Dropout Prevention Support Specialist- Non-Classified

Colorado Department of Education – What We Do 
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and accountability to the state's 178 school districts, 1,888 schools, over 53,000 teachers, and over 3,200 administrators to help them build capacity to meet the needs of the state's approximately 905,000 public school students. In addition, CDE provides structural and administrative support to the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and the Charter School Institute.

As the administrative arm of the State Board of Education, CDE is responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds, holding schools and districts accountable for performance, licensing all educators, and providing public transparency of performance and financial data.

CDE is a values-based agency that serves students, parents, and the general public by protecting public trust through ensuring adherence to laws, strong stewardship of public funds, and accountability for student performance.

CDE strives to incorporate five core values that we uphold in our work internally and externally.   If you come to CDE, be prepared to incorporate Integrity, Equity, Accountability, Trust, and commitment to Service in what you do.

Why Work For CDE
The work we do is rewarding and impacts the students, families, educators, and communities across Colorado. Our leadership also promotes a culture that puts families and self-care as a priority. Along with meaningful work and an environment that puts employees first, the state also offers rich benefits that intend to make us an Employer of Choice!
The following is a summary of the benefits we offer:

• Flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours, working from home, working in the office, and/or a hybrid working environment.
• Premier medical, dental, vision, and dependent life insurance options. All with a generous employer contribution keeping employee costs as low as possible.
• Employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Up to 160 hours of Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML).
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals.
• Retirement through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) www.copera.org.
• Employer-paid RTD Eco Pass (certain restrictions may apply).
• Paid professional development opportunities.

A wide salary range is posted for this position, and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority relative to others performing substantially similar work. While most salary offers are made within the posted range, occasionally an offer is made below or above the posted range based upon this salary analysis.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.Work Environment:

• Extended hours during the evening or the weekend may be required by business needs.
• 10% of travel is required within the State of Colorado for meetings/trainings, and consultations.
• Overnight travel (one to two nights of travel) will be required per year. 
• Commuting to the CDE buildings is required. 
• A Remote (Home) office is required. If you choose to work in the office, a cubicle/space will be provided to you from the department. 
• Required to report to the work location per business needs.
• Essential Functions (ADAAA)
  • LIGHT/Office environment: 
    • Required to sit, view a computer screen, and utilize a keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time.
    • May be required to lift and move up to 10 lbs of force frequently or 20 lbs occasionally.
    • Required lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, walking, etc.
    • Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
  • DL Not Required: Required to independently obtain and determine means to complete travel requirements. 

Make a Difference in the Lives of Colorado Students!
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is seeking a passionate and motivated Dropout Prevention Support Specialist to support statewide initiatives focused on dropout prevention, student engagement, and justice-engaged youth. In this role, you will collaborate with CDE staff, school districts, state agencies, and community partners to coordinate projects, develop resources, and provide trainings that promote student success.
If you are passionate about education, support for youth, and making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply!

Position Summary:

The Dropout Prevention Support Specialist helps the team lead ongoing projects, build and manage monitoring processes, and develop resources. The individual will support staff members on the team and work directly with school district and agency staff working on these projects. The Support Specialist is housed in the Dropout Prevention and Student Re-engagement office and will collaborate with individuals in the Student Pathways and Engagement Division.

The final salary is anticipated to fall within the posted salary range, however could be higher or lower depending on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other qualifications of the preferred candidate while considering internal equity.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Dropout Prevention Project leadership (50%)

Justice Engaged Youth lead (50%)

Serve as the team’s point person for projects related to implementation of Justice Engaged Youth projects that are driven by 2024 legislation (HB24-1216).

MINIMUM EDUCATION  AND EXPERIENCE  REQUIREMENTS: 

• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience in an education-related field.

AND

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in a related field such as education, public administration, criminal justice, social work, or counseling.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS: 
Qualifications for Success in the Position: 

• Three (3) to five (5) years of demonstrated leadership skills in project management including organizing groups and tasks.
• Demonstrated experience in youth-focused programming within schools or other organization.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Successful experience working with multiple teams and coordinating work in an informal leadership role.
• Two (2) to four (4) years of demonstrated experience in presentations and trainings for adults
• Strong attention to detail (proofing work, spelling, grammar, formatting, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to effectively balance quality of work and productivity expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external customers (e.g. school districts, other CDE units).
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize work to accommodate and meet the changing needs of the department and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and exhibit a proactive approach to work.
• Demonstrated ability to identify problems and recommend solutions prior to the standard being jeopardized.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as on a team.

Preferred Qualifications (Preferred/Not Required):

• Content knowledge related to dropout prevention efforts (student engagement and success, discipline and behavior systems, programs to support justice-engaged youth).
• Content knowledge related to state government and/or education policy.
• Colorado teaching, counseling, or administrative license.

Conditions of Employment (Required):

• Must be willing and able to submit to the pre-screening process and pass a background check.
• Ability and willingness to independently determine, obtain means, and complete required travel (10%).
• 10% of travel is required within the State of Colorado for meetings/trainings, and consultations.
• Overnight travel (one to two nights of travel) will be required per year. 
• Commuting to the CDE buildings is required.
• Work extended schedule per business needs
• Report to work location per business needs
• DL Not Required: Required to independently determine and obtain means to complete travel requirements.
• Sign the acknowledgment form that this position is funded through state funds and is subject to availability.

Notes:

Only completed applications received by the deadline will be considered for review. Following the close of the posting, all applications will be reviewed, and selected candidates will be contacted to participate in the interview process.

HR does not use AI to scan for MQs.

Complete Applications must include:

• Completed Online Application: Required - Submitted through our ATS.
• Cover Letter: Required - Attached as a separate document. 
• Resume: Required - Attached as a separate document. 
• Transcript: Required if using education to meet MQs - Attached to the online application and meeting requirements as described under "College Transcripts".

College Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or a foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must show the name of the school and that a degree was conferred. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. Failure to provide a transcript or foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.

**Failure to submit a complete application as defined above by the announcement close may result in your application being removed from consideration.**

Transcript Note:
You may redact information that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation from any application materials, such as transcripts or certificates, submitted with your application

** Resumes and Cover Letters WILL NOT be reviewed for minimum qualification screening.**

FOR CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE OF COLORADO:
Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024, any State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification’s pay range based on completed years in their current class series as of June 30. All current and former State employees must ensure that your entire work history within the State Classified System, including at Institutions of Higher Education, is indicated in your application so that your time-in-series can be calculated accurately. 
 
Email Address:
All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email.  Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time-sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email.  Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "[email protected]" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam-filtered email.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, a medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
 
The Colorado Department of Education is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].