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Position Number: ACA21-365

College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita Community College District

announces an employment opportunity for

Director of Student Resources and Basic Needs

 

Review Date: September 24, 2021

This position is a high priority for our District for the 2021-2022 year and is contingent upon continued available district, grant and state funding.

This position is a high priority for our District for the 2021-2022 year and is contingent upon continued available district, grant and state funding.

Who We Are

The Santa Clarita Community District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As presented in our District Strategic Plan, which focuses on Access, Engagement, and Success, “Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not goals in themselves, but ideologies embedded in all actions and planning across all departments and functions of our college and its two campuses.” These areas of focus demonstrate a resolve to focus on student success and confirm that we are at the forefront of change with integrated planning efforts that both evolve and anticipate the needs of our students. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences — fostering healthy inclusion through inquiry, shared dialogue and reflection to ensure that we promote a sense of community, collegiality and cooperation. When you join our team at the Santa Clarita Community College District, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, creative, flexible, innovative and equity-focused community that engages students, each other, and the community in scholarly inquiry, creative partnerships, and the application of knowledge and success.

The College and the District

College of the Canyons is part of the Santa Clarita Community College District and is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), enrolling approximately 32,000 students each academic year. College of the Canyons has a diverse student population that reflects our focus on enhancing the educational attainment and economic well-being of the community we proudly serve. Detailed information about our student population, including data related to student success, can be found on the College of Canyons Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness (IRPIE) website. Additionally, College of the Canyons, was recently honored as a 2021 Bellwether College Consortium award winner, was honored in 2018 and 2019 with the Champion of Higher Education award, was ranked #1 in Los Angeles County during 2019 as the best two-year college for adult learners, and is rated #1 in Los Angeles County for completion rates by college-prepared students. It is distinguished as one of the top transfer institutions in Los Angeles County.

Who We Want

We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate must be an equity-minded individual committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students and community partners who share our commitment to closing equity gaps. The Santa Clarita Community College District seeks leaders possessing a strong grounding in academic and student services programs and a thorough understanding of the primary mission of the community college. We seek employees that value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, who are conscientious risk takers and transformational leaders guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals.

 

"BIG PICTURE" RESPONSIBILITY:

Under the direction of the Associate Vice President, Student Services, the Director of Student Resources and Basic Needs performs a full range of administrative, programmatic, and technical duties in support of the student basic needs program at College of the Canyons; coordinates assigned functions, activities, and services of the basic needs program area including to oversee and participate in providing students, staff, and others with specialized information, case management services, training, and assistance related to students’ basic needs including food, housing, counseling services, and/or off campus resources; coordinates with campus and community organizations to obtain resources for students and to promote student success, retention, and completion by removing barriers to their education; and performs a full range of the more complex program support and clerical assistance duties in support of the basic needs program area.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

College of Canyons strives to embrace diversity in all forms: it endeavors to be an inclusive community that fosters an open, enlightened and productive environment and demonstrates sensitivity to and respect for a diverse population. This position requires sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff.

Canyons Hall

ENTER ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this position.

