Western Washington University, with 15,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs, students, and faculty. The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, and the North Cascades Mountain range. The city lies 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Western is ranked #10 in the Top Public Universities in the West and #24 of the Best Colleges in Regional Universities West, according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings. 

The mission of Western Washington University - Peninsulas is to empower individuals and communities across the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas through high-quality, accessible, higher education. Through innovative programs and partnerships with Olympic College and Peninsula College, we provide diverse pathways to academic excellence and career success. By aligning our curriculum with the evolving needs of the region and prioritizing engagement with local industries, we aim to foster a culture of lifelong learning and economic vitality. With a commitment to equity, inclusivity, and community collaboration, we strive to cultivate leaders who will positively impact the social, cultural, and economic landscape of the Peninsulas and beyond. WWU Peninsulas offers a suite of 10+ Bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity, business, environmental programs and more.  

Woodring College of Education (WCE) supports Western's mission and is committed to making a positive impact in the state and the world with a shared focus on academic excellence and inclusive achievement. We encourage applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and other candidates from underrepresented backgrounds with diverse experiences interested in this opportunity. The WCE vision statement identifies the college as dedicated to fostering community relationships and a culture of learning that advances knowledge, embraces diversity, and promotes social justice. We welcome applications from diverse applicants. 

The Department of Health and Community Studies supports Western's mission, which states that together with our students, staff, and faculty, we are committed to making a positive impact in the state and the world with a shared focus on academic excellence and inclusive achievement. We encourage applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and other candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and with diverse experiences interested in this opportunity. 

 The Health and Community Studies is comprised of three master programs, two undergraduate programs, one minor program and one institute. Programs:  

• Human Services (BA) in Bellingham and Distance Learning 

• Nursing, RN-to-BSN (BSN) Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on Leadership & Administration and MSN in Nursing Education 

• Adult & Higher Education (MEd) 

• Rehabilitation Counseling (MA) in Everett 

• Master of Social Work (MSW) is currently in the development process 

• Ecopsychology Minor (new) 

• Palliative Care Institute  

Health and Community Studies Values Statement:   The Department of Health and Community Studies values the identities, capacities, and histories of all individuals and communities. We advocate for dignity, equity, and self-determination for the public good. We facilitate strong, inclusive, participatory learning communities through anti-oppression work, ethical and critically reflective practices, scholarship, and community engagement.  

The Human Services and MSW Program Specialist provides student and faculty support for the Department of Health and Community Studies’ programs on the Peninsulas. Working with colleagues in WWU’s Woodring College of Education, this position supports program outreach and recruitment, manages student admissions and advising, and provides administrative support for Human Services and the Master of Social Work programs offered with WWU Peninsulas. Serving as a primary point of contact for students, community partners, and faculty, this position helps strengthen enrollment and student success while representing WWU in the region. This is a highly collaborative position, working with multiple departments and a local team of programmatic support colleagues. This is a face-to-face position to be located in Bremerton with limited remote work opportunities to support student outreach and recruitment. The typical schedule for this position will generally be 9AM – 5:30PM Monday – Thursday and 8:30AM – 5:00PM on Fridays. There will be occasional weekend and evening hours to support program needs.

Duties / Responsibilities:

(35%) Student Admissions, Advising, and Support

For both programs:

• Employ good judgment and behavioral interviewing skills to help students determine their appropriate and best pathway to becoming a social worker or human services professional by understanding their personal motivations and sharing program details, job prospects and graduation outcomes that put students first.
• Guide students through the admissions process, including application completion, transcript review, and program eligibility requirements, communicating timelines, deadlines and missing information as needed. 
• Facilitate background checks for students; collaborate with Academic Program Directore on eligibility 
• Consolidate all student application materials for program admissions review and recommendation to the Academic Program Director 
• Meet WWU operational service standards for timely communication with all student inquiries that come from a variety of sources, utilizing common/shared email and data systems and appropriate WWU programs including Navigate, DegreeWorks and others to ensure transparency and consistency throughout the student journey. 
• Support student information and advising systems, such as cohort Canvas sites, and coordinates information across programs as needed
• Support students with registration, scheduling, course overrides, graduation related forms and processes 
• Monitor student academic progress; advise on petitions, academic standing, and retention strategies, communicating to lead faculty/program director as appropriate.
• Connect students with financial aid, scholarships, career services, and support resources to ensure progression. 
• Support students through the graduation application and completion process.
• Collaborate with WWU Peninsulas senior leadership to provide regular enrollment reports and accurate student data for assigned programs.

