Academic Support Specialist - Bilingual Spanish Required (FT Specialty Funded)

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is Wisconsin's largest and most diverse technical college, offering 170+ high-quality programs that connect students to a career in as little as one to two years. The college also offers a less expensive path to a four-year degree. MATC is transforming lives, industry and our community by preparing students today for the careers of tomorrow. MATC's diverse team members - 42% of whom are employees of color--work with a purpose to serve the students who make us one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest. Together, we are meeting the needs of the community we shared and committed to eliminating equity gaps in higher education for both students and employees. We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team who share the same passion in serving this purpose. Learn more about MATC at www.matc.edu.

Note: This is an Adult Education & Family Literacy Act grant-funded position. Funding for this position is contingent upon the terms of the grant and is currently funded through 06/30/2025.

Under the direction of the AEFLA Community Education Coordinator, Academics, and Career Pathway; works with students, faculty, and staff in the AEFLA program to provide course placement, monitor grade level gains, provide case management for referrals to IET programs, transition into a post-secondary program, and/or referral for job placement, conduct data collection and entry into the Online Client Report System, facilitate and administer TABE testing.

Duties listed may vary in terms of relative importance and others may be added or eliminated as positions within this job title develop.

• Performs student intake and assessment to prospective for primarily AEFLA program students; may assist prospective Community Education students in other areas (GED/HSED/ESL) as well.
• Assists the AEFL Coordinator in facilitating and coordinating departmental activities; such as, scheduling meetings and/or attending meetings on behalf of the department.
• Assists students in accessing services offered by MATC. Reports on progress of centers either in staff meetings and/or in a written report.
• Assists students, faculty, and staff at community-based organizations as needed.
• Offers students guidance and course placement ensuring to meet the students' academic needs and goals.
• Makes referrals for support services to other community agencies to assist students in overcoming barriers to attendance such as childcare, transportation, housing, etc.
• Develops a Personalized Education Plan with specific, measurable objectives and action steps for each student.
• Documents progress and outcomes in a timely and accurate manner.
• Provides individual student case management to support academic progress: student goal setting, barrier removal, and transition.
• Provides individual student placement and registration as well as academic service referrals to support course completion and credential attainment.
• Makes TABE test tickets, administers and proctors the TABE tests to prospective and current AEFL students as needed.
• Participates in job fairs and special events for the purpose of program promotions at local and community organizations.
• Participates in the MATC Open House for Casa Abierta recruitment events.
• Provides individual student placement and registration as well as academic service referrals to support course completion and credential attainment.
• Maintains records and prepares reports as required including monitoring student attendance and student contact.
• Maintains accurate data and relevant electronic and paper student records ensuring quality and completeness of data entered.
• Coordinates with instructors to ensure students are post-tested
• Helps and track students transition from GED/HSED/ESL, IET classes to post-secondary programs.
• Conducts data collection and entry into the Online Client Report System
• Assists the AEFL Coordinator in the preparation of AEFL monthly/quarterly narrative and statistical reports
• Advises AEFL students on enrollment and program requirements; assists students with applications, admissions and program registration as well as refer them to the financial aid department as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Must meet all three minimums listed below.

• Bachelor's degree or higher with an emphasis in Higher Education, Education Administration, major course work in Adult Education or Curriculum and Instruction or related field, AND;

• At least three (3) total years of relevant experience*

• Bilingual Spanish/English Fluency (able to read, write, and speak in both languages). This skill will be tested.

*Relevant experience includes previous work in a (community based organization, high school or higher education) student facing position which directly provides support services which assist students achieve academic success.

Preferred Education/Experience, in addition to the minimum requirements listed above:

• Master's degree or higher in Higher Education, Education Administration, major course work in Adult Education or Curriculum and Instruction or related field AND five (5) or more years of relevant experience*

*Relevant experience includes previous work in a (community based organization, high school or higher education) student facing position which directly provides support services which assist students achieve academic success.

COMPETENCIES

• Cultivates innovation
• Optimizes work processes
• Ensures accountability
• Collaborates
• Demonstrates Interpersonal savvy
• Communicates effectively
• Instills trust
• Customer focus
• Action oriented
• Values differences
• Shows initiative
• Demonstrates compassion

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of and experience with the goals and practices of Community Based Education.
• Knowledge of the student enrollment process.
• Knowledge and ability to provide case management services.
• Knowledge of and experience working with minority students from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to utilize databases, student information systems, Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite including Excel and Word and the initiative to apply queries and reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, employees, outside governmental and community agencies, and the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and promote a positive working environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively through both oral and written means.
• Ability to schedule work assignments to meet departmental needs and to maintain related records.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to think critically and apply problem resolution.

Start Date: This position supports the Community Education Division and is available to start as soon as possible. This is an AEFLA Grant Funded positions with current funding guaranteed through June 30th, 2025.