Access to Achievement Coordinator

Southwestern Community College; Sylva (NC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwestern Community College seeks an Access to Achievement Coordinator to guide students with IDD or learning challenges toward educational and career goals. You will coordinate campus-wide support, document plans, and ensure NCCCS reporting and compliance.

The role emphasizes outreach to families, collaboration with instructors, and building inclusive participation in campus life through referrals to services and work-based learning opportunities.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, rehabilitation counseling, special education, education, or a related field; 1 year relevant experience.
• Preferred: Master's degree in a related field; 3 years relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for participating students; consult with students and families to understand interests, strengths, goals, and support needs.
• Explain educational options across CCR, Continuing Education, and Curriculum programs; coordinate tours and conversations with department and program leaders.
• Develop and document individualized, person-centered education and career plans; support exploration of pathways and training opportunities.
• Guide students through application and enrollment processes and connect them with enrollment staff and other college offices as needed.
• Coordinate referrals to accessibility services, advising, career services, tutoring, counseling, HRD, and community resources.
• Schedule bi-weekly check-ins with students and communicate progress to instructors.
• Encourage participation in campus activities and connect students with peer mentors.
• Coordinate outreach with school districts, families, workforce partners, employers, and community agencies; provide presentations and campus visits.
• Collaborate with workforce development personnel and community partners to support work-based learning and employment pathways.
• Organize and coordinate an internal implementation team and facilitate communication among instructional, student-service, and workforce partners.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records and NCCCS data entry and reporting.
• Conduct student follow-up per NCCCS Access to Achievement requirements.
• Participate in NCCCS and local professional development and program activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Outreach

Recordkeeping

Collaboration

Independent work

Organization

Problem-solving

MS Office

Student support

ADA/FERPA knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work / related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Student information systems

Case management software

Communication technologies

Job description

Open until filled

Statement of Primary Purpose

The Access to Achievement Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact and provides person-centered guidance, outreach, and ongoing support for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and other similar disabilities or learning challenges. The coordinator helps students identify educational and career goals, access appropriate college pathways and support services, participate fully in campus life, and pursue employment opportunities. The position organizes collegewide coordination and fulfills required North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) documentation, follow-up, and reporting responsibilities.

Classification

Full-time staff; exempt status

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for participating students; consult with students and, as appropriate, families or supporters to understand interests, strengths, goals, and support needs.
• Explain educational options across College and Career Readiness (CCR), Continuing Education, and Curriculum programs; coordinate tours and conversations with department and program leaders.
• Develop and document individualized, person-centered education and career plans; support exploration of pathways and integrated education and training opportunities as appropriate.
• Guide students through application and enrollment processes and connect them with enrollment staff and other college offices as needed.
• Coordinate appropriate referrals to accessibility services, advising, career services, tutoring, counseling, Human Resources Development, and community resources
• Schedule bi-weekly check-ins with participating students throughout enrollment and communicate regularly with instructors concerning progress and emerging support needs.
• Encourage participation in campus activities; connect interested students with peer mentors and other opportunities to build relationships and belonging.
• Coordinate outreach and recruitment with school districts, families, workforce partners, employers, and community agencies; provide presentations, meetings, and campus visits.
• Collaborate with workforce development personnel, community agencies, and local employers to support work-based learning and employment pathways.
• Organize and coordinate an internal implementation team and facilitate communication among instructional, student-service, and workforce partners.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records, track participation and outcomes, and complete required NCCCS data entry, quarterly narrative reports, and other authorized college reporting.
• Conduct student follow-up in accordance with NCCCS Access to Achievement program requirements.
• Participate in required NCCCS and local professional development, meetings, and program activities; contribute to evaluation and continuous improvement of Access to Achievement services.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Cultivate positive working relationships across the SCC community and advocate for meaningful inclusion of participating students.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Required: Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, rehabilitation counseling, special education, education, or a related field required; 1 year relevant experience.

Preferred: Master's degree in a related field preferred, 3 years relevant experienc.

Knowledge and Skills

• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and knowledge of relevant educational, employment, and community resources; three years of relevant experience preferred.
• Understanding of disability-related access, confidentiality, and student-support practices in postsecondary education, including ADA, Section 504, and FERPA responsibilities.
• Ability to develop individualized plans, support student goal setting, coordinate services, and maintain timely follow-up and accurate records.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty, student-service personnel, families or supporters as appropriate, state agencies, workforce partners, and employers.
• Strong communication, outreach, organization, problem-solving, and recordkeeping skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Experience with student information systems, case management, or program reporting preferred.

Physical Demands

Typical office and campus activities, including extended computer use, meetings, movement between campus locations, and occasional handling of light materials; reasonable accommodations available.

Licensing Requirement

Valid NC Driver’s License

Working Conditions and Environment

Primarily campus-based, with periodic travel to other SCC locations and community partner sites. Occasional evening or weekend activities and in-state travel may be necessary.

Equipment Operation

Computer, standard office and presentation equipment, student information and case-management systems, and communications technologies.

This position description covers the most essential functions and duties associated with this position. Other duties may be assigned by the President or appropriate supervisory personnel. The College reserves the right to alter duties, responsibilities, conditions, working hours, and job title as necessary.