Program Support Specialist



Program Support Specialist

Salary

$63,218.00 - $85,230.00 Annually

Location

Costa Mesa, CA

Job Type

Classified Staff

Job Number

D-008-19

Division

District Office

Department

Educational Services

Opening Date

08/09/2018

Closing Date

9/12/2018 11:59 PM Pacific

Definition

Summary
Provides programming, technical, analytical and functional support to a system which is both a degree audit and online student educational plan software and analytical tool supporting accurate reporting of course transfer credit, degree/certificate evaluation, course scheduling, and enrollment projections.  Reviews, analyzes, and updates program, degree, certificate, and transfer requirements to ensure that the degree audit system is maintained with the most accurate information.
 
Distinguishing Career Features
The Program Support Specialist is a senior-level technical position that combines information technology and advanced technical and functional knowledge, and troubleshooting of degree audit software to ensure the degree audit system is maintained with the most accurate information and capability of assessing students' academic progress and completion.  Advancement to this position requires the ability to use degree audit system tools to enhance the accuracy of the audit and confirmation process. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties may vary among departments and jobs.  Incumbents typically perform a substantial portion or all of the following kinds of duties: 

  • Administers and maintains an integrated system to facilitate accurate reporting for course transfer credit; degree/certificate evaluation; course scheduling; and enrollment management projections. 
  • Provides technical and functional support for the degree audit and student education plan software including testing and programming, assisting Information Technology staff with patches and updates, writing and updating technical documentation, and creating and maintaining reports.   
  • Encodes the course and other requirements of the three colleges in the District for programs, degrees, certificates and transfers using the system tools to scribe data into the degree audit system, accurately and within set time parameters.  Troubleshoots interface issues between the degree audit and other systems. 
  • Prepares the degree audit software using the proper coding, scribe blocks, and tests to verify functionality and compliance with the rules for academic progress and completion. 
  • Identifies, collects and assembles source documents from appropriate college and District office divisions and analyzes degree, certificate, transfer, and program of study completion requirements to determine how to scribe it into the degree audit system using the Scribe tools. 
  • Collects and updates information on program, degree, certificate, and transfer requirements from other agencies, colleges, and universities. 
  • Works with appropriate staff to create and maintain an inventory of, and track external college catalog articulation information in the District enterprise resource planning system (Banner). 
  • Serves as a liaison between District Education Services and Technology office and appropriate units at the colleges, and on matters concerning the degree audit and student educational plan system.  
  • Responds to questions from the colleges and District Office concerning the degree audit system, course encoding requirements, or web audit outputs.  
  • Provides assistance to faculty and staff in the interpretation of articulated coursework and degree audits. 
  • Provides technical assistance to various departments and responds to user inquiries to resolve issues in a timely manner.
  • Performs test audits or transfer coursework data entry to ensure accuracy of articulated coursework.  Translates policies into degree audit tools for supporting curriculum planning, advising, and graduation requirements.  
  • Performs other duties as assigned to accomplish the objectives of the position.

Qualifications and Physical Demands

Minimum Qualifications
 
Knowledge and Skills:

The position requires working knowledge of District/College policies, procedures, and requirements related to completion of degrees, certificates, and transfer, including those policies dealing with grades, repeats, withdrawals, duplicate courses, equivalents, graduation assessments, and transfer articulation.  Requires working knowledge of the content, layout, and codes used by colleges in catalogs, course descriptions and course numbering systems. Requires in-depth knowledge of and skill at using student information systems used for degree audits and student educational plans. Requires working knowledge of scribe tools and coding languages. Requires working knowledge of the procedures and methods involved in the evaluation of student records and transcripts. Requires a working knowledge of curriculum and course evaluation standards. Requires sufficient English language skills to prepare technical documentation of work processes and write reports. Requires sufficient human relations skills to work collaboratively with staff, faculty and representatives of other higher education institutions, resolve problems, and explain technical and procedural concepts.  Requires sufficient math skills to compute sums, portions, statistics, and ratios.

