TRIO Academic Counselor presso Calvin University

Calvin University

Job Description

Job Title: TRIO SSS Academic Counselor

Department: Student Success

Reports To: Director of TRIO Student Support Services

Status: .6 FTE, mid-August to mid-May

SUMMARY

The TRIO SSS Academic Counselor works for the retention and persistence of first-generation students, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities connected to the TRIO Student Support Services program. The position works broadly with students to resource individuals and aid their success. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Assist in recruiting potential TRIO students for participation in the TRIO SSS program at Calvin Discovery Days and other admissions-related events.
• Proactively build relationships with students in the TRIO target populations (low income, first-generation, and/or students with disabilities).
• Participate in (and assist as needed) programming for targeted student populations to achieve TRIO related goals.
• Attend weekly TRIO team meetings with TRIO student ambassadors and staff.
• Organize and facilitate the TRIO textbook library each semester.
• In collaboration with the Associate Director, plan, execute, and attend the TRIO spring break service-learning trip in partnership with the Service-Learning office.
• Work with TRIO students to reach their goals by conducting regular meetings, monitoring progress, and communicating with faculty to assist student learning.
• Manage an approximate 15-20 student caseload for Calvin at large student population (non-TRIO participants).
• Work with campus partners to ensure students are receiving appropriate academic and social interventions.
• Respond to early alert reports as assigned.
• Maintain accurate records to assist in grant administration, coordinated care and student support.
• Celebrate student learning and accomplishments as they progress toward graduation and beyond.
• Other duties, as initiated or assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Potential supervision of student employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The position requires the individual to be able to work with diverse student populations.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

This position requires a bachelor's degree (B.A.) and 1-5 years of advising/caseload management. All TRIO SSS staff will demonstrate a commitment to the goals, priorities, and objectives of the TRIO SSS program. TRIO staff will also be highly qualified professionals with formal education in their specific field/designation, and demonstrate a commitment and awareness to effectively establish relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity, including but not limited to race, gender, physical ability, class, or religious perspectives. When possible, TRIO SSS staff would have proven success in overcoming barriers similar to those of the student target populations. Strong communication, interpersonal and analytical skills are essential in this position.

JOB COMPLEXITY

The position requires the ability to solve problems and to deal with complex situations where only limited standardization exists.  Instructions may be furnished in written, oral, or scheduled form. Ability to facilitate programs, initiate assessment, analyze data, and adjust accordingly to help meet grant objectives.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The position has the authority, if approved, to take action or make recommendations that will affect procedures, processes, and practices involving students or employees in other departments.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

The position requires the ability to explain college policies in difficult situations, write and edit reports or technical documents, coordinate, and assess the work of others, and activities requiring significant communication skills.  Handles confidential information.

DECISION MAKING/JUDGMENT

This position typically involves projects and/or assignments with considerable decision-making authority regarding procedures, plans, and schedules.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The position requires frequent collaboration with people from various perspectives and deals with items that may be controversial.  Participants make decisions and solve problems through expertise, influence, persuasion and/or other interpersonal skills with infrequent supervision.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work in this position is performed within routine office conditions, usually without exposure to hazardous or unpleasant conditions.

Term

This is a nine-month role working 4 days a week.

Salary

The position pays $25,000-29,000 over the 12-month contract year from August 1 to July 31. The working season of the contract is from mid-August to mid-May. The position will have 18 days of paid time off (PTO).

Time Off

Position is eligible for relevant time off. See above for details.

FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

1. Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.

2. A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.