About the position
The Coordinator/Advisor for Student Support Services within the TRiO Programs at Prairie State College plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting students throughout their educational journey, particularly focusing on the transfer process. This full-time position is grant-funded and requires a dedicated individual who can effectively interview and advise students on various aspects of transferring to other institutions. The Coordinator/Advisor will be responsible for monitoring activities and collaborative efforts to ensure they align with established goals and objectives. This includes assisting students with application and selection procedures for transfer institutions, as well as providing training and support to staff and stakeholders in accordance with relevant regulations and college policies. In addition to advising students, the Coordinator/Advisor will plan college visits and events aimed at motivating students to transfer and graduate. They will supervise follow-up activities as directed by the project Director and oversee a recordkeeping system that facilitates program planning, development, and evaluation. The role requires a proactive approach to student engagement, ensuring that students receive the necessary support to achieve their educational and personal goals. The Coordinator/Advisor will also be involved in various college-wide activities related to admissions, financial aid, academic advising, registration, orientation, and graduation, thereby playing a vital role in enhancing the overall student experience. The position demands a commitment to fostering positive relationships with students, faculty, and administrators, as well as a focus on retention and graduation rates. The Coordinator/Advisor will maintain detailed records of student progress and monitor academic performance through regular communication with faculty and students. They will also assist in student outcomes research and institutional evaluation, contributing to the continuous improvement of the TRiO Programs. This role is essential for ensuring that students from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds receive the support they need to succeed in their academic pursuits.
Responsibilities
- Interview and advise students in all aspects of the transfer process.
- Monitor activities and collaborative efforts in accordance with established goals and objectives.
- Assist with student application and selection procedures for transfer institutions.
- Assist with staff trainings and other stakeholders using regulations, OMB Circulars, EDGAR, college policy and procedures.
- Plan college visits and other events designed to motivate students to transfer and graduate.
- Supervise all follow-up activities as directed by the project Director.
- Oversee the recordkeeping system that facilitates program planning, development and evaluation.
- Provide financial aid and personal finance counseling to support SSS students achieve their educational and personal goals.
- Provide academic advising and counseling information services to student participants through structured individual and group meetings.
- Coordinate programming relative to the SSS Project, particularly those related to recruitment, retention, graduation and transfer.
- Support and participate in both in- and out-of-classroom lives of SSS participants in an effort to enhance their development and learning experiences.
- Maintain detailed records of all aspects of students' progress including academic, social personal etc.
- Monitor students' academic progress vis-à-vis weekly faculty contact, phone calls, electronic communications and other written correspondence.
- Assist in student outcomes research and institutional evaluation.
- Assist the Director in developing and implementing strategies for increasing retention and graduation rates.
- Design and implement workshops to enhance academic success.
- Collaborate with various departments and organizations to plan and organize SSS events.
- Assist with budget planning and forecast.
- Coordinate training for part-time staff.
- Assist the Director with completing the programs' Annual Performance Report.
- Conduct appropriate referrals for students as necessary.
- Actively engage in the promotion and marketing of the SSS project.
- Assist with all aspects of program review and student retention efforts such as surveys, focus groups, orientation sessions, parent workshops and intervention groups.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with PSC faculty, administrators, and parents/guardians to assist program participants with academic advising, counseling, consultation, referral and information services.
- Maintain a caseload of 100 participants within the grant project.
- Attend trainings and conferences for professional development opportunities.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in education, counseling or other human services field is required.
- Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with students from low-income, disadvantaged educational backgrounds.
- Demonstrated ability to assist students in a culturally diverse environment.
- A minimum of two years of experience advising, counseling or volunteer work in a related field and working with economically and educationally disadvantaged persons.
- FAFSA knowledge and experience in financial aid and financial literacy.
- Working knowledge along with comfort level in assisting students with college and university admissions, transfer policies and financial assistance processes.
- Proven commitment to target participant population.
- Ability to work in teams.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience working with TRiO Programs.
- Experience working in a community college.
- Working knowledge of Title IV-Federal Financial Aid.
- Outstanding programming skills designed at enhancing the quality of the academic and personal lives of low-income, first-generation and disabled students.
- Experience with Datatel Colleague.
