Peer Advocate - Counseling & Advising - Tacoma Community College : Job Details

Salary: $20.00 Hourly Location : Tacoma WA 98466, WA Job Type: Part Time Job Number: 25-13-TMP #MON Division: Student Affairs Department: Advising and Career Services Opening Date: 08/11/2025 FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: NA Who We Are Located in the scenic Puget Sound area with nearby mountain ranges and Mount Rainier in the distance, Tacoma is surrounded by outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating and camping. Tacoma, Washington has been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the country, due to the increasing career opportunities, cultural diversity and community engagement, just to name a few. Tacoma Community College (TCC) was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup and Squaxin Island Tribes. The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to Reservations to make way for colonizers; we recognize the privilege of utilizing this land has come at a great cost. We honor the resilience of the Puyallup and Squaxin Island people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well-being of our community. Our institution aims to increase partnerships and community ties with the local indigenous populations. Moreover, TCC stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black community by further strengthening collaboration with the Black Student Union as well as community entities such as the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, the Tacoma Urban League, and local black-owned businesses. In addition, we strongly support the Stop Asian Hate movement and have an active Asian Pacific Islander Student Club as well as an Asian and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Coalition. TCC is committed to developing more culturally responsive curricula by infusing and incorporating more educational content focused on the lives, experiences, and contributions of Native, Black, Asian, and other marginalized communities. We continually strive to become an anti-racist institution. We are specifically focusing on improved support for traditionally marginalized populations, including Black/African- American, Indigenous, People of Color, Dreamers, justice-involved, immigrants and refugees, Veterans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. To this end, TCC seeks applicants who:

• Value intellectual curiosity and innovative teaching
• Welcome difference and model respectful interaction with others
• Recognize and honor the important role that diversity brings to an educational community
• Are committed to educating a racially and socioeconomically diverse student population
• Are committed to teaching in a community college setting
• Care deeply about student success
• Intentionally support and promote efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Honor TCC's mission promoting equitable access to educational opportunities
• Reflect the diversity of our community

Position Summary This position welcomes prospective, new and current students to the College's Advising, Counseling & Career Services Center. The staff members assist students to navigate the entry experience of coming to college for the first time. These positions assist current students solve problems and identify the best resources for assistance in Counseling and Advising, as well as other key areas within Student Services through cross-training. Essential Functions

• Greet and welcome prospective, new and continuing students entering the Counseling, Advising & Transitions Services center.
• Screen, prioritize and respond appropriately to incoming telephone calls as initial contact for multiple programs; resolve problems, respond to inquiries and handle referrals for services from various sources.
• Assist students to understand and navigate procedures related to all aspects of entry services including admissions, assessment, orientation, advising, registration, financial aid and tuition payment.
• Problem solve with students to resolve routine challenges and concerns related to advising, counseling, transition services, career exploration, worker retraining and Running Start services.
• Make appropriate referrals to other campus and community resources as special needs are identified that go beyond the nature of this position.
• Set- up individual appointments for students to meet with advisors, counselors, Running Start Educational Planners
• Prepare reports and maintain data related to work groups including advising, counseling, retention and orientation services.
• Maintain and update department records such as Outlook calendars, web pages, advisor dashboard, program flyers.
• Participate in team projects, planning, cross-training and quality improvement efforts to improve services.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Qualifications Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Experience providing customer assistance regarding inquiries, complaints and problem solving or other professional office setting experience
• Experience with word processing, spreadsheets, email, and other business related software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Knowledge of College's community resources and programs

Conditions of Employment

• Successful completion of a criminal history background check prior to employment.

The Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate

• Skill in building and maintaining internal/external customer satisfaction.
• An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.
• Ethics, integrity, and sound professional judgment.
• Tact and diplomacy in responding to difficult, stressful, or sensitive interpersonal situations in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflict and maintain good working relationships among internal and external customers.
• Independent judgment displaying balanced thinking that combines analysis, wisdom, experience, and perspective.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Focus on results and desired outcomes and how best to achieve them. Identifies what needs to be done and proactively takes appropriate action.
• Ability to put visitors and students at ease even during busy, peak high demand periods.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Strength in explaining complex information.
• The ability to multi-task and use time management techniques to complete work within given time periods.
• This is a part-time position and funding for this position is contingent upon continued college support.

Application Process on Material & Procedures Complete application packages must include the following:

Tacoma Community College online application.