For Human Services:

• Create and maintain accurate Human Services transfer guide for program pathway programs. 
• Provide advising on prerequisites, transfer strategies, and degree completion planning for Human Services program
• Assist Human Services students with continuation planning and application to the MSW program, ensuring pre-requisites are met.
• Assist with Human Services practicum/internship placements and compliance documentation including WIS (Woodring Information System) and background check procedures as needed
• In collaboration with the staff in the department of Health and Community Studies, develop coordinate, and promote HS Student Club activities as part of ongoing retention efforts. 
• Serve as club advisor for the Human Services club as necessary

For the MSW Program:

• Review candidate applications and compile materials for advanced standing consideration by faculty/admissions committee
• Collaborate with the WWU Graduate School on MSW program admission processes, serving as primary contact when needed.
• Facilitate the application and admissions process for MSW applicants by ensuring students submit complete and competitive applications, scheduling admissions interviews and coordinating the process and outcome of admission on behalf of the program.
• Assist with post-graduation licensure examination planning for students.
• Coordinate continuing education licensure prep course for alumni/general public as appropriate  

(30%)  Outreach and Recruitment

• Serve as the primary contact for prospective students for Human Services and the Master of Social Work programs; provide information about transfer pathways, admission requirements, and program opportunities for both programs
• Support enrollment growth on the Peninsulas through collaboration with local WWU Peninsulas colleagues as part of a dynamic team
• Maintain excellent program knowledge for assigned programs and serve as subject matter expert for prospective students, faculty, colleagues and partners
• Build relationships with regional universities, local community colleges including Olympic and Peninsula Colleges, and workforce partners to increase WWU Peninsulas visibility and engagement.
• Collaborate with WWU Peninsulas Marketing and program leadership to ensure accurate content for recruitment materials across websites, digital and social media, and promptly communicate any programmatic changes or updates
• Track metrics for assigned/attended outreach and recruitment activities in collaboration with WWU Peninsulas outreach staff to gauge success of events
• Provide and organize data related to admissions, marketing and recruitment and program growth
• Represent WWU Peninsulas and assigned programs at community and regional events, occasionally during evenings or weekends.
• Serve as a program liaison between WWU Peninsulas and the Department of Health and Community Studies, sharing information relevant to key stakeholders
• In collaboration with WWU Peninsulas staff and the staff in the department of Health and Community Studies, develop, coordinate, and implement Human Services program recruitment activities, including information sessions, campus visits, attendance at regional fairs and other outreach activities to support Human Services and more general WWU Peninsulas recruitment efforts
• Represent WWU Peninsulas and assigned programs at community and regional events, occasionally during evenings or weekends
• Utilize Slate (for Human Services) and other WWU systems (for graduate programs) to track prospective student outreach and follow-up to encourage application completion, adhering to service standards for a consistent student experience  

(25%) Administrative Support 

• Coordinate new student orientation, quarterly schedules, textbooks and classroom reservations, cohort gatherings, graduation events, and other program activities to support student onboarding and retention
• Assist students and faculty with the appropriate forms, including WWU forms and any necessary partner college forms
• Collate and consolidate data for MSW program accreditation, which may include coordinating with WWU campus departments for reports and information on a regular basis. 
• Maintain MSW practicum software by entering and updating information in a timely manner
• Coordinate and monitor MSW partner organization MOUs for practicum sites to ensure adherence to WWU policies and procedures
• Plan and coordinate MSW practicum site trainings and CEUs.
• Provide tenured/tenure track and non-tenure track faculty support with travel, classroom logistics/booking, course evaluations, and new instructor onboarding as needed
• Maintain student records and databases in appropriate WWU systems; manage admissions and enrollment reporting.
• Adhere to all WWU policies and procedures necessary to perform the role successfully
• Coordinate with Bellingham departments for contracting NTT faculty as necessary
• Serve as liaison with Bellingham campus offices (Admissions, Certification, Registrar, etc.).  

(10%) Special Projects and Other Duties as Assigned

The State HR classification for this position is Program Specialist 2.

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years’ full-time professional work experience post bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain positive working relationships with multiple stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven experience working effectively with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated ability to embrace ambiguity and operate flexibly in a rapidly changing working environment
• Proven ability to initiate and complete tasks independently, on time and with a high level of accuracy
• Ability to convey information clearly, professionally and effectively in presentations and meetings
• Experience successfully managing multiple priorities with varying deadlines
• Eagerness to contribute to the success of a high-functioning and highly collaborative team
• Ability to work in person, on campus, up to 5 days per week to serve student needs
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Experience with Microsoft Office 365

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work or Human Services
• 4 years’ professional work experience
• Prior experience with Slate, Salesforce, Hubspot or other CRM
• Familiarity with university systems such as Slate, EAP Navigate. Banner, and SAP Concur.
• Experience working in a satellite or community college setting.

Application materials should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and the required and preferred qualifications.

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with applicable laws, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, citizenship or immigration status, pregnancy, use of protective leave, genetic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed, religion, veteran or military status, disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal (including a service animal in training) by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU’s Policies on Prohibiting Discrimination Based on A Protected Class and Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Sex. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3751 or 711 (Washington Relay).

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: This report is provided pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act ("The Clery Act"). It includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on Western's campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Western; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report in printed or alternate formats by contacting the Office of Student Life at student.life@wwu.edu. The report can be found at: Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check will be conducted on all new hires which includes a sexual misconduct background check.