Rochester-Ed Asst- GEAR UP Grad Specialist(2024-25)

Required Attachments:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Two (2) Reference

The position description is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change. 

The GEAR UP Graduation Specialist will support the GEAR UP program in Rochester. The GEAR UP program provides middle and high school students the support they need to access and succeed in college and careers. While working with all students in grades 7-12 the program focuses on students of low-income families, first-generation college, and marginalized students. 

GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. It is a federal grant, funded by the Department of Education. Rochester School District, in partnership with the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has received a 7-year GEAR UP grant. 

The GEAR UP Graduation Specialist (EA) is a classified position represented by RESP. This position supports the work of a GEAR UP advisor to implement the GEAR UP plan. That may include providing administrative support to complete GEAR UP documentation and data entry requirements, assisting with match collection and documentation, and tracking budgets and expenditures.

This position is 8.0 hours per day, 190 days per year with a minimum expectation of 10 work days during the summer. A flexible schedule is required for events on the occasional evenings and weekends. There are currently two (2) positions available and will be located at Rochester High School and/or Rochester Middle School.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collect and maintain required student, family, and staff activity and participation records, including agendas, sign-in sheets, and expenditure records. Includes entering participation data in the GEAR UP Portal. 
• Compile, analyze, and utilize data to best support students meeting GEAR UP benchmarks.
• Complete monthly, quarterly, and annual GEAR UP program evaluation documentation. 
• Provide individual support to students to ensure they graduate on time and are prepared to enter their chosen postsecondary program or institution.  
• Provide support to tutoring homework assistance and academic intervention support to students.
• Support the implementation of the GEAR UP plan by supporting the GEAR UP Advisor through responsibilities such as: 
• • Provide student support services and case management.  
  • Connect with students consistently and regularly to encourage and assist in graduation planning objectives. 
  • Assist the student with goal setting, including helping the student identify and communicate his/her interests to create appropriate goals. 
  • Provide support to students to ensure they have access to college and career research and planning tools. 
  • Mentor and advise students and families on academic success, postsecondary readiness skills, and post-high school planning. 
• May include other supports determined by the GEAR UP Advisor or supervisor.  
• Create and maintain a GEAR UP event calendar to ensure work plan completion.  
• Assist with field trip logistics and planning.  
• May include other supports determined by the GEAR UP Advisor or supervisor.  
• Other supports as determined by the GEAR UP Advisor or supervisor.  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years college and/ or A.A. required and/or successful completion of ETS test.
• Be a highly collaborative, results-oriented, adaptable, problem-solving self-starter.
• Be positive, strength-based, passionate, articulate, motivating, and empowering with students and team members.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Be computer savvy, with proficiency in email, Google sheets, Google Docs, etc
• Successful Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Clearance.

Benefits:

Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance benefits, as administered by the School Employees Benefit Board (SEBB). Final benefit eligibility to be determined at time of hire. Employees are eligible to enroll in the Department of Retirement Services (DRS) SERS plan (classified employees) or TERS plan (certificated employees), as well as the DRS Deferred Compensation Program. Employees will receive sick leave, personal leave and paid holidays.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Rochester School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identify, disability, the use of a trained guide dog or service animal, or any other basis prohibited by law.  We also provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator: Jennifer Bethman (360) 273-9242, jbethman@rochester.wednet.edu; Title IX Coordinator: Will Maus (360) 273-5958, wmaus@rochester.wednet.edu; 504/ADA Coordinator: Laura Staley (360) 273-5536, lstaley@rochester.wednet.edu.  Address: 10140 Highway 12 SW, Rochester, WA 98579.