Resume

Cover Letter

Terms of Employment This is part-time hourly position is bound by the WAC 357-04-045 provisions above and is scheduled to work Monday through Friday, varied hours up to 17 hours per week. Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet the needs of the department. The rate of pay is $20.00- $20.00 per hour. A collective bargaining agreement exists and membership in the Washington Federation of State Employees or payment of a service fee may be required. TCC Part-time hourly and student employees including work study students, will accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. Hourly non-student employees may be applicable for comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our employment page/employment benefits: Tacoma Community College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Tacoma Community College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Stephen Smith, Title VII and Title IX, Building 14, 253-###-####; Kathryn Held, Section 504 Officer, Student Affairs Administration Office at 253-###-####. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice. Tacoma Community College Human Resources 6501 S 19th St Bldg. 14, Tacoma WA 98466 The benefits information presented on this page is a summary of College provided benefits. This information is subject to change and is subject to the provisions of any legislative mandates and College policy changes. For more detailed information about Tacoma Community College (TCC) benefits, please do not hesitate to contact the College benefits coordinator at (253) ###-####. TCC offers a comprehensive benefits package which include medical, dental, life insurance, and long- term disability insurance through the Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB), along with retirement benefits through TIAA and the Department of Retirement System Eligibility Full-time faculty, classified staff, administrators and professional staff are eligible for benefits. Hourly employees and part-time faculty may be eligible for benefits if, and when, they meet specific criteria and are notified by TCC Human Resources. Effective Date of Coverage Coverage begins the first day of the month following the date of hire, or date of achieving eligibility status. If the date of hire is the first working day of the month, coverage begins immediately. Health Insurance Medical Plans Eligible employees have several medical plan options to select from (provided by PEBB). Employees pay a monthly premium through payroll deduction. Premium Rates Effective January 1, 2024 Resources: Dental Plans Employees choose from three dental plans. TCC covers the full dental premium for employees and enrolled dependents. Resource: Vision Covered under medical plan chosen. Waiving Medical Coverage If you have other employer-based medical insurance, Medicare or TRICARE, you have the option to waive PEBB medical coverage. Dental is mandatory for all eligible employees and cannot be waived, unless enrolled in dental coverage as a dependent under a SEBB (School District Employee Benefits Board) plan. Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) & Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) & Limited Purpose FSA FSA & DCAP accounts allow employees to set aside pre-taxed dollars to cover out-of-pocket health care and/or childcare expenses. Members of WFSE (HE CCC) and WPEA, will be eligible to receive a $250 FSA card if employed as of November 1, 2023 with an annual full-time equivalent salary of less than $60,000, and is enrolled in a non-CDHP medical plan as of January 1 of the plan year that FSA funds are made available. This card is issued by PEBB in the following January and does not count against the annual FSA limit, if enrolled in an FSA with Navia. The Limited Purpose FSA is eligible for employees who are enrolled in a consumer-directed health plan (CDHP) that has a Health Savings Account. The Limited Purpose FSA is only for dental and vision expenses. Resource: Life Insurance Benefits eligible employees, lawful spouse or same-sex domestic partner, dependent children under 26 years of age are eligible to enroll in life insurance. Coverage is effective first of the month following the date of employment for basic coverage; for optional coverage, amounts become effective the first of the month following approval date. Basic Coverage: $35,000 Basic Term Life & $5,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) This is employer-provided at no cost to the employee. Supplemental Life Insurance Coverage(s): Any supplemental term life insurance and AD&D coverage for employee, lawful spouse, qualified same-sex domestic partner, and family is available at additional cost to the employee. Resource: (LTD) Basic LTD: Provides 60% of the first $400 pre-disability earnings, reduced by any deductible income at no cost to the employee. Supplemental LTD: Supplemental LTD coverage to replace at 60% or 50% of full pre-disability earnings is available at an additional cost to the employee. Resource: PAID LEAVE Classified staff, Administrators, and Professional staff are eligible for paid vacation, sick leave, and personal leave, along with paid federal holidays. Classified Monthly vacation entitlement amounts can vary from 11.33 to 16.67 hours per month depending on the length of state service. Administrator/Exempt Professional vacation leave is 16.00 hours per month. Monthly sick leave entitlement is 8.00 hours per month based on 100% FTE position and will be prorated accordingly if less than 100% FTE. Annual personal leave entitlement varies depending on employee type. Full-time classified, administrators, and professional staff are paid for all federal holidays. Full-time faculty receive 84.00 hours of paid sick leave per academic year along with 28.00 hours of personal leave. Full-time faculty are paid on an annual contract and do not receive pay for federal holidays. Part-time faculty receive sick leave each quarter using a formula based on the total FTE% from the cumulative teaching contracts issued to them that quarter. They would receive 7.00 hours of personal leave if they are issued a multi-quarter appointment at the start of the academic year. Part-time faculty do not receive pay for federal holidays. Part-time hourly and student employees receive 1 hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked