CB@Ranken Program Specialist

Who We Are

Through an individualized, holistic, and multi-year investment, College Bound empowers students in St. Louis facing systemic barriers to achieve transformative lives of higher education and economic possibility.We have grown from an inaugural class of 36 students to over 450 (plus alumni). We believe that one college degree can end the cycle of poverty in a family. We believe in the power of people; in creating relationships defined by deep trust and enduring power. Our culture is one of high expectations and high support with an unwavering focus on degree completion. You can learn more about College Bound by accessing our website at www.collegeboundstl.org.

Summary of Position

The Program Specialist will work under the Ranken Program Manager and with the students, faculty and staff of Ranken Technical College to provide support for College Bound participants on the Ranken Campus. This will include one on one & community coaching with students, group intervention, data entry and tracking, connecting students with relevant campus supports, logistical support, and other related tasks. This position is responsible for ensuring students’ progress to graduation from Ranken Technical College. Through coaching, students will show an increase in academic, professional, and personal performance. An understanding of vocational counseling, higher education, and youth development are necessary to be considered for this position.

Primary Responsibilities

Support Student Growth and Success:

• Manage a caseload of a maximum of 40 students through their first year of attending Ranken Technical College. Coaching sessions include personalized, motivating and actionable guidance each 1-4 times monthly depending on need.  
• Coach students utilizing CB@Ranken’s phase assessment, setting personalized goals, and document progress with the DAP note method. Additionally, create focused interventions and success plans for participants that show performance level and will strengthen student’s self-understanding, future motivation, and planning ability.
• Develop strong relationships with students characterized by trust and openness to build rapport and deliver feedback, while remaining professional. 
• Orient students to CB@Ranken program, ensuring they understand the purpose and value of the program and what is expected of them in the process. 
• Monitor and track student progress, academics, and engagement using College Bound’s database system, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, thoroughness, and appropriate considerations of privacy. 
• Work in an embedded office space at Ranken campus in St. Louis and engage students in significant, monthly communication via face-to-face meetings, calls, texts and other electronic means. 
• Connect students to campus and community resources/events that will increase their career knowledge. 
• Consistently collect, record, analyze and interpret student information on student progress including milestones and deliverables to guide coaching conversations. 
• Provide extended support and create personalized action plans for students in crisis. 
• Supports students in navigating financial aid and other college processes at Ranken.  

Other Responsibilities:

• Answer phone calls and emails directed to the CB@Ranken site.
• Respond to the needs of Ranken faculty and staff 
• Attend and engage in supervision, team, and organizational meetings 
• Collaborate closely with external student supports, such as therapeutic services  
• Assist with the scheduling of student rides and logistics 
• Ensure fidelity to budget, including prompt and accurate financial tracking and reporting 
• Believe authentically in College Bound’s mission and exemplify College Bound’s core values and commitment to its diversity and inclusion statement 
• Additional duties and special projects as assigned 

Skills and Experience:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required (education, social work, nonprofit administration, psychology, counseling, etc.) 
• A minimum of 2 years of experience working with youth is required. Prefer a minimum of two years of experience in a nonprofit setting
• Strong ability to connect with students in a diverse setting 
• Passion for engaging in the difficult and complex tasks required to create change on the community and individual level 
• Need a strong self-starter who can think creatively and critically about meeting the diverse needs of their caseload 
• Adaptable possesses a high tolerance for ambiguity, and thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment 
• Effective and professional communicator who can quickly establish credibility and rapport with partners, students, families, and staff  
• Computer proficient; experience using a database to manage student information a plus 

Benefits, Compensation and Working Environment

• Competitive benefits include a portion of paid employee dental and health insurance, a health reimbursement account(HRA), and free vision coverage, short-term disability, life insurance, 401K matching, paid parental leave, PTO (Personal Time Off), and 11 paid holidays.
• Meaningful Work: Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to supporting and empowering hundreds of deserving young people every day.
• Flexible working environment – Fridays are typically remote workday.
• Must have valid driver’s license, reliable transportation.
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel and flexible schedule to accommodate activities conducted outside of business hours.
• Job Type: Full-time  
• Salary: $48,000.00 – $53,000.00 per year based on experience Play a vital role in a growing organization, privileged to work with hundreds of intelligent and deserving young people every day. Some transportation of students is required. Employees should have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and be able to pass a motor vehicle background check. Additionally, employees should be available to work occasional weekends, overnights, and be available via phone for questions from colleagues and students. Business causal dress code when on college campus.  

How to apply

Interested candidates may send a cover letter, salary requirements, and electronic version of resume to jobs@collegeboundstl.org. Subject Line: Program Specialist – Ranken or by using the application link below. 

 

Apply Now

College Bound provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for  employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or  genetics, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation (real or perceived). In  addition to federal law requirements, College Bound complies with applicable state and local  laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and  conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination,  layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.