The Gateway to College Lead Resource Specialist provides student support within the Gateway to College program – a program serving high school dropouts ages 16-20. The Lead Resource Specialist works as part of a team to develop and then implement a learning experience that provides students an opportunity to earn a high school diploma while earning college credits. The Lead Resource Specialist initiates student contact to ensure student success within the program; provides career, admissions, and academic advising; and counsels on attendance and other issues; researches and evaluates available community services in assisting students to remove barriers; and develops and implements recruitment and student persistence strategies. The Lead Resource Specialist also designs and delivers workshops and credit courses. As a member of the Student Engagement and Transitions department, the Lead Resource Specialist also works to develop and implement the learning outcomes of the department and division.  More specifically, and consistent with the employee's current contract of employment, the Lead Resource Specialist is responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Serving as point of contact for Resource Specialists within the Gateway to College program;
• Conducting community outreach and support activities; coordinating participation of other Resource Specialists in these activities;
• Advising students on program requirements and academic goals. Evaluating students’ academic history and education, including transcript evaluation. Introducing students to resources available throughout the college;
• Teaching college success courses within the program;
• Working collaboratively with program faculty and department chairs to develop strategies for keeping at-risk students in class. Working collaboratively with other departments to address student and program needs;
• Providing support for students experiencing family, personal, or economic crises. Helping students access needed counseling services, support networks, community health, or housing services;
• Participating in program, departmental, divisional and institutional meetings and other activities;
• Maintaining complete office and student records; pro­cessing reports, forms, and all other required paperwork in a timely, efficient manner, checking for the accuracy and com­plete­ness of all data;
• Fulfilling committee assignments and other special appointments within the educational community;
• Taking advantage of in-service training and other opportunities for professional development, including attendance at off-campus activities and generally staying abreast of developments in the field;
• Maintaining proper communication and supportive relations at all times with all other units of the division and the college, providing assistance in carrying out their respective functions;
• Creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere for students, faculty, staff, and the public;
• Working with parents, students, college administrators, faculty, and staff to address problems with student behavior and/or performance that may interfere with students’ success;
• Consulting with a variety of social service agencies in the community to explain program requirements or address individual student progress or needs;
• Coordinating activities to introduce students to available community services and campus resources.
• Facilitating orientation meetings. Making presentations to schools, community organizations, churches, and other groups to explain the program;
• Maintaining an active case file and accurate case notes on each enrolled student, ensuring confidentiality is maintained.
• Maintaining statistical information and summary information in reports as needed, and submitting required paperwork according to specified timelines.
• Assuming other necessary responsibilities and performing additional tasks as assigned by the Director, department Dean, Chief Instructional Officer, or President in meeting the needs of the program, department, division and the college.

1. A master's degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology or related field.
2. Demonstrated experience working in an educational or social service environment.
3. A thorough understanding of and commitment to the mission and philosophy of the North Carolina Community College System.
4. Demonstrated experience working with at-risk and culturally diverse populations.
5. Knowledge of workforce and training issues and community social service systems.
6. Experience managing caseload and case files or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
7. Competence in oral and written communication skills.
8. Competence in computer technologies, (i.e., word processing and spreadsheet programs).
9. Ability to establish and maintain effective and positive interpersonal relations.
10. A valid North Carolina motor vehicle operator’s license.

The Lead Resource Specialist, Gateway to College is required to work a minimum of forty (40) hours per week, which may include day, evening, and/or weekend responsibilities and duties.  Work duties and responsibilities may be at the college’s main campus, branch campuses, or other locations as assigned.  Some travel will be required.

Durham Technical Community College
1637 Lawson Street
Durham, NC 27703
AA/ADA/EO/504/M-F

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