in a month (and fractions, thereof). Up to 40 hours of sick leave can carry over from one calendar year to the next. If a part-time hourly or student employee is hired into a full-time position, the sick leave hours earned in the part-time position do not carry over to the full-time position. Part-time hourly and student employees are not paid for federal holidays. Monthly entitlements are given at the beginning of the following month. All employees in salaried positions may take up to five days of paid bereavement time off for the death of a family member. This is separate from the sick leave or vacation leave. RETIREMENT Retirement participation is mandatory for retirement benefit eligible TCC employees. Employees are offered a choice between two retirement plans and that choice is generally irrevocable while employed at TCC. Classified Employees and (retirement eligible) Part-Time hourly: Classified employees and eligible part-time hourly employees must choose between the Public Employees Retirement Systems (PERS) Plan 2 or Plan 3. More information about these plans can be found at this link: Faculty: Faculty can choose to enroll in the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP) with the plan administrator being TIAA or the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) Plan 2 or Plan 3 administered by the Department of Retirement System (DRS). Prior history in any of these plans may limit current plan choice. Click to compare TRS Plan 2, TRS Plan 3, and SBRP. SBRP -TIAA- This is a Defined Contribution Plan. The employee contributes a mandatory defined amount and the state matches the employee's contributions. Contribution rates are based on age. TRS Plan 2- A 401(a) defined benefit plan. TCC and employee contribute a percentage of salary to fund the plan. Your monthly benefit at retirement will be based on your earned service credit and compensation. TRS Plan 3- A 401(a) hybrid plan with Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution components. The defined contribution portion of the plan is funded through mandatory employee contributions. The employee may choose between six contribution options. TCC contributes to Defined Benefit part. Administrative/Exempt Employees Administrators and Exempt employees may choose to participate in the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP), administered by TIAA, or the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 or Plan 3, administered by the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Prior history in a Washington State Retirement Plan may limit plan choice. Click to compare PERS Plan 2, PERS Plan 3, and SBRP. SBRP/TIAA- This is a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan. The employee contributes a mandatory defined amount and the state matches the employee's contributions. Contribution rates are based on age. PERS Plan 2- A 401(a) defined benefit plan. TCC and employee contribute a percentage of salary to fund the plan. Your monthly benefit at retirement will be based on your earned service credit and compensation. PERS Plan 3- A 401(a) hybrid plan with Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution components. The defined contribution portion of the plan is funded through mandatory employee contributions. The employee may choose between six contribution options. TCC contributes to Defined Benefit part. PERS Rates Effective September 1, 2023 TRS Rates Effective September 1, 2023. State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP) - Contributions Rates: Contributions are based on your age: Voluntary Retirement Savings: State Board Voluntary Investment Program (SBVIP): SBVIP is a voluntary, optional, unmatched retirement savings plan, operating under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), administered by TIAA. SBVIP participants may contribute on a pre-tax and/or after-tax (Roth) basis, up to the annual IRS limit and can start and stop their contributions at any time during employment. Contact Human Resources to start/stop contributions. Deferred Compensation Program (DCP): Tax-deferred savings plan administered by the Department of Retirement Systems. in DCP 3 months after hire at a contribution rate of 3%. Employees are sent a notification letter within approximately 30 days of hire. This notice includes information about auto-enrollment and the necessary steps to take if one chooses to opt-out or make changes to their DCP enrollment. Contributions can be changed at any time during employment. Following the initial auto- enrollment possibility, employees would contact DRS to setup contributions and can contribute on a pre- tax basis up to the annual IRS limit. Tuition Waiver Administrative, Classified, Full-time Faculty, and Part-Time faculty employed for more than 50% FTE are eligible to register for space-available classes, up to 10 credits per quarter, with the State Employee Tuition Waiver program. Class registration and any applicable class fee will still apply. Click here for the Liberty Mutual PEBB members may receive a discount of up to 12% off Liberty Mutual's auto insurance rates and up to 5% off of Liberty Mutual's home insurance rates. Contact Liberty Mutual at 1-800-###-#### and mention that you are a State of Washington PEBB Member (client #8246) or visit a local Liberty Mutual office and let them know you are State of Washington PEBB Member (client #8246) for a quote. Collective Bargaining Agreements: WFSE Higher Education Community College Coalition: WPEA Higher Education: WFSE Represented Exempt Bargaining Unit: TCC Faculty Negotiated Agreement: 01 Which best describes your level of education?

• High School graduate or equivalent
• Some College
• Associates degree from an accredited college or university
• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university
• Masters degree or higher from an accredited college or university

02 How many years of experience providing customer assistance regarding inquiries, complaints and problem solving or other professional office setting experience, do you possess?

• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• Over 3 years

03 Which of the following best describes your level of proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, email, and other business-related software?

• None
• Beginning
• Intermediate
• Advanced

Required Question