  1. Participate in the administration of the basic needs program area; plan, organize, and coordinate assigned functions, activities, and services of the basic needs program area; perform a full range of technical, program support, case management, and administrative duties in support of the basic needs program area; coordinate with other departments and program areas; ensure activities and operations comply with basic needs program requirements.  
  2. Serve as a field supervisor for Master of Social Work graduate interns and delegate project assignments to interns. Coordinate case loads for social workers on campus.
  3. Develop partnerships with community partners, LA County, and grant partners. Implement grants, partnership agreements, and ensure all outcomes are met.
  4. Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the basic needs program areas; research, implement, and administer policies, procedures, and changing business practices and processes for assigned area; develop and maintain handbooks, forms, and related policies and procedures.  
  5. Coordinate the planning, design, and implementation of basic needs program elements that support service delivery; participate in processes to define scope and schedule of services and activities; participate in implementation processes.
  6. Partner with community-based organizations to develop co-located services and programs housed inside the BaNC to support students’ basic needs and to assist students to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
  7. Oversee the development of resources, programs, events, and services to support students’ basic needs including housing, food, mental health, and employment; establish local and regional collaborative relationships and partnerships with business entities, community organizations, and local educational agencies pertaining to student basic needs; partner with food bank affiliates, housing resources, and other non-profit entities to support students to secure resources.
  8. Coordinate college-wide food pantry efforts; coordinate staffing; provide work guidance to volunteers and student workers; order, pick up, receive, and stock food items; maintain food quality controls.
  9. Serve as a District representative on various committees and other basic needs-related projects associated with the program including COC Foundation Emergency Grant, Cares Advisory Committee.  
  10. Provide technical information, assistance, referrals, and case management services regarding the basic needs program area to students, staff, and the general public; refer students to applicable community, business, and governmental agencies as well as appropriate student and academic support services offered by the District; interpret and explain program applications, policies, procedures, requirements, and restrictions; develop promotional and informational materials for distribution on and off campus; maintain assigned resource material and library.
  11. Understand and ensure compliance with Clery, FERPA, and Title IX law and support services; work closely with the Title IX Office; serve as a mandatory reporter.
  12. Provide assistance in designing operational and administration solutions; identify problem areas and issues; conduct research to identify alternative solutions; make recommendations; assist in implementation of recommendations.
  13. Develop yearly calendar of events, workshops, and other schedules related to assigned activities and services; reviews, updates, and informs others of essential timelines; coordinates assigned activities; ensures the timely completion of work in accordance with established policies, procedures, and standards.
  14. Plan, organize, schedule, and conduct orientations, workshops, seminars, class presentations, meetings, and other activities related to the basic needs program area; plan joint events and participate in planning and implementation meetings with other District departments and programs, and business and community representatives; arranges and confirms speakers; reserves facilities and make other necessary arrangements.
  15. Monitor the program budget; makes recommendations regarding allocation of resources and expenditure of funds.
  16. Collect, compile, tabulate, and record narrative, statistical, and financial data and other information; compiles information from various sources and prepare appropriate forms, schedules, and reports; list, abstract, or summarize data; inputs and reviews data and prepares special and periodic reports including fiscal reports, program plans, progress reports, and other narrative and statistical reports as required and in accordance with District and external agency requirements.
  17. Compose, format, prepare and distribute correspondence, memoranda, publicity materials, surveys, brochures, flyers, bulletins, reports, presentations, and other materials; creates and disseminates outreach materials to support the basic needs program.
  18. Verify and review materials, applications, records, files, and reports for completeness and conformance with established regulations and procedures; apply applicable policies and procedures in determining completeness of applications, records, files, and reports; collects and processes appropriate information.
  19. Establish and maintains records including student records; maintains complex, interrelated filing systems; maintains confidentiality of information.
  20. Utilize electronic technology and various computer applications and software packages to correspond with others, maintains assigned calendars, schedules, and appointments, and maintains and generates reports from a database or network system.
  21. Attend professional group meetings and workshops; stays abreast of new trends and maintain a working knowledge of information related to area of assignment.
  22. Train and provide work guidance to assigned student workers, clerical assistants, and other staff as assigned.
  23. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES 

Every administrator with the College is expected to be:

  • A creative, innovative, energetic instructional leader, a technologically sophisticated professional who is skilled in various technology applications;
  • A leader who possesses interpersonal skills and qualities, including a can-do optimistic attitude, creativity, ambition, sensitivity, honesty, integrity, fairness, flexibility, a sense of humor, an entrepreneurial nature, and a tolerance for ambiguity;
  • An experienced academic committed to continued improvement; a visible, accessible and collaborative educator who encourages and acknowledges the contributions of others, who is willing to be a risk taker and create an environment that is open to new ideas;
  • A supporter of consistent and on-going professional development initiatives, in pursuit of the college’s strategic goals;
  • An excellent communicator, an initiator, and anticipator;
  • A fair-minded, ethical, and honest leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the courage and integrity to lead and accept responsibility;
  • A leader knowledgeable of management theories and practices, learning theories and practices, and community college finance;
  • A capable planner who can systematically allocate resources to further institutional goals, evaluate the results of the allocations, and develop strategies for continued development; and
  • A skilled leader adept in planning for the emerging needs of the District and successful in resource generation and partnership development.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

At least 2 (two) years of full-time experience in an educational institution or experience with providing basic needs to students or the community. Experience may include volunteer work that included program management of a basic needs operation.

Education:

A Master’s degree in social work, sociology, education, or other related field.

License or Certificate:

  • Valid California driver’s license and a safe driving record to drive a District or personal vehicle.
  • Ability to obtain a food handling license.

