Program Specialist 2 in Placement and Testing Office

The Program Specialist 2 reports to the Associate Director and works under general supervision. This position uses independent judgment to interpret and evaluate data submitted for English and Math placement and documenting prerequisite courses. This position provides services related to proctoring tests within the Testing Services office, GED and TEAS (nursing exams), Guided Self Placement, and other exams as required by Bellevue College. The Placement & Testing Services offices works closely with Disability Resource Center to provide accommodated testing for placement and other testing. This position also supports the Evaluations and Graduation Office to provide assistance with processes and operations related to transfer credit reviews, prior learning, and graduation. This position must work in compliance with federal, state, college, and accreditation standards and regulations, and must attend training to stay current. The position is expected to work primarily on-campus to meet student and operational needs but there is some flexibility to work some remote days as approved by the supervisor.

Position Salary Range: $44,568/year - $59,508/year

The salary information shown above is a general guideline only. The salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Individuals newly hired to Classified position are placed in a salary range based on the WPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Competitive salary is within the Range stated above, and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Generous benefits package is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This is a Classified, overtime eligible position and represented by the Washington Public Employee Association of Higher Education (WPEA-HE).

Bellevue College is a diverse student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. Bellevue College is located just 10 miles east of Seattle where we serve a student population of over 54% students of color and over 1,300 international students. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that supports a diverse student body, faculty and staff. As an essential part of our mission and goals , diversity, equity and pluralism are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. By enriching student life through leadership opportunities, personal learning and cultural experiences, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse campus community that fosters creativity, innovation and student success.

For more information, visit BC Facts at a Glance @ Bellevue College .

This position works in the Placement and Testing Office and in collaboration with the Evaluations Office, which are departments within Student Central. Student Central also includes Enrollment Services, Financial Aid, Center for High School Programs, and the Welcome Center. Student Central is a single service area for students, the public, and the campus community, that provides comprehensive service and information related to these departments. The Placement & Testing Services Office supports the mission of the college by using a student-centered approach, manages all processes related to English and Math placement, and verifies the completion of prerequisite courses for transfer students. In addition, the office offers a variety of testing services, including proctoring class exams, administration of industry certification exams, GED Testing, Guided Self Placement and other exam services as requested by the Academic Affairs Division.

Analyze and Evaluate Student Information and Documents to Determine Completion of Prerequisites, English, and Math Placement

• Collect, analyze, and evaluate a variety of documents and data, and determine English and math placement for students. Documents include college and high school transcripts, a variety of college and high school test scores, other community and technical college placement determinations, and documentation related to guided self-placement. 
• Determine completion of course prerequisite requirements for transfer students using an investigative process that includes evaluation of college and university transcripts, consultation with appropriate faculty, review of established databases, or course descriptions as found in college catalogs. 
• After evaluating data for transfer of prerequisites, determining English and math placement, and evaluation of admission information, properly record and code students in the ctcLink system in accordance with college and state regulations. 

Organize and Coordinate Operations for Placement & Testing Services 

• Participate in and coordinate the daily operations of the Placement and Testing Services office and Student Central. This includes technical assistance in setting up and proctoring tests, analyzing test scores to determining English and math placement, evaluation of transcripts for placement and prerequisites, and properly coding students in the ctcLink System. 
• Independently advise students regarding placement options based on individual circumstances. 
• Collaborate with faculty and the Associate Director as appropriate regarding placement appeals. 
• Obtain GED certification and provide technical assistance for students taking the GED. 
• Train and act as lead to part-time student staff as needed.
• Refer student problems that require exceptions to state or federal regulations to the Associate Director or the Director.

Collaborate with other Departments, and Perform Tasks Related to Evaluations & Graduation

• Provide technical assistance with processes related to credit reviews, admission applications, financial aid applications, placement, and applying for graduation.
• Assist in coordinating the daily operations of the Evaluations and Graduation Office. This includes scheduling, maintaining internal databases, tracking work that needs to be completed, and completion of critical office tasks. 
• Provide suggestions for continuous improvement and efficient use of resources needed to improve service to students, student success, retention, and completion efforts. 
• Problem-solve by providing a variety of options to students based on individual needs regarding career and academic programs, placement options, and next steps needed to complete the entry process.

Establishing/revising new processes 

• Review current processes and procedures and collaborate with the team to streamline both online and in-person services.
• Work with Chemistry, Biology, English, and Math departments to provide online services as required by COVID-19 health guidelines.
• Coordinate with Disability Resource Center to serve students with Disabilities and accommodated testing.
• Coordinate with Workforce Education, CEO, Neurodiversity Program, and International Education staff with specific processes which serve their populations.

Read & Interpret Federal and State Regulations

• Analyze and interpret articulation agreements between district high schools and the college and determine English and math placement in accordance with those agreements. 
• Read and interpret federal and state regulations as they relate to the initial financial aid application processes and use independent judgment to advise students appropriately based on student-specific circumstances. 
• Attend conferences and workshops needed to keep information current and obtain training in regards to changing federal and state regulations related to admission and financial aid, and industry best practices related to entry-level advising and orientations.
• Actively seek new knowledge of college procedures/policies/information in order to better serve students
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Associate degree with equivalent related work experience. Any combination of relevant education and/or experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience working in an office setting. 
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment with diverse employees and student/customer groups.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to use computers for data entry, web applications, searching the internet, and troubleshooting basic computer issues. 
• Demonstrated ability to work in accordance with policies, procedures, and federal and state regulations.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• At least one (1) year of experience working in a Washington State Community and Technical College setting in an office related to entry services, financial aid, evaluations/graduation, or other related field as a full-time employee, or equivalent experience as a part-time employee.
• Experience using a database or student management system. 
• Demonstrated experience with PeopleSoft database systems.

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Bellevue College requires all employees to be fully vaccinated and your vaccine status will be verified upon hire. Please reach out to the HR Office at [email protected]  if you need information on medical or religious accommodation.

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law .

Check frequently in your inbox, spam, junk, clutter email folders for any communication regarding the next steps from Bellevue College and our background check partners.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties. 

• This position is NOT eligible for relocation allowance.
• This position is NOT eligible for sponsorship for employment-based visa.

Application deadline has been extended through 01/26/2024, will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. 

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional will not be reviewed.) Please review Application Tips  before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:   

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)
• Attach a Resume
• Attach a Diversity Statement (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.) that addresses the following: Please provide specific examples of how your educational and/or professional experiences, demonstrate your commitment to diversity and equity
• Complete the Job Questionnaires if applicable

Contact: 
If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at 425-564-2274 or email to [email protected] .

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/ . The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126. 

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact [email protected] .