 
Abilities: 

Requires the ability to perform the essential duties of the position related to the software programs that support evaluation of student records which determine graduation and transfer eligibility and certification of general education requirements. Requires the ability to learn and utilize the degree audit software to define basic course rules, subset rules, qualifiers, equivalencies, so that program users at the student services levels can access data and complete evaluations.   Requires the ability to use tools to add and edit data, and queries to produce custom reports. Requires the ability to analyze system processes and procedures and make recommendations to increase efficiencies.Requires the ability to learn and apply the use of course, non-course, subset, and conditional statement rules, reserved words, and other terminology to facilitate subject search in data warehouses. Requires the ability to learn, understand, and translate basic course rules and qualifiers. Requires the ability to parse block requirements and assign database tags.Requires the ability to review, write, and update scripts for new catalog requirements. Requires the ability to provide training and technical support to the degree audit system users. Requires the ability to write reports and communicate effectively with technical and functional users.Requires the ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Requires the ability to work collaboratively with management and faculty to map, verify, and enter articulation agreements. Requires the ability to maintain confidentiality of student information.  Requires the ability to organize work to meet deadlines.  


Education and Experience:
The position typically requires a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science A minimum of three (3) years' experience in maintaining an automated management information system and/or web design.  An Associate's degree may be accepted and along with five or more years of advising, enrollment, or IT applications support experience may substitute for extended experience.  Or, any combination of education and experience which would provide the equivalent qualifications for this position.
 
Licenses and Certificates: 
May require a valid driver license.

Physical Abilities: 
The position incumbent must be able to function indoors in an office environment engaged in work of primarily a sedentary nature.  Requires ambulatory ability and manual dexterity to sit upright, often for long periods of time, to utilize microcomputer and accomplish other desktop work, and to move to various campus locations.  Requires near visual acuity to read printed materials and microcomputer screen.  Requires auditory ability to carry on conversations in person and over the phone.   Requires the ability to retrieve work materials from files. 

Working Conditions: 
Work is performed indoors where minimal safety considerations exist.

Conditions of Employment

This is a regular, full-time, 12-month per year position. The normal hours of work will be 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The effective date of employment will be arranged with the supervisor.       

  • Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.
  • The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in Coast Community College District policies, procedures, and Title IX. (Reference: BP/AP 5910 ) The Coast Community College District celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive.
  • Individuals interested in advancing the District's strategic diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.
PAY PHILOSOPHY: Coast Community College District, through policies, practices, and other benefit programs, delivers a fair and equitable total compensation program that promotes equal employment opportunity, inclusion, and workforce vitality.  In general, it is the policy of the District to place new employees at the first step of the salary grade.  All movement on the salary schedule will occur July 1 of each year for all classified employees.

Additional Information

Additional Information

Applications must be received no later than the posted closing date. There are NO EXCEPTIONS. Electronic applications may be completed by visiting http://www.cccd.edu/employment. ; Once you have completed an electronic application, you may apply to open positions within the Coast Community College District by submitting the application and all other required materials. Required materials differ for each open position and must be complete when submitted for a specific posting. Instructions for completing applications and applying to posted positions are available online or by calling Applicant Processing at (714) 438-4714.
 
All application materials become the property of the Coast Community College District and will NOT be copied or returned. Information for TDD users is available by calling (714) 438-4755.

Application Requirements: 
To be considered for employment you must submit a complete application packet. A complete application packet includes:

  1. A complete online Classified/Management Employment Application.
  2. A current resume. (Attached as a separate document.)
  3. A cover letter highlighting your qualifications for the desired position. (Attached as a separate document - PDF is recommended.)
  4. Answers to Supplemental Questions. (clear and detailed responses required as they will be carefully evaluated to determine the most qualified candidate(s) to be invited for an interview; please do not paste your resume, or put "see resume" or "N/A", or leave blank).
 
To ensure consistency and fairness to all applicants, please do not submit materials in addition to those requested.  Additional materials will not be considered or returned.  Be sure to complete all questions and sections of the application. For questions which may not apply, indicate "n/a" (not applicable). If you do not know an answer, please indicate so, but do not leave any space blank.
 
All applications will be screened under a process of utmost confidentiality by a committee of representatives from the college community. Please note: Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview.
 
Any documents that you are unable to attach can be faxed to (714) 782-6065. Faxes must clearly indicate the job you are applying to and your name.

Disability Accommodations:
If you require accommodations in the Application or Examination Process, please notify Human Resources by calling (714) 438-4714 OR (714) 438-4713.

