Position Summary

The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world.

The Multilingual Writing Specialist position helps advance the equity-centered mission of Pierce College by providing multi-pronged support for students who have a diverse linguistic background, including multilingual, multidialectal, international students, and others. This support includes working directly with students in a 1:1 capacity to develop their linguistic, rhetorical, and written communication strategies, as well as across the college with staff and faculty to help develop a college-wide awareness of equity, diversity, and inclusion issues related to multilingual writers. The position will also help identify and develop initiatives that create equitable and inclusive pedagogical practices concerning multilingual writers and writing, both within Writing Center praxis and, in collaboration with faculty, within classroom and assessment praxis.

We seek a candidate with:

• Formal training in teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language (ESL/EFL);
• Substantial experience teaching multilingual students in the classroom and 1:1;
• Knowledge of the pedagogy and scholarship of linguistics, composition studies, language acquisition, and/or composition and rhetoric, and anti-racist pedagogy and assessment;
• An ability to work effectively and empathically as a member of a diverse community of educators and with a diverse community of learners; and
• An ability to work collaboratively with staff and faculty across disciplines.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with a dynamic team that provides holistic and culturally sustainable academic support that normalizes the idea of an academic learning network and helps to dismantle systemic and pedagogic barriers. The Writing Center works with numerous instructional and non-instructional student programs across the college creating a community of support

About the District:

Pierce College enjoys a strong presence in the community and participates in innumerable partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations. Want a feel for our District. Take a peek with aerial campus views!

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake.

Pierce College Puyallup

Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land with beautiful hideaways.

Pierce College at JBLM

Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active-duty families that are serving our country.

Essential Functions

The Multilingual Writing Specialist will be responsible for the following, but not limited to:

Writing Consultations and Workshops
Engage in 1:1 and small group writing consultations with multilingual writers; develop and facilitate writing workshops for multilingual writers; monitor the development of multilingual writers and make recommendations for interventions and referrals.

Coordination of Multilingual Writer Support Services
Support multilingual and multi-dialectic students by developing Writing Center mechanisms, programs, and supports for these students; help identify and remove systemic, linguistic, and pedagogic barriers for multilingual writers; liaise with other academic support and student services departments, as well as faculty, to identify opportunities for more inclusive and equitable approaches to working with multilingual writers; design and implement a plan for assessing Writing Center multilingual support services; record and interpret data around multilingual student support and report that data to stakeholders.

Writing Tutor Training and Professional Development
Assist in the effort to expand the linguistic and cultural diversity of staffing at the Writing Center, and the cultural competency and linguistic equity efforts of the Writing Center and Pierce College. Support pedagogically-beneficial multilingual approaches to Writing Center consultations.

Other key duties include, but are not limited to
Triaging multilingual student needs, training writing tutors in working effectively with multilingual writers, tutoring students (multilingual and otherwise) in the Writing Center, and performing administrative and data recording functions related to Writing Center work, arranging peer group study sessions and workshops that facilitate community learning, and liaising with other departments across the college to support students in their academic success.

Qualifications

Education Required

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Linguistics, English, or related field.

Experience Required

• Demonstrated experience working with English language learners and/or multilingual /multi dialectic writers.
• Possess proficiency in MS Office to include Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the online learning environment and learning management systems, such as Canvas.

Special Requirements

• The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check
  after a conditional offer of employment.

Required Competencies

Culturally Responsive Engagement: Values diversity and possesses a strong understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Ability to work with faculty, staff, students, and other constituents from different backgrounds. Understands the impacts of cultural norms/dominant culture may have on pursuing a college education, particularly for marginalized populations.
Student Service (Student Focus): Ability to anticipate, understand, and be responsive to student needs and expectations, particularly under-resourced and marginalized students, demonstrating as strong commitment to the institutional mission.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Support for innovation and organizational changes, respond to change with a genuine desire to do what it takes to get the job done, and manage change in a way that reduces the concern experienced by others .
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Ability to interpret and explain regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, and reporting requirements in multiple ways.
Effective Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, groups, college departments, and external organizations, practicing active listening and clear assertive communication skills. Use effective listening skills and apply written and oral communication techniques to convey clear, timely, persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.
Team Work: Promote cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve common goals, fostering mutual respect and contribution; attempt to resolve confrontations, disagreements, and complaints in a constructive manner, find nonthreatening ways to approach others about issues. Involve others in a process to seek their support, working for solutions that all team members can support.
Leadership: Strong positive interpersonal skills including the ability to work collaboratively, build effective working relationships, be a team-oriented leader, and utilize critical thinking skills. Create a positive work environment where all staff are motivated to do their best. Willingness to delegate responsibility and to work with others and coach them to develop their capabilities.

Application Process

Application Requirements:

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
• Complete the online application profile at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr.
• Apply for the specific job opening.
• Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
• Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)
• Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: www.naces.org/members.html (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
• Upload (attach) a list of at least two professional references with names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)

Multilingual Writing Specialist, Writing Center (Program Specialist 2) Supplemental Questionnaire

• In what ways have you integrated multicultural responsiveness as part of your professional development?

Special Note: To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your NeoEd account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.

Terms of Employment:

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) classified, overtime-eligible position with Pierce College District. This position is permanent after serving a 6-month probationary period. The primary work location will be at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus. Occasional travel to Pierce College campuses or sites may occur. Work hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekend work, and occasional travel between campuses as required.

Salary & Benefits:

The starting salary of this position is $3,734.00 dependent upon qualifications, with periodic increments up to $4,541.00 monthly. However, your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long-term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr- benefits

Physical Work Environment:

This position is required to work indoors in an open office environment, which requires visual concentration on detail, dexterity, precision, and is subject to frequent noise and interruptions.

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

Screening & Interview Process:

Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.

Please note: This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the District's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Conditions of Employment:

Pierce College is a “fully vaccinated campus” under the state’s higher education guidance, which means that COVID-19 vaccination is highly encouraged for all employees and students. This position is represented by the WPEA which requires all bargaining unit members to be fully vaccinated. Any additional, up to date boosters may be incentivized by the current contract.

Prior to the start of employment, finalist(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 RCW 28B.112.080.

An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.

Bargaining Unit:

This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employee Association (WPEA).

Equal Opportunity:

The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.

For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, contact Human Resources at: jobs@pierce.ctc.edu

Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:

Sean Cooke - Title IX Coordinator
(253) 840-8472

Tami Jacobs - ADACO/Section 504 Coordinator
(253) 964-6581

Holly Gorski - Vice President for Human Resources
(253) 964-6519

Paula Henson-Williams - District Affirmative Action Officer
(253) 864-3229