Position Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Student Support Programs, the Prison Education and Re-entry Specialist provides comprehensive outreach, navigation, case management, and student success support services for individuals who are currently incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, or otherwise impacted by the criminal legal system. This position serves as a primary liaison between Seattle Central College, the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC), State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), community-based organizations, and other stakeholders supporting prison education and successful re-entry pathways.

The Specialist supports students throughout the educational continuum, including recruitment, enrollment, transition planning, academic persistence, degree completion, and post-release engagement. The position develops and maintains collaborative partnerships that promote access to higher education, workforce training, and supportive services while advancing equitable outcomes for justice-impacted students.

This position contributes to the strategic growth of prison education programming, supports grant-related reporting and compliance requirements, and advocates for policies and practices that reduce barriers to student success.

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by AFT-SPS.

This is a grant-funded position. Employment is contingent upon the receipt and continued availability of grant funding.

About Us

We are a district of three distinct colleges¿North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College¿and five specialty training centers. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington; we are leaders in change and innovation.

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will gain access to a great benefits package including:

• Competitive Pay Rates
• Promotional Opportunities
• Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• Transportation benefits
• Tuition Waivers
• PEBB Wellness Plan
• Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice, including committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Application Procedures

• Attached current Resume
• Attached cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

Notice to Applicants:
Please note that Seattle Colleges has moved to holding interviews virtually using video conference options such as Zoom or Teams. As such, if you are selected for an interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a regular basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Seattle Colleges is unable to extend post-completion optional practical training (OPT) to F-1 students who receive STEM degrees.

What you will be working on

• Provide Student Services Support to students currently incarcerated to include, but not limited to, connections to all aspects of enrollment, advising, self-paced courses.
• Collaborate with partner organizations providing community support to students enrolled in coursework while currently incarcerated.
• Assist students with submitting necessary paperwork toward degree completion.
• Serve as a conduit for information via mail and DOC staff.
• Provide navigation support for prospective students through the onboarding process.
• Connect current and prospective reentry students with support services on campus.
• Collaborate and communicate with DOC staff and community agencies to connect with prospective students prior to release to provide a seamless transition.
• Coordinate with regional and local community correction offices and community reentry staff regarding opportunities available through the local community colleges.
• Establish and sustain relationships with outside agencies, community organizations, and employers that will enhance the educational goals of reentry students.
• Engage in frequent check-ins with current and prospective students to strengthen relationships and increase academic and social confidence.
• Convene committees that serve to enhance the student experience and advocate for current and formerly incarcerated students.
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation and outcome records for the purposes of data analysis and evaluations
• Assume other duties assigned to support and ensure the success of students.

This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job, we are a team that works together to meet the needs of those we serve, and every member of the team is expected to contribute, even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this description.

What you bring as a candidate: (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree, OR any combination of relevant education. Training and experience that indicates successful performance of the essential functions of the position.
• Demonstrated experience with the criminal legal system. Applicants impacted by the system are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Ability to transition between multiple work locations including (Department of Correction Facilities).
• Experience with outreach, marketing, and/or participant recruitment
• Valid driver's license
• Demonstrated Multicultural skills and knowledge of Social Justice and Gender Equity Framework.
• Knowledge of Microsoft word office systems. CTC Link, Starfish