The Coast Community College District is a multi-college district that includes Coastline Community CollegeGolden West College, and Orange Coast College. The three colleges offer programs in transfer, general education, occupational/technical education, community services and student support services. Coastline, Golden West and Orange Coast Colleges enroll more than 60,000 students each year in more than 300 degree and certificate programs.
Since its founding in 1947, the Coast Community College District has enjoyed a reputation as one of the leading community college districts in the United States. Governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees, the Coast Community College District plays an important role in the community by responding to needs of a changing and increasingly diverse population.
 
Coast Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
 
The Coast 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 unlawfully in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision
We know that the health of our employees and their families is a priority. That's why we offer extensive health care benefits to benefits-eligible employees. We offer the District's PPO plan as well as two HMO's, United Health Care and Kaiser Permanente. We also provide District-paid dental and vision insurance. 

Benefits are available to regular permanent employees working 20 or more hours per week.  Benefits are not available to temporary or short term employees.

District-paid Life Insurance
The District provides Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance benefits, underwritten by ING. This District-paid benefit is equal to one time your annual salary and remains in effect until age 70.

District-paid Disability Benefits
Coast provides both short and long term disability benefits for eligible employees unable to work because of disability due to illness, injury, or maternity.

Voluntary Plans
A variety of voluntary plans are offered through the District to benefits-eligible employees such as Long Term Care, Hyatt Legal, and Section 125 compliant flexible spending accounts.

Enrich Your Profession
Professional Development Programs
The District offers a variety of Professional Development programs for faculty and classified staff that encompasses all types of facilitated learning opportunities, ranging from college degrees to formal coursework and conferences. We encourage lifelong learning that maintains and improves professional competencies, enhances career progression, and keeps our employees on the cutting edge of their profession.

Sabbatical Leaves
Faculty members are encouraged to pursue professional growth leading to the development of increased competence and the improvement of instruction and/or redirection in their current teaching discipline. The District's sabbatical leave program is designed to assist in this pursuit and is available on a semester basis after completing six consecutive years of service.

Academic Senate
The Academic Senate is the governing body at each of our colleges for making recommendations to administration and to our Board of Trustees with respect to academic and professional matters. The Senate consists of elected faculty and has the responsibility for matters related to curriculum and general academic policy.

Time to Refuel
Vacation
Classified, contract staff earn vacation days commensurate with years of service. Classified Management and Administrators earn 22 days vacation per year.

Sick Leave
All contract employees earn sick leave as outlined in the CA Education Code. Sick leave may be carried over from year-to-year and, upon retirement, unused sick leave may contribute to your PERS and STRS retiree benefit.

Holidays
The District observes 21 paid holidays per year.

Jury Duty, Bereavement, Military Leave
Coast grants contract employees called to jury duty a leave of absence, without loss of pay, for the entire length of required service. Other available leaves include bereavement from 3-5 days and military leaves of absence in accordance with applicable state laws.

Great Expectations
Pension Plans
The District participates in the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) and the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for contract employees. Non-contract employees participate in Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) plan for the first 1,000 hours of their employment.
Additionally, it is the policy of the Coast Community College District that contract employees who retire from the District with ten or more years of service be afforded the same group insurance benefits until 70 years of age. A Medicare Supplement or GAP plan  is available to retirees and their spouses after age 70.

Annuities
The District maintains a program whereby qualified employees may request through Payroll to have a portion of his or her salary deposited under a tax sheltered annuity plan or an approved deferred compensation plan.

Schools First Federal Credit Union

The Schools First Federal Credit Union is a federally insured, full service, financial cooperative that is a not-for-profit organization. Earnings are used to benefit all members to provide a full range of financial services and offerings.


01
Please describe your experience with the Banner Enterprise Resource Planning System and DegreeWorks.
02
Please describe your experience with any other Enterprise Resource Planning System and degree audit and educational planning applications.
03
Please describe your experience and knowledge related to instructional program and course requirements and course and program articulation.
04
I understand that a COMPLETE application packet is required for consideration, which includes the following: 1. A completed Coast Community College District Online Employment Application 2. A current resume (uploaded as a separate attachment - PDF recommended) 3. A cover letter (uploaded as a separate attachment - PDF recommended) 4. Responses to supplemental questions (clear and detailed responses required as they will be carefully evaluated to determine the most qualified candidate(s) to be invited for an interview; please do not paste your resume, or put "see resume", or "N/A" or leave blank)
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
Coast Community College District
Address
1370 Adams Avenue

Costa Mesa, California, 92626
Phone
714-438-4668
714-438-4714