Interim Free to Learn Specialist
Santa Fe College

Job Info

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The SF Free to Learn initiative was initially supported by the Florida Humanities Greater Good: Humanities in Academia Grant for Santa Fe's project Humanities Behind & Beyond Bars. The aim of this initiative is to increase public understanding of incarceration in Florida, recognize its impact on communities, and highlight the role that education has in reducing rates of recidivism and promoting a safer and stronger society.

The Free to Learn Specialist supports justice-connected students from initial contact to their successful graduation and works directly with governmental and non-profit agencies to identify prospective students. The Specialist guides students throughout their time at Santa Fe College, helping them with their application and enrollment process and serving as their college resource and success coach. The Specialist is committed to providing accurate information and is motivated to seek out and connect with community services that provide the best opportunities for justice-connected students.

*This position is funded by either a grant or another donor-funded source external to the college. Should the funding provided by these special sources be reduced or eliminated, employees will be given as much notice as possible. This position is being filled in an interim capacity for the current fiscal year and is eligible for reappointment provided continued funding and incumbent success. For all the information regarding interim appointments and the terms that govern them, please refer to College Rule 3.9 and 3.9P.

Responsibilities and duties include:

• Recruits prospective Free to Learn students from various programs and communities, such as jails, prisons, work release programs, re-entry and recovery, and new Parolee classes.
• Actively seeks and connects with local community services to provide the best opportunities and support for Free to Learn students.
• Supports and assists prospective and new Free to Learn students with their onboarding and admissions process, providing guidance, information, and resources.
• Provides coaching and mentorship to Free to Learn students and connects them with the appropriate community and campus resources.
• Serves as the primary liaison between SF and community organizations focused on re-entry for students, as well as liaises with internal clubs and organizations, such as the SF Justice Club.
• Maintains the Free to Learn scholarships by managing applications and ensuring compliance with program guidelines and objectives.
• Provides monthly and annual reports to the Associate Vice President as needed and as it relates to the Free to Learn program.
• Sponsors and promotes SF-based support groups and ensures they are accessible and appropriate for Free to Learn students.
• Provides professional development opportunities to college faculty and staff by supplying them with the necessary information and importance of the Free to Learn program.
• Attends and coordinates the Free to Learn Advisory Board meetings.
• Attends graduations and other related events for Free to Learn students and works intentionally to congratulate and celebrate their accomplishments.
• Strictly honors the privacy and security of student records and other sensitive information according to appropriate state, federal and college regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Provides service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible, and professional engagement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Reports to: Associate Vice President, Student Affairs

QUALIFICATIONS

Required: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field or a combination of education and experience equal to four (4) years is required.

Additional Requirements: A criminal background check will be conducted.

Preferred: Prior experience working in higher education, the criminal justice system, and/or with carceral experience, as well as multi-language competencies.

General Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment.
• Adaptability to Change - able to be flexible and supportive, able to positively and proactively assimilate change in rapid growth environment.
• Communication - able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner using preferred method and level as applicable to the job.
• Critical Thinking & Judgement - able to make well-reasoned, sensible, and timely decisions based on careful, objective review and informed analysis of available information, considerations, and other factors.
• Customer Service - ability to respond promptly and courteously to all questions from students and faculty, demonstrating patience and persistence when helping students with little or no computer skills.
• Ethics - able to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, civility, and a high degree of ethics in all job-related actions.
• Organization & Time Management - able to plan, schedule, and organize tasks related to the job to achieve goals within or ahead of established time frames.
• Problem Solving - proven skills in identifying issues, determining their cause, developing creative solutions, and following through with implementing resolutions.
• Relationship Management - able to personally provide high level of interactive service to others, building relationships and addressing identified needs.
• Results Orientation - proven ability to set and exceed established targets.
• Detail Oriented - Proven accuracy and attention to detail.
• Multi-task - Ability to expeditiously organize, coordinate, manage, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously to swiftly assess a situation, determine a logical course of action, and apply the appropriate response.

Application Process: All applicants must submit a completed online SF application, a letter of intent, an up-to-date resume/curriculum vitae, and unofficial academic transcripts (if applicable) to be considered for this position. Unofficial transcripts are only accepted for review purposes, official transcripts are required prior to any offer of employment being made.

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