Program Specialist First Star Academy

Native American Center for Academic Excellence/ITEPP

Position  – SSP II, Student Services Professional

Temporary, full‑time, exempt, 12‑month pay plan with benefits.

The Program Specialist for the First Star Academy supports the planning and delivery of academic and enrichment programming for high school students who have experienced the foster care system, with a strong emphasis on serving Native American students in Tribal placements. The role coordinates logistics, student engagement, and communication with caregivers, schools, and community partners, working closely with the Academy Director to ensure consistent support throughout the year.

• Assist in planning and facilitating Summer and Saturday Academies in alignment with annual goals.
• Support delivery of academic, enrichment, and life skills activities, including scheduling, logistics, and materials preparation.
• Coordinate campus logistics (room reservations, transportation, supplies, meals).
• Support student recruitment, onboarding, and retention activities in collaboration with child welfare agencies and community partners.
• Serve as a point of contact for students during Academy sessions and mediate peer concerns as needed.
• Support peer mentors by helping with scheduling, logistics, and check‑ins.
• Create programming that aligns with cultural needs and supports of the program.
• Assist with organizing annual caregiver engagement events and student celebrations.
• Host annual training for caregivers to update them on the program and provide information on resources for foster youth, coordinating workshops and presentations by community partners.
• Provide monthly updates to stakeholders.
• Activities may require working evenings and weekends.

• Support the collection and organization of students’ school records and program documentation.
• Track students’ educational progress and update records in coordination with the Academy Director.
• Maintain consistent communication with students and caregivers to ensure engagement and awareness of program events and student needs.
• Coordinate with schools and community partners to support student success and engagement.
• During the school year, track students’ educational progress to ensure they remain on track for high school graduation and work with social workers, schools, and partners to provide necessary advocacy.
• Create materials and curriculum that meet the cultural needs of the student population.
• Coordinate with community organizations, local child welfare agencies, and school districts to understand and access resources available for foster youth in the county.
• Coordinate with caregivers to ensure students have access to necessary services.

• Assist with communication between the Academy, child welfare agencies, Tribes, schools, and campus departments.
• Help maintain records of required permissions, documentation, and coordination needed for student participation.
• Support connections to university and community resources that benefit student participants.
• Presence in schools to support students’ academic progress.
• Coordinate with community college and university officials to ensure students understand admissions and financial aid requirements.
• Coordinate with scholarship providers to ensure students have access to scholarships.
• Conduct school visits on a semester basis to build relationships with schools and caregivers.

• Recruit and supervise peer mentors, including assignments, training, workflow, and performance.
• Arrange, schedule, and coordinate in‑service orientation and training workshops for peer mentors and volunteers.

• Effective communication with a diverse population.
• Knowledge of college‑preparatory program coordination practices.
• Research and interview technique knowledge.
• Understanding of individual and group behavior principles.
• Interpretation and application of program rules and regulations.
• Initiative and resourcefulness in planning and implementation of program improvements.
• Interview‑based data collection, analysis, and presentation skills.
• Advising…