Student Support Specialist - Inclusive Higher Education Solutions

Job Summary:

The Student Support Specialist at MSU Denver plays a key role in supporting the success of students within MSU Denver's Inclusive Higher Education Solutions (IHES). This position provides leadership and mentorship to both students and peer mentors while supporting academic and social programming. The Student Support Specialist ensures the implementation of effective study strategies, assists with communication with IHES families, and contributes to the overall efficiency and vibrancy of the program.

Responsibilities:

• Student Support & Oversight-60%
  • Maintain and update student schedules.
  • Supervise student study halls
  • Maintain a study environment conducive to learning
  • Assist students to learn and implement learning and study strategies.
  • Assist students to set goals and measure daily progress toward academic goals
  • Communicate regularly with students during study sessions, keeping them on task
  • Maintain accurate records of study hall attendance and engagement, including using task analyses to track student progress
  • Attend required trainings and staff check-ins

• Mentor Supervision Assistance - 5%
  • Assist with hiring, training, and scheduling of peer mentors.
  • Assist with mentor evaluations and feedback processes.

• Communication & Outreach-15%
  • Assist with communication efforts between students, families, and program staff.
  • Assist in planning and documenting on- and off-campus events, including family participation, community involvement, adult living activities, pre-employment, and student social activities.
  • Document students' steps toward the four pillars of Satisfactory Academic Progress.

• Assist in planning and supporting student work experiences/internships.
• Contribute to social media content and updates to promote program events, student achievements, and community outreach activities.

• Administrative Support-10%
  • Assist with the planning and delivery of the Student Bootcamp orientation.
  • Provide general office support, including copying, filing, emailing, and scheduling appointments.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all communications and administrative duties.
• Other Duties as Assigned-10%
  • Adapt to evolving program needs with flexibility and a student-centered mindset.

Required Qualifications:

• Previous experience working/volunteering in PreK-12 special education classrooms, transition programs, Unified Sports, or Best Buddies; or living with a family member or studying to work with diverse learners or populations; or having worked in an inclusive higher education program.
• Prior leadership experience
• Sensitive to the diverse needs, learning styles, and abilities of students.
• Demonstrates punctuality and dependability
• Takes initiative
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Ability to motivate and encourage students with intellectual disabilities
• Maintains confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in student support, peer mentoring, or similar higher education programs.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to support a diverse group of students and staff.
• Familiarity with executive functioning, learning and study strategies, and inclusive practices.
• Comfortable with social media platforms and digital communication tools.
• Reliable, adaptable, and proactive in a team-oriented environment.
• Identify gaps in student services and support needs, and collaboratively problem-solve solutions.

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The full salary range is $41,200- $61,800 (0.6FTE $24,720 - $37,080).

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Schedule Information

• Part-time, 32 hours per week
• Non-Exempt
• Mandatory 7 hours a day, four days a week on campus for 18 weeks during the fall and spring semesters.
• The remaining 4 hours a week may be remote or on campus, with the exception of a mandatory 4 hours a month of an evening student campus activity in August, September, October, November, February, March, April, and May.
• Summer hours may be mostly remote, but in the foreseeable future, IHES will run two weeks of a "College on Campus" summer program for high school juniors and seniors.
• Schedule: Hybrid options
  • Visit our website for more information on our University's Alternative Work Arrangements policy.
• Travel: Rarely

Instructions to Apply

Please apply through MSU Denver Careers and submit your cover letter and resume. Select Begin Your Job Search, then search for JR104094. Internal applicants must apply through their MSU Denver Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'. Applications that do not contain all required documents may not receive full consideration. Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).

Please apply by Friday, August 8, 2025 at 11:59pm for full consideration.

Open Until Filled

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.