STEP Specialist

Compensation: $$43882.21-$46554.63/year plus excellent benefits including generous employer contributions to medical dental and vision premiums and participation in the Oregon PERS retirement system.

We offer an opportunity for

A collaborative equity-minded leader to serve as STEP (Snap Employment and Training Program) Coordinator. The STEP Coordinator is responsible for providing coaching and case management to students participating in the Colleges STEP Program supporting their success from enrollment through program completion and transition to employment; and accomplish the work of the division of Student Life. Student Life includes student basic needs student life/engagement the residence hall athletics and other student processes.

This role reports directly to the Director of Housing and Student Life and serves on the Statewide STEP Consortium with the other participating community colleges across the state. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with students faculty staff and community partners to reduce barriers to education and training promote persistence and completion and support pathways to living-wage employment. Accordingly the STEP Coordinator will play a key role in advancing CGCCs mission to ensure equitable access to education and inclusive prosperity throughout the Columbia Gorge region.

Who we are

Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is a comprehensive community college dedicated to promoting an academic and social environment that serves the evolving needs of the vibrant and diverse communities across its district and beyond. The College aims to foster an inclusive and equitable climate where employees and students from a variety of backgrounds cultures and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We understand these values are foundational to our mission and are critical to ensure the well-being of the communities in our service area. As a college CGCC commits to being accountable to communities who have been historically excluded from higher education and to the land in the area it serves. Candidates from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Mission: CGCC prioritizes equitable access to education empowers all students through learning and drives inclusive prosperity throughout our community.

Vision: As an institution of higher education CGCC innovates and excels champions equity and inclusion and nurtures belonging among our students employees and the community.

Priorities:

• Ensuring equitable access to education
• Advancing equitable student learning and educational outcomes
• Fostering economic growth inclusive prosperity and a thriving community

Guiding Principles: Open Communication Respect Integrity Collaboration and Equity and Inclusion.

Where we are

Columbia Gorge Community College serves a diverse region in north-central Oregon and south-central Washington. CGCC acknowledges we are on the homelands of the Confederated Tribe of the Yakama Nation and neighboring tribes as well as the 14 bands along the Inchi Iwana (Columbia River). Our main campus is within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in The Dalles Oregon. We also have a beautiful site in the city of Hood River.

What the area offers

Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Columbia River Gorge our College offers more than just a job; it offers a unique lifestyle. Imagine waking up to stunning mountain views enjoying outdoor adventures in your backyard and being part of a tight-knit community dedicated to educational equity and innovation.

As a center of Native American trade for over 10000 years and situated near the end of the Oregon Trail the Columbia Gorge has a rich history. Much of the area is connected to agriculture with large acreages of wheat fields cherry pear and apple orchards. There are also dozens of world-class vineyards wineries and breweries that together with outdoor recreation have created a strong hospitality and tourism industry.

Organizations like Comunidades The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Washington Gorge Action Programs and The Next Door are representative of the groups that span the Gorge area to provide community resources and leadership. Manufacturing technology and IT companies are expanding rapidly in the area which is home to companies such as Insitu Tofurky Cardinal Glass Sagetech HoodTech and Google. Portland is roughly an hour away with its various urban attractions and access to international travel.

What you will do

• The STEP Coordinator supports students participating in the SNAP Training & Employment Program by providing coaching and case management from intake through program completion and transition into employment.
• Recruit and onboard eligible STEP participants including SNAP-eligible and unemployed or underemployed students.
• Provide academic career financial and personal coaching to support persistence and completion.
• Develop and maintain Individual Success Plans aligned with students academic and career goals.
• Meet regularly with students to monitor progress address barriers and make appropriate referrals.
• Coordinate job readiness and employment transition support in collaboration with campus and community partners.
• Maintain accurate confidential records and enter required data in compliance with STEP grant requirements.
• Participate in STEP outreach recruitment trainings and cross-departmental collaboration.

What you bring.

• Experience supporting adult learners or individuals from low-income underserved or marginalized communities.
• Student-centered equity-minded and trauma-informed approach to coaching.
• Strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload prioritize work and meet grant-driven timelines.
• Experience collaborating with internal teams and external partners.
• Comfort using databases spreadsheets and case management or reporting systems.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Commitment to CGCCs mission values and equity goals.

Minimum Requirements.

• Associates degree and one year of relevant experience in social services workforce development education or advanced customer service; or
• Bachelors degree in counseling education psychology social services or a related field; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience working with underserved populations.
• Ability to travel locally and between CGCC campuses.
• Ability to pass a background check *As required by Oregon DHS
• Valid drivers license (or ability to obtain one).

Position information

Studies have shown that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply even if you dont meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications for this position please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

Open until filled. An initial review of applications begins January 22 2026.

Starting salary is based on qualifications experience and internal equity.

Please include a resume and letter of interest with your application materials