Student Support Specialist (PS 4) DOH9024
State of Washington
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The State of Washington Department of Health (DOH) is seeking a Student Support Specialist (PS 4) for the Rural Nursing Education Program (RNEP). This home-based remote role supports nursing students from prerequisite coursework through progression, offering advising, mentorship, and resource coordination.
Responsibilities include guiding students, coordinating with colleges, and connecting them with tutoring, financial aid, childcare, transportation, and test preparation.
Qualifications
- Option 1: Four or more years of advisory experience helping students navigate programs or services.
- Option 2: Bachelor's degree in public health, nursing, social and behavioral science, education, counseling or related field with two years of student guidance experience.
- Option 3: Master's degree in related field with one year of student guidance experience.
Responsibilities
- Provide academic advising, mentorship, and guidance throughout nursing education.
- Coordinate with colleges and faculty to support academic progress and program requirements.
- Identify barriers to student success and connect students with resources such as tutoring, financial aid, childcare, transportation, and test preparation.
- Help students balance educational, work, and personal responsibilities.
- Build relationships with colleges, Critical Access Hospitals, and community organizations.
- Collaborate with partners to coordinate student support and strengthen retention and completion.
Education
Job description
Student Support Specialist (PS 4)
Office of Prevention, Safety & Health - Center for Whole Person Care (CAWPC)
Rural Nursing Education Program
This home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents and those living in Oregon and Idaho only. Fieldwork throughout Washington State is required and is expected to comprise approximately 20% of work time.
This project position is currently funded through October 30, 2030
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is committed to protecting and improving the health of people in Washington. Within the Executive Office of Prevention, Safety & Health, the Center for Access to Whole Person Care (CAWPC) works to improve equitable access to comprehensive health and social services through strategic partnerships, data-informed approaches, stronger health systems, and community engagement.
The Rural Nursing Education Program (RNEP) addresses nursing workforce shortages through a “grow-your-own” workforce model that supports students from rural communities who want to pursue nursing education and intend to serve in their communities. Through partnerships with colleges, Critical Access Hospitals, and community organizations, the program helps students navigate the academic and personal challenges that can affect their ability to complete nursing education.
The Student Support Specialist reports to the RNEP Program Manager and provides individualized academic advising, mentorship, and resource coordination for students throughout their nursing education journey. From prerequisite coursework and application preparation to progression through the nursing program, this position helps students build the skills, connections, and support systems needed to succeed. By addressing barriers such as financial constraints, childcare, transportation, and academic preparation, the Student Support Specialist helps strengthen the future nursing workforce and expand access to healthcare in rural Washington communities.
- Provide academic advising, mentorship, and guidance throughout nursing education.
- Coordinate with colleges and faculty to support academic progress and program requirements.
- Identify barriers to student success and connect students with resources such as tutoring, financial aid, childcare, transportation, and test preparation.
- Help students balance educational, work, and personal responsibilities.
- Build relationships with colleges, Critical Access Hospitals, and community organizations.
- Collaborate with partners to coordinate student support and strengthen retention and completion.
- Collaborate with the RNEP Program Manager and academic partners to address challenges and support program goals.
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of aspiring nurses while helping address workforce shortages in rural Washington. The Student Support Specialist builds lasting relationships with students and community partners, connecting students with the guidance and resources they need to overcome barriers and achieve their educational goals. Through collaborative, student-centered work, this position helps strengthen rural healthcare systems and expand access to care for communities across the state.
There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities.
Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.
Option 1: Four or more years of experience in an advisory capacity supporting students by providing guidance, recommendations, or assistance with navigating programs or services.
Option 2: Bachelor’s degree in public health, nursing, social and behavioral science, education, counseling or a closely related field and two years of experience supporting students by providing guidance, recommendations, or assistance with navigating programs or services.
Option 3: Master’s degree in public health, nursing, social and behavioral science, education, counseling or a closely related field and one year of experience supporting students by providing guidance, recommendations, or assistance with navigating programs or services.
- Understanding of nursing education rules, regulations, and requirements.
- Experience working with health care facilities located in rural communities.
- Experience working with postsecondary students
We want you to have the support and benefits you need to do your best work while building a career that fits your life. As a DOH employee, you’ll have access to a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, with resources to support you now and help you plan for the future. Learn more about DOH benefits and what it’s like to work with us by visiting Work@Health.
We’re nearly 2,700 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience.
At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We're passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Our work depends on people who take action to learn and grow and who take action to meet the needs of others every day, in service of a healthier Washington. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.
The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
The incumbent may work from home, DOH facilities, or remotely from an alternative location. The official duty station for this position is home-based. If onsite work is requested by the supervisor, the request will be planned and communicated in advance. This position requires reliable access to an internet connection sufficient to perform all job duties remotely. This position requires being stationary and working at a computer for extended periods of time. Work is performed almost exclusively indoors in an office environment. Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in government or home office environments. This position works in a fast-paced environment with multiple assignments and priority deadlines.
Standard business hours are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but the incumbent may be expected to adjust the work schedule or work in excess of 40 hours per week when necessary to meet business needs. An alternative work schedule may be considered upon request and supervisor’s approval.
Frequent travel throughout the state is required to perform the functions of the position. This includes meeting with local students, and academic institutions. When traveling for work, incumbent may travel alone or with another person, may stay overnight, for several days and nights in/or out of state. When driving for state business, the incumbent must be able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle; OR provide alternative transportation while on state business.
This position may require frequent phone conversations while looking up information on the computer. Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, etc.).
Daily contact with Center-level managers and staff. Frequent contact with community-based RNEP partners, students and advisory board.
This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment. This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.
We value the experience and skill veterans bring to the workforce and encourage veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply. Eligible veterans may qualify for veterans’ preference in accordance with Washington State Law. If you are claiming veterans’ preference, you must attach your applicable DD-214, NGB Form 22, or other equivalent discharge or separation documentation. Please redact your social security number, date of birth, and any other sensitive information before uploading and attaching the document.
We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve. DOH is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, the presence or perception of a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.
If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Andrea Thieme at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH9024.
Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings programme similar to an IRA that allows you control over the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full‑time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 non‑overtime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part‑time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 non‑overtime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave, and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump‑sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
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