Description

Suffolk County Community College is the largest community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling more than 26,000 students at its three campuses in Selden, Brentwood, and Riverhead, as well as its Culinary Arts Center in Riverhead. Established in 1959, the college offers a wide array of transfer-oriented associate degrees in the liberal arts and sciences; business; communications and the arts; computing and cybersecurity; health sciences; and many other areas. Career-facing degrees and certificates are offered in allied health professions, automotive technology, culinary and baking, manufacturing, and many other areas. The college provides high school concurrent enrollment opportunities to thousands of students each year through both Suffolk’s Beacon program and through on-campus early college classes. Designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic Serving Institution, Suffolk enrolls thousands of students in English Language Learning courses, and also serves more service veterans and military-connected students than any other college in the SUNY system.

SUNY Suffolk is searching for a temporary, grant-funded, full-time (12-month), Professional Assistant (PA) - Success Coach to support the Jane F. Shearer School of Nursing to begin as soon as possible at the Ammerman Campus in Selden. 

This is a five (5) year grant-funded position funded by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), with the possibility of yearly extensions. The successful candidate will be employed for periods concurrent with the grant award and availability of funding.     

This is a Unit III position covered under the Faculty Association of Suffolk County Community College collective bargaining agreement with the college.  

The Success Coach supports students participating in a NYSDOH grant-funded student success initiative aimed at improving retention, resilience, and on-time completion among students enrolled in the CNA, CMA, Practical Nursing, and Registered Nursing programs. The Success Coach provides individualized guidance, proactive outreach, and resource connections to help students overcome academic and personal barriers. This position requires travel to all three campuses across the college.

Job Responsibilities:

Provide proactive outreach to promote student persistence and success.
Offer individualized support to at-risk students.
Facilitate life-skills workshops on topics such as time management, resilience, and problem solving. 
Provide guidance on budgeting, transportation, and clinical-related expenses.
Connect students with tutoring, financial assistance, and campus support services.
Monitor student engagement and conduct timely follow-up as needed.
Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of student interactions and interventions.
Track academic progress and student outcomes to support program evaluation.
Assist students in navigating pathways to higher education by serving as a bridge coach.
Promote job placement and workforce development.
Collaborate with the project manager, faculty, and student services.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Dean for the Jane F. Shearer School of Nursing.
 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

Have experience working with at-risk, first-generation, and economically disadvantaged students.
Show an ability to build rapport quickly and cultivate an encouraging, student-centered environment.
Demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to addressing academic and personal challenges.
Be familiar with social service networks, community resources, and workforce development supports.
Possess strong workshop facilitation skills and the ability to present information engagingly.
Be comfortable interpreting data, tracking student progress, and documenting interventions accurately.
Be adaptable, collaborative, and skilled at working across multiple campuses and departments.
Demonstrated experience in writing professional email correspondence and verbal  communication
 

Requirements

Minimum 

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Human Services, or a closely related field.
A minimum of one (1) year of experience working with a diverse student population in advising, coaching, or case management.
Experience facilitating life-skills workshops or providing group instruction.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. 
 

Preferred 

Experience in higher education, workforce development, or healthcare training programs. Experience addressing social determinants of success, such as housing insecurity, food insecurity, transportation challenges, or financial hardship.
Knowledge of evidence-based retention and student success strategies.