Higher Education Coordinating Commission Hiring for Education Program Specialist 1 at Salem, OR Full Time

Application Deadline:
06/06/2022

Agency:
Higher Education Coordinating Commission

Salary Range:
$5,234.00 – $8,043.00

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:
Education Program Specialist 1

Job Description:
Education Program Specialist 1

Office of Academic Policy & Authorization

FT/Permanent (Limited Duration/Job Rotation Consideration)

Salem, Oregon

REQ-97669

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference… for a lifetime!!!

Join the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s Academic Policy & Authorization team as an Education Program Specialist 1. This is a full-time, permanent position but we will consider filling as a limited duration or job rotation opportunity.

Equitable Recruiting

The HECC strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a non-traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

About the Agency

HECC AGENCY VISION – The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) envisions a future in which all Oregonians—and especially those whom our systems have underserved and marginalized—benefit from the transformational power of high-quality postsecondary education and training.

Agency Values- Transparency, Equity, Integrity, Trust, Collaboration, Accountability, Lifelong Learning

About the Office

This Office of Academic Policy and Authorization oversees two primary areas of work: 1) public university academic policy and program approval and 2) the quality, integrity, and diversity of private postsecondary programs in Oregon for the benefit of students and consumers. The office consists of two units:

Public University Coordination and Private Postsecondary Education which has two divisions

the Office of Degree Authorization (ODA), the

Private Career School (PCS) licensing unit,

The Office of Academic Policy and Authorization also serves as a liaison to regulated and non-regulated (private) institutions, college and university presidents, and member associations such as Oregon Council of Presidents, the public university Statewide Provosts Council, the Alliance of Independent Colleges, and the NW Career Colleges Federation.

What You Will Be Doing

The primary purpose of this position is to guide the effectiveness of the Office of Degree Authorization and, through a balanced approach of technical assistance and oversight to ensure regulated schools’ overall compliance with applicable HECC/ODA, and related Federal and State standards and regulations. This position will review new programs and/or school applications and review existing schools in accordance to laws, rules, policies, and management guidelines. The responsibilities include the application of sanctions and design of plans for assistance, under the supervision and guidance of the director or program administrator.

Duties Include

Technical Assistance Activities for Office of Degree Authorization:

Lead coordinator of the implementation of the standards, processes and procedures relating to the ODA and the degree program approval and review of private colleges and universities in Oregon, and to a lesser extent hybrid in-state/distance education programs offering credit bearing courses or student services in Oregon and out-of-state approvals as needed

Interpret Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) and Oregon Revised Statutes (ORSs), federal regulations and guidelines, accreditation standards, and industry-specific standards related to ODA schools, accreditation, faculty and administrator qualifications, and federal funding requirements and translate interpretations into useable strategies to bring about compliance for agency staff, students, school teachers, administrators, and other personnel, other state agencies, and the general public as requested.

Identify and document deficiencies in school operations, educational programs, financial stability, and other related documentation, through document review, site visits, and interviews with relevant persons, developing and communicating strategies to remediate the identified deficiencies to the school owners and personnel.

Develop strategies for compliance with school closure procedures and provide communication of strategies to school owners, administrators, and students in the event of a school closure.

Analyze scenarios where compliance is difficult to obtain or where the pathway to obtaining compliance is not clear or is complex; develop compliance strategies to address difficult scenarios and communicate with school owners on those strategies to bring about compliance; monitor implementation of strategies and provide corrective action to bring about compliance.

Analyze novel compliance difficulties and provide guidance to other staff when novel scenarios present themselves, where previous guidelines or experience are not available to guide decision-making.

Determine through analysis activities associated with ensuring compliance when a school is in need of a school improvement plan, assist schools in the development, implementation, and monitoring of the school improvement plan.

Lead or participate in workgroups to provide information to stakeholders, address issues or problems with schools, procedures, or policies and develop recommendations for management to consider for action.

Conduct on-site inspections of institutions to ensure adherence/compliance to established standards.

Document, investigate and follow up on student complaints, and coordinate with other agencies and HECC staff as needed or directed by HECC adopted rules and procedures.

For a complete list of duties and working conditions, please contact the recruiter for the position description.

Working Conditions

Daily team interactions.

Open office environment.

Extensive computer use.

Simultaneous work on multiple tasks with frequent interruptions.

Requires remaining stationary for extended periods.

Requires physical activity normally associated with filing and sitting for extended periods, occasional bending, stooping, and walking to meetings within the building.

This position is required to either possess and maintain a valid driver’s license by the state of residence or provide an acceptable mode of alternative transportation, in order to travel to required training and meetings. Additionally, in state and occasional out of state travel may be required for mandatory training and meetings.

This is a full-time SEIU represented position.

Desired Attributes/Skills

If you have these qualities, let us know! It’s how we will choose whom to move forward!

Program/project management

Skill in collaborative problem-solving and collegial relationship-building

General knowledge of research methods and State and Federal statutes, regulations, policies and standards for higher education accreditation

Specific knowledge of best practices for higher education program delivery, standards, and student support

Skill with writing reports based on findings

Demonstrated ability effectively communicating ideas verbally and in writing

Minimum Qualifications (Required Skills)

Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field from an accredited college or university and five years of experience delivering or administering education programs (e.g., classroom teacher, counselor, itinerant service provider), one year of which includes leadership experience (e.g., lead teacher, program coordinator or director, school administrator).

The Benefits

Competitive medical, vision and dental benefits package for the employee and qualified family members.

Opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation savings program.

A fabulous retirement program. Click here to visit our full benefits website.

Work-life balance-

11 paid holidays per year.

3 additional paid “Personal Business Days” per year.

8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month.

Progressive vacation leave accrual, starting at 8 hours per month, with increases every 5 years.

Work with a team that values equity, affordable access to education, and lifelong learning within beautiful Salem, Oregon!

How to Apply

• Current State of Oregon Employees: Please apply through the Career worklet within your Employee Workday Profile.*

Click the apply button and fill in the application fields.

Complete the questionnaire.

Upload your resume.

Attach a cover letter

Limit to no more than two (2) pages and

Clearly demonstrates how your education and work experience meet the desired attributes of this position.

Be sure to check your applicant inbox periodically for updates and information requests.

Failure to respond to these requests may delay the review of your application materials.

Help Your Application Rise to the Top!

Your candidate profile, cover letter, and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase the amazing skills and experience, making you the best candidate for the position. Candidates whose training and/or experience most closely match the requirements and needs of the position and who attach all necessary documents will be eligible for an interview. Submissions will be screened for consistency of information and communication skills at the professional level (attention to detail, spelling, grammar, etc.)

Need help?

Contact Patty Cuno, HR Analyst, at Patty.Cuno@hecc.oregon.gov or call (503) 934-0956 with questions about the recruitment and selection process (e.g., supplemental questions, clarification of job announcement information, etc.).

If you need an alternate format in order to complete the application process, please contact Patty and be prepared to describe the alternate format needed.

The Fine Print

Salary Range: The range listed is the Non-PERS salary range. Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS.

Veterans: If you are a veteran you may receive preference. A request will be sent to your applicant inbox to submit your veteran’s DD214 form. Click here for more information about veterans’ preference.

Future Vacancies: We may use the candidates from this posting to fill future vacancies.

Position Description: A complete position description is available by contacting the recruiter.

Visa Sponsorship: We do not offer Visa sponsorships. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US.

The HECC is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity Employment Opportunity Commission under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). HECC does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices.