NextUp Program Specialist

Taft College; Taft (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Taft College seeks a dedicated NextUp Program Specialist to coordinate resources and provide comprehensive support to eligible foster youth attending Taft College. You will champion their academic, career, and personal success, helping students navigate college life and transition into independent living.

Join a Student Services team and collaborate with faculty, staff, and community partners to develop programs, track progress, and ensure access to housing, financial aid, counseling, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, psychology, social services, or a related field.
• 2+ years of direct experience in student or human services work.
• 1+ years of experience working directly with foster or system-impacted youth.
• A passion for helping students succeed and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement programs, events, workshops for NextUp students.
• Coordinate resources including financial aid, tutoring, counseling, and housing assistance.
• Build a supportive community with mentors, peer groups, and campus resources.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and community partners to advocate for foster youth.
• Monitor student progress, track program outcomes, and celebrate achievements.
• Prepare statistical and narrative reports and maintain student records.

Skills

2+ years direct experience

1+ years foster youth experience

Commitment to equity and inclusion

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field

Job description

If you need an accommodation to access any content on this page or assistance with completing an application, please contact our office at [phone].

Welcome to Taft College! We are pleased you have chosen Taft College as an institution to pursue your career goals.

Taft College prides itself as a small, comprehensive institution with a wide range of educational programs and support services to students. We offer approximately 50 degrees and 50 certificates in transfer education and career-technical education programs. Our enrollment of nearly 12,000 students at our campus in Taft, through our partnership with Westec in Shafter, CA, and through our Distance Learning Program, have access to innovative, caring faculty members and the support programs needed to promote student success.

Taft College is ready to help you achieve your career goals and realize your dreams! We are committed to your success and welcome you to Taft College.

Priority Application Deadline: November 08, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.

Make a Difference in the Lives of Foster Youth: Become a NextUp Program Specialist at Taft College!

Are you passionate about empowering young people to achieve their dreams? Do you have a knack for connecting individuals with resources and creating supportive communities? If so, Taft College has an exciting opportunity for you! We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic NextUp Program Specialist to join our Student Services team and make a real impact on the lives of current and former foster youth.

The Opportunity:

As the NextUp Program Specialist, you will play a vital role in coordinating resources and providing comprehensive support to eligible foster youth attending Taft College. You will be a champion for their academic, career, and personal success, helping them navigate college life and transition into independent living. If you're ready to inspire and empower young adults, we encourage you to apply!

What You'll Do:

• Create Impactful Programs: Develop and implement engaging events, workshops, and activities that provide valuable information and support to NextUp students.
• Connect Students with Resources: Coordinate vital resources, including financial aid, tutoring, counseling, and housing assistance.
• Build a Supportive Community: Foster a sense of belonging and community among NextUp students, connecting them with mentors, peer support groups, and campus resources.
• Collaborate and Advocate: Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and community partners to advocate for the needs of foster youth and promote their success.
• Track Progress and Celebrate Achievements: Monitor student progress, track program outcomes, and celebrate student achievements.
• Responsible for state and institutional reports

Representative Duties:

The duties listed below are representative of the role, though not all-inclusive. Additional related duties may be assigned.

• Develops, plans, and organizes events, activities, organizational fairs, campus activities, meetings, presentations, and programs to provide equitable access to information and assistance to current and former foster youth students regarding the NextUp program.
• Coordinates activities associated with program operations, including but not limited to planning field trips, training activities, workshops, orientations, public relations, and recognition events, as well as for the documentation and evaluation of project activities and outcomes as measured against stated goals and objectives in final proposal.
• Works in collaboration with internal departments to prepare and disburse book and/or financial awards, and other resources for eligible students.
• Assists in developing and implementing equitable strategies to promote access, recruitment, success, retention, and completion of educational goals for current and former foster youth.
• Serves as a liaison between prospective current or former foster youth students, current students, and college departments.
• Reviews and determines ongoing student eligibility processes; reviews new, potential, and continuing NextUp program applicants.
• Provides and coordinates a variety of services for the NextUp program, such as case coordination, and other activities necessary to assist students in their academic achievement and personal growth.
• Serves as a liaison to community groups, organizations, other higher education institutions, the high schools, middle schools and/or elementary schools.
• Prepares statistical and narrative reports.
• Develops and maintain student records.
• Ensure that all of the student's basic needs are met.
• Ensure barriers to services are addressed in a timely and effective manner.
• Build and steward community relationships that expand housing, education, and wellness resources.
• Provide case coordination, including assessment, goal setting, referrals, follow-ups.
• Connect students, as needed, with therapists, social workers, and/or county resources such as the Regional Center.
• Serve as on-campus liaison with district sponsored student wellness resources.
• Coordinate life-skills workshops that support NextUp and related programs (budgeting, study skills, wellness, etc.).
• Recruit and coordinate volunteers/mentors; celebrate their impact.
• Work with students on schedule management to ensure student success.
• Support EOPS/Care/CalWORKS programs as needed to ensure student success.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in human services, psychology, social services, or a related field, and
• 2+ years of direct experience in student or human services work, and
• 1+ years of experience working directly with foster or system-impacted youth, and
• A passion for helping students succeed and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Desirable Qualifications:

• 2+ years of direct experience working with foster or system impacted youth.
• A deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by foster youth.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of California Community College policies, legislation, and procedures.
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education.
• Effective leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to foster effective partnerships with faculty, staff, administrators, students, and community stakeholders.

Working Conditions:

Work is typically performed indoors in an office environment, with travel to off-site locations for outreach, recruitment, research, workshops, training, and meetings. Some travel will be required to visit foster youth, including juvenile hall, shelters, probation camps, county jail or other locations. Evening or weekend work may be required based on program needs. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Physical Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations will be made for candidates and employees with physical disabilities.

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to see and read printed material, and to hear and speak clearly in routine conversation.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to reach in all directions, including overhead.

Hours, Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, 12-month per year position with fantastic benefits! At the West Kern Community College District, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive fringe benefits package, including District-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents. We also offer a generous vacation plan to help you recharge. In addition, you’ll be eligible to participate in the CalPERS or CalSTRS retirement systems, with the option to enhance your retirement savings through 457b and 403b optional retirement plans.

• This position is a grade 8 on the management salary schedule, with a range of $74,810-$82,478 annually.
• This position is categorically funded and continued employment is contingent on availability of funding.
• This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Next Steps:

Thank you for your interest in joining our team! After the closing date, all applications will be carefully reviewed and evaluated based on minimum qualifications and relevant experience. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly for an interview. We look forward to learning more about how you can contribute to our mission and make an impact at Taft College!

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The West Kern Community College District is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity. The District is dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination and, as such, is an equal opportunity employer. Veterans, women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. This employer participates in E-Verify.