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

  • Operational characteristics, services, and activities of the functions, programs, and operations of the basic needs program area.
  • Basic principles and practices of program development, coordination, and review.
  • Technical knowledge of business/industry principles and practices for the basic needs program.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and implementation of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism efforts in an educational setting.
  • General principles, practices, and procedures of business administration and public administration.
  • Applicable and available campus, community, business, and governmental agencies, departments, services, resources, and programs for students.
  • Screening and interviewing techniques for the purpose of determining program eligibility.
  • Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including applicable sections of the
  • State Education Code and other legal requirements related to the basic needs program.
  • Processes, procedures, and practices of budget preparation and administration.
  • Work organization and office management principles and practices.
  • Principles, practices, and procedures of research and report preparation.
  • Principles, practices, and procedures of business letter writing.
  • Principles, practices, and procedures of fiscal, statistical, and administrative record keeping.
  • Principles and practices used to establish and maintain files and information retrieval systems. Basic mathematical concepts.
  • Principles and techniques used in public relations.
  • Public speaking techniques.
  • Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
  • District organization, operations, policies, and objectives.
  • Office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
  • Safe food handling procedures.
  • Oral and written communications skills.
  • English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

Position requires ability to:

  • Coordinate and oversee the daily operations and activities of the basic needs program; implement procedures for the day-to-day operations of assigned program areas.
  • Perform a specialized, technical, and complex programmatic and administrative duties that require a high level of independent judgment and personal initiative.
  • Understand the organization and operation of the District, the basic needs program, and outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
  • Learn department and program objectives and goals.
  • Understand, interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with administrative and office policies and procedures as well as pertinent laws, regulations, and ordinances.
  • Use technical concepts and basic program management tools and techniques to coordinate the basic needs program area and solve complex problems in creative and effective ways.
  • Develop recommendations for problematic areas and implement and monitor changes.
  • Participate in the development and administration of policies and procedures.
  • Provide specialized assistance, training, and information to students, faculty, administrators, staff, and the public concerning the basic needs program area, functions, and resources.
  • Coordinate and conduct workshops, seminars, special events, class presentations, orientations, and tours.
  • Screen, interview, and assess needs students from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Determine best referral and support plan for students.
  • Establish and maintain partnerships with local businesses and community organizations
  • Participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets.
  • Exercise skills that emphasize collaboration, consensus building, conflict resolution, and problem solving.
  • Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
  • Research, compile, analyze, and interpret data and information.
  • Independently compose prepare correspondence and written materials related to assigned activities.
  • Prepare a variety of clear and concise administrative and financial records.
  • Implement and maintain filing and record keeping systems.
  • Prepare calendar of events and workshops related to area of assignment.
  • Exercise good judgment and discretion in analyzing and resolving confidential, difficult, and sensitive situations.
  • Work within the policies, functions, and requirements of area of assignment.
  • Train and provide work guidance to others.
  • Plan, organize, and assign work to meet schedules and changing deadlines.
  • Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.
  • Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
  • Make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately.
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Work confidentially with discretion.
  • Work independently and effectively in the absence of supervision
  • Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person.
  • Work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse racial, ethnic, ability status, sexual orientation, and cultural populations of community college students.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

SALARY PLACEMENT

This twelve (12) month per year position will be on an individual contract. Salary placement will be Range 15 of the Administrative Salary Schedule. Initial salary placement will be based on education and experience. An excellent benefit package, including medical, vision, dental life and Section 125 is offered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sedentary position requires use of a computer and related equipment for extended periods of time; frequently exerting 10 to 20 pounds of force to move objects; communicating and providing information to others; work outside on all parts of the campus and in varying weather conditions. In the event of an emergency, employees will be relied upon to serve as emergency service workers.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening. 
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109.
  • Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member.
  • Board of Trustees approval.
  • Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment.
  • Position is contingent upon funding and is subject to change.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to employing qualified administrators/managers, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students.  The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide equal consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, pregnancy, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected basis under the law.

Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Human Resources office directly at (661) 362-3427.

Students

ABOUT THE DISTRICT

Innovative. Collaborative. Entrepreneurial. These characteristics not only define College of the Canyons, they are embodied by the faculty, staff and administrators who make this college unique among the 114 California Community Colleges.

Established in 1969, College of the Canyons is among the fastest-growing colleges in California and the nation. It is widely recognized as a model community college for enhancing student access, success and equity. Its completion rates rank among the highest in the state. The college has established a well-deserved reputation for bolstering economic development and offering innovative career technical education responsive to industry needs.

Guided by visionary leadership, the college serves a 367-square-mile area of northern Los Angeles County that includes the dynamic, growing Santa Clarita Valley. A steady influx of new residents and businesses creates a spirit of possibilities that inspires the college to be flexible, creative and attuned to the community’s evolving needs. The growing diversity of the community is mirrored by the college, which qualifies as a Latino-serving institution.

The college’s influence in the community is best illustrated by the dozens of collaborative partnerships it has forged with local school districts, government entities and service organizations. Examples include the Performing Arts Center’s K-12 Arts Education Outreach initiative, which allows thousands of children to experience the arts each year, and Academy of the Canyons, an early/middle college high school at the Valencia campus that is ranked among the top 10 percent of high schools in the nation.

