Student Support Specialist (PS 4) DOH9024

Student Support Specialist (PS 4)

Office of Prevention, Safety & Health - Center for Whole Person Care (CAWPC)

Rural Nursing Education Program

This home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents and those living in Oregon and Idaho only. Fieldwork throughout Washington State is required and is expected to comprise approximately 20% of work time.

This project position is currently funded through October 30, 2030

The Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is committed to protecting and improving the health of people in Washington. Within the Executive Office of Prevention, Safety & Health, the Center for Access to Whole Person Care (CAWPC) works to improve equitable access to comprehensive health and social services through strategic partnerships, data-informed approaches, stronger health systems, and community engagement.

The Rural Nursing Education Program (RNEP) addresses nursing workforce shortages through a “grow-your-own” workforce model that supports students from rural communities who want to pursue nursing education and intend to serve in their communities. Through partnerships with colleges, Critical Access Hospitals, and community organizations, the program helps students navigate the academic and personal challenges that can affect their ability to complete nursing education.

The Student Support Specialist reports to the RNEP Program Manager and provides individualized academic advising, mentorship, and resource coordination for students throughout their nursing education journey. From prerequisite coursework and application preparation to progression through the nursing program, this position helps students build the skills, connections, and support systems needed to succeed. By addressing barriers such as financial constraints, childcare, transportation, and academic preparation, the Student Support Specialist helps strengthen the future nursing workforce and expand access to healthcare in rural Washington communities.

Key Responsibilities Include

Student Advising and Academic Support

• Provide academic advising, mentorship, and guidance throughout nursing education.
• Coordinate with colleges and faculty to support academic progress and program requirements.

Resource Coordination

• Identify barriers to student success and connect students with resources such as tutoring, financial aid, childcare, transportation, and test preparation.
• Help students balance educational, work, and personal responsibilities.

Community Partnerships

• Build relationships with colleges, Critical Access Hospitals, and community organizations.
• Collaborate with partners to coordinate student support and strengthen retention and completion.
• Collaborate with the RNEP Program Manager and academic partners to address challenges and support program goals.

Why You’ll Love This Role

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of aspiring nurses while helping address workforce shortages in rural Washington. The Student Support Specialist builds lasting relationships with students and community partners, connecting students with the guidance and resources they need to overcome barriers and achieve their educational goals. Through collaborative, student-centered work, this position helps strengthen rural healthcare systems and expand access to care for communities across the state.

Required Qualifications 

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. 

Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Option 1: Four or more years of experience in an advisory capacity supporting students by providing guidance, recommendations, or assistance with navigating programs or services. 

Option 2: Bachelor’s degree in public health, nursing, social and behavioral science, education, counseling or a closely related field and two years of experience supporting students by providing guidance, recommendations, or assistance with navigating programs or services. 

Option 3: Master’s degree in public health, nursing, social and behavioral science, education, counseling or a closely related field and one year of experience supporting students by providing guidance, recommendations, or assistance with navigating programs or services. 

Preferred Qualifications

Employee Benefits 

We want you to have the support and benefits you need to do your best work while building a career that fits your life. As a DOH employee, you’ll have access to a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, with resources to support you now and help you plan for the future. Learn more about DOH benefits and what it’s like to work with us by visiting Work@Health.

About the Washington State Department of Health

We're nearly 2,700 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. 

At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We're passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Our work depends on people who take action to learn and grow and who take action to meet the needs of others every day, in service of a healthier Washington. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.

Working Conditions:

The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Setting, including hazards:

The incumbent may work from home, DOH facilities, or remotely from an alternative location. The official duty station for this position is home-based. If onsite work is requested by the supervisor, the request will be planned and communicated in advance. This position requires reliable access to an internet connection sufficient to perform all job duties remotely. This position requires being stationary and working at a computer for extended periods of time. Work is performed almost exclusively indoors in an office environment. Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in government or home office environments. This position works in a fast-paced environment with multiple assignments and priority deadlines.

Schedule (i.e., hours and days): Standard business hours are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but the incumbent may be expected to adjust the work schedule or work in excess of 40 hours per week when necessary to meet business needs. An alternative work schedule may be considered upon request and supervisor’s approval.

Travel Requirements: Frequent travel throughout the state is required to perform the functions of the position. This includes meeting with local students, and academic institutions. When traveling for work, incumbent may travel alone or with another person, may stay overnight, for several days and nights in/or out of state. When driving for state business, the incumbent must be able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle; OR provide alternative transportation while on state business.

Tools and Equipment: This position may require frequent phone conversations while looking up information on the computer. Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, etc.)

Customer Interactions: Daily contact with Center-level managers and staff. Frequent contact with community-based RNEP partners, students and advisory board.

Other: This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment. This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities. 

We Encourage You to Apply

If you meet the required qualifications for this position; we want to hear from you. Preferred qualifications describe additional experience, knowledge or skills that may be helpful in the role, but they are not required to be considered for the position. We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives.

Application Directions

To be considered, you must complete the online application in full and submit all required materials. Incomplete applications or applications missing required materials will not be considered. When completing your application, please include the following required materials:

DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.

Veterans Preference: We value the experience and skill veterans bring to the workforce and encourage veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply. Eligible veterans may qualify for veterans’ preference in accordance with Washington State Law. If you are claiming veterans’ preference, you must attach your applicable DD-214, NGB Form 22, or other equivalent discharge or separation documentation. Please redact your social security number, date of birth, and any other sensitive information before uploading and attaching the document.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve. DOH is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, the presence or perception of a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.

Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Andrea Thieme at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH9024

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues. 

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