Student Success Specialist, Sr. - High School Equivalency Program (HEP) in Albuquerque, New Mexico at University of New Mexico

Requisition ID: req37872

Working Title:
Student Success Specialist, Sr. - High School Equivalency Program (HEP)

Position Grade:
12

Position Summary:
The High School Equivalency Program (HEP) housed under El Centro de la Raza at the University of New Mexico, is 100% federally funded through the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Migrant Education. The program is designed to identify, recruit, and enroll migrant and seasonal farmworker students and provide academic, social, and financial support to help them attain a high school equivalency diploma.

The HEP Advisor will be responsible for maintaining accurate records, ensuring program services are rendered to students for up to 70 HEP participants from migrant and seasonal farm working communities throughout New Mexico. This role requires a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual who can effectively implement placement plans for students who will receive a High School Equivalency as well as sustain partnerships with community organizations and serve as a representative of the program.

The Advisor will work closely with other HEP staff to administer a variety of programmatic aspects. Creativity and innovation are encouraged in developing and executing retention and placement strategies and activities. A successful candidate must be able to motivate and coach adult learners ages ranging from 16-65.

The target population includes students from rural communities, many of whom may be Spanish speaking. Strong rapport-building skills are essential to establish and maintain relationships with students, educational institutions, and community agencies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide academic, personal, and career guidance to support HEP student success.
• Coordinate mentoring, tutoring, study skills, and referrals to support student persistence in HEP.
• Monitor student progress to identify needs and provide appropriate support.
• Assist students with placement into higher education, employment, military service, and other career pathways.
• Create individualized academic and career plans and monitor student progress toward goals.
• Support outreach and recruitment activities with schools and community organizations, particularly those serving migrant and seasonal farmworker communities.
• Build community and institutional partnerships to expand student support and placement opportunities.
• Collaborate with the HEP team to facilitate orientations, workshops, and student activities while maintaining accurate records and supporting program assessment.

Funding:
Funding is available through June 30, 2027; continuation is contingent upon program needs and federal funding.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Fluency in English and Spanish (oral and written)
• Valid New Mexico driver's license
• Willingness to travel in-state for 1-3 days, including overnight stays, as needed

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment:

• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the US-UNM Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Campus:
Main - Albuquerque, NM

Benefits Eligble:
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

Department:
El Centro de la Raza Administrative (942B)

Employment Type:
Staff

Staff Type:
Term - Full-Time
Term End Date:
06/30/2027

Status:
Non-Exempt

Pay:
Hourly: $26.93 - $35.99

Benefits Eligible:
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

ERB Statement:
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required:
Yes
For Best Consideration Date:
9/17/2026

Application Instructions:
Only applications submitted throughthe official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this jobadvertisement on a 3rd party site, pleasevisit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Please attach resume, cover letter, & three professional references for your application to be considered complete.Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree; at least 2 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with farmworking communities, underrepresented populations, and/or high school students
• Demonstrated success in student retention and engagement for educational programs
• Ability to independently build and sustain professional relationships with community & campus partners