Student Support Services Program

Reading/English Specialist

Independence Community College is seeking applications for the position of Reading/English Specialist in its federally funded Student Support Service (SSS) program.  The SSS program is one of the Federal Trio Programs.  TRIO Student Support Services is 100% federally funded by the US Department of Education with an operating budget of $274,835.00.  Independence Community College, a small, rural, residential community college in southeast Kansas, serving the needs of full and part-time students, has initiated continuous quality improvement through the AQIP accreditation process.

Position Summary

The college is seeking a team-oriented professional for the position of Reading/English Specialist to tutor and coordinate support services in the areas of reading and English including professional and peer tutoring, test reviews, and facilitate problem-solving sessions and study groups.  The specialist will train SSS tutors, develop curricula and teach support courses for SSS participants in reading and English.  Develop individual learning plans with input from English Composition faculty.   Monitor student progress and provide progress reports to the SSS Director.   The Reading/English Specialist will maintain and enhance teaching and learning excellence through ongoing professional development and maintain student success and retention through academic advisement.  

Qualifications

Minimum of a Bachelor of Arts in English or Bachelor of Science in Education required, with a minimum of two years teaching or tutoring experience in reading and/or English in an institution of higher education preferred, especially with disadvantaged population. Experience preferred in developmental studies, computer-assisted instruction, familiarity with various learning styles, curriculum development, individualized learning plans. Strong organizational, communication and human relation skills required. Background similar to that of participants preferred. Ability to assist Project Director with program evaluations required.

Position Information

Full-time, twelve-month position. Salary range $26,000-29,000 and is commensurate with education and experience, plus benefits.

Application Procedure

Review of completed applications will begin immediately and position will remain open until filled.  Send cover letter, resume, transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable for consideration), references and completed ICC Application Form to:                               Human Resource Office

Independence Community College

P.O. Box 708

Independence, KS  67301

(620) 331-4100  or  1-800-842-6063, ext 5410

FAX (620) 331-5344

Email: jobs@indycc.edu

ICC Website:  www.indycc.edu/employment   (ICC application form may be downloaded)

Independence Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ICC encourages diversity among its employees.

08/04/08

JOB DESCRIPTION

Student Support Services Reading/English Specialist

This is a 100%, 12-month position.  The SSS Reading/English Specialist develops, implements, and evaluates academic support services for title IV participants attending ICC. Reading/English Specialist works collaboratively with SSS program, providing direct academic support services to SSS participants and reports directly to the SSS Director.

Primary Responsibilities

1.   Coordinate support services in the areas of reading and English including professional and peer tutoring, test reviews, problem-solving sessions and study groups.

2.   Identify, hire, supervise and evaluate peer and professional tutors, who provide services to program participants.

3.   Provide training to SSS tutors in interactive tutoring style, students’ needs identification, and intervention strategies.

4.   Develop curricula and teach support courses for SSS participants on such topics as Reading Comprehension, Improving Grammar Skills, and Collegiate Writing Skills.

5.   Develop individualized learning plans for program participants based on assessment results; assist in coordinating assessment for program participants with college-wide placement and assessment programs.

6.   Provide individualized instruction in one-on-one and group settings, focus on academic skills development as well as mastery of course content.

7.   Monitor student progress through regular communication with faculty and through SSS tutor reports. Provide weekly information on student progress to the SSS retention counselor for individualized follow-up.

8.   Assist Project Director with program evaluations.

9.   Develop computer tutorial modules corresponding to chapter units of each of the college's reading and English Composition courses for SSS participants to use on a drop-in as needed basis.

10.  Work with faculty to strengthen students’ support networks and develop new services as needed to meet needs.

11.  Implement all direct academic support services in Reading/English provided program participants, including supplemental instructions.

12.  Instruct specialized reading/English courses for program participants as assigned by SSS Director and Dean of instructions.

13.  Develop Reading/English curricula for program participants.

14.  Assist SSS Director in scheduling tutorial sessions and study halls; monitor and support study halls and other Student Support Services, academically related to Reading/English.

15.  Tutor participants in both developmental and transfer track Reading/English Composition courses.

16.  Assist SSS Director in matching appropriate content-area tutors with program participants and monitor participants’ progress through periodic assessments.

17.  Work closely with SSS Director, division chairs, and college faculty in integrating SSS participants’ advisement and progress.

18.  Assist in recruitment of participants into the SSS program.

19.  Assist in encouraging applications from persons who are members of groups that have not been traditionally represented in higher education.

20.  Assure equal access to program services for all qualified students.  

21.  Actively assist in advising participants.

22.  Provide a positive learning environment committed to ICC student success by being receptive to various learning styles found in the comprehensive community college setting.

23.  Maintain and enhance teaching excellence through ongoing professional development by participation through in-service training, workshops, seminars, travel, and publication.

24.  Provide input in the college’s organizational shared governance structure through involvement in committees, councils and supportive activities related to the development and enhancement of the college mission and strategies.      

25.  Work in conjunction with all other college programs and services to create an institutional climate for success of SSS eligible students.

26.  Assist in the development of and revision of curricula, particularly individual learning plans and competency-based instruction.

27.  Other Duties as assigned.

General Qualifications

1.      Collaborative, collegial, and responsible work habits.

2.   Clarity of thought and expression in oral and written communications.

3.   Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff and community, particularly persons with low income, handicap, or academic disadvantages; sensitivity to diverse learning styles and developmental needs.

4.   High degree of organizational skills with an ability to manage multiple deadlines, tasks, projects, and assignments.

5.      High degree of ethical standards, including adherence to general rules of safety, College procedures, and fair labor standards.

6.      A commitment to high professional standards, including professional growth.

7.      Timeliness of reports and communications.

Specific Qualifications

1.   Minimum of a Bachelor of Arts in English or Bachelor of Science in Education required.

2.   Minimum of two years teaching or tutoring experience in reading and/or English in an institution of higher education preferred, especially with disadvantaged population.

3.   Experience preferred in developmental studies, computer-assisted instruction, familiarity with various learning styles, curriculum development, individualized learning plans.

4.   Electronic media literacy and ability to use a variety of instructional media as necessary.

5.   Content area expertise in the assigned field of teaching and an interest in imparting knowledge to others.

6.   Ability to lift instructional materials that may weigh up to 40 pounds.

7.   Ability to drive and have a valid driver’s license.