize work and set priorities for accomplishing work in a timely and effective manner.Able to protect the confidentiality of student information consistent with FERPA requirements and good judgment.

Able to work collaboratively and effectively with staff, students, parents, volunteers, and community members. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Desired Qualifications : University training that included coursework in or directly related to education (e.g., growth and development, learning theories).

SCHEDULE : OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

UNION AFFILIATION : This position is represented by Public School Employees.

BENEFITS : Health insurance benefits for employees working 630 hours or more per year include medical, dental, vision, life and long term disability plans through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).

Retirement benefits are provided through the WA State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).

180 - 219 Day Employees - Paid leave benefits include 10 days of sick leave, 2 personal leave days and 11 holidays.

220 - 259 Day Employees - Paid leave benefits include 10 days of sick leave, 3 personal leave days and 11 holidays.

260 Day Employees - Paid leave benefits include 12 days of sick leave, 2 personal leave days, 14 holidays and 12 vacation days.

Tuition reimbursement, 50% up to $450 per year for qualified expenses.

Immigration Reform and Control Act Requirement : The recommended applicant, if not a current regular employee, will be required to complete an INS I-9 form and must provide proof of employment eligibility prior to working.

Disclosure Statement and Record Check : Pursuant to Chapter 486, Washington Laws of 1987, the recommended applicant, if not a current regular employee, will be required to complete a disclosure form indicating whether he or she has been convicted of crimes against persons listed in the law.

In addition, a background check, based on fingerprints, will be requested from the Washington State Patrol & FBI. Employment is conditional based upon completion of the record check.

Last updated : 2024-08-15

Salary : $450