With campuses in Valencia and Canyon Country, the college offers 92 associate degree programs, including 23 associate degree for transfer (AD-T) options, as well as 71 certificate programs. Classes are offered during traditional fall and spring semesters, as well as shorter, intensive summer and winter sessions. Additional educational opportunities exist at the University Center, whose four-year colleges and universities offer approximately 30 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, as well certificate and credential programs.

Because of the college’s commitment to meeting the needs of the community, local voters have approved two bond measures valued at more than $240 million since 2001. The college also secures substantial funds from the state and millions of dollars in grants each year that allow new, cutting-edge programs to be developed and facilities built to accommodate them.

Given its commitment to growth and innovation, College of the Canyons sets a new standard for what a college can achieve. It is a vital cultural, educational and economic force in the region. Join us to discover unexpected possibilities, the freedom to innovate and an opportunity to shape the future.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications online at https://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources/. If you require assistance, please call the Human Resources office at (661)362-3427 or for the hearing impaired TTY/TDD Line at (661)362-5178.  Applicants may check the status of their application online and may expect to be notified within approximately 5 weeks following the Review Date as to the status of their application.

All application materials must be uploaded online or received in the Human Resources office by the end of the day on the Review Date in order to assure consideration for this position. Postmark is not acceptable for this purpose. Separate application materials must be submitted for each position applied for. Materials submitted become property of the District and will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings.  The Human Resources office is located in the University Center, Suite #360 at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA, 91355.

Your application is not complete until the following required materials have been uploaded online or received by the Human Resources office:

  • A District Academic application.
  • A list of six (6) references with their names, titles, business and home telephone numbers. The list should include two (2) current and two (2) former supervisors, one (1) subordinate, and one (1) community or business representative. All references (except for former supervisors) must be within the last five (5) years. References will not be contacted without the applicant’s knowledge.
  • A current detailed resume, summarizing education and experience.
  • Letter of interest (cover letter). In your letter, please address your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the job duties, the demonstrated knowledge, and the abilities section of this announcement. Provides specific details and examples of your direct leadership in achieving the list of minimum and desirable requirements for this position.
  • Copies of complete and legible college transcripts clearly indicating all college units earned and any degree awarded. Submit unofficial copies of transcripts for application purposes. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. Please see our website for the requirements for evaluation of transcripts from foreign colleges or universities.
  • Confidential Recruitment Source Information (Voluntary Survey). This is voluntary and is part of the online applicant profile separate from the application.
  • Supplemental Questionnaire. Complete the Minimum Qualifications & Supplemental Questions as part of your application packet.
  1. What does it mean for you to have a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion? How have you demonstrated that commitment throughout your professional career? How would you see yourself demonstrating it in the role as Director, Student Resources and Basic Needs at College of the Canyons?
  2. Please outline your experience in supervising and training direct reports (support staff, student staff, graduate interns, volunteers) in the areas of program management and implementation.
  3. Describe your organizational skills to efficiently develop, implement, coordinate, and evaluate student-facing programs.
  4. Please describe your customer service experience, and the roles you played in serving the public.
  5. Describe your experience with initiating and developing successful external partnerships and advocating for students. What is your experience developing programs to help students with issues such as food insecurity, housing insecurity or mental health issues?
  6. Describe how you have effectively collaborated and engaged with students, faculty, staff, administration, and community-based organizations in support of basic needs and student success programs.

Letters of reference are optional.

Please note:

  • Skills evaluation of candidates for interview may be required.
  • Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.
  • Hiring committees review all complete, qualified application packets. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.
  • A presentation will be required for those candidates selected for an initial interview.
  • Current COC employees who are applying for this position: Please be aware that materials from your personnel file are not included as part of the application file; therefore, please provide the same requested application materials as any other applicant.
  • Applicants are encouraged to apply online. If you need assistance with the application process, contact:

Human Resources Office

(661) 362-3427

TTY/TDD (661) 362-5178 or visit our website at

https://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources/

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials are fully and correctly submitted. All materials submitted are for this position only and become the property of the District.  Materials will not be returned, copied or considered for other openings. Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of the official application form.

The College is expecting to conduct initial interviews the week of October 11, 2021 and conduct final interviews the week of October 18, 2021. This is an estimated timeline, and is subject to change.

Position is offered contingent on funding. We reserve the right to withdraw, extend the filing date, reopen, or delay filling this position. Recruitment may continue until the position is filled.

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