Director of Student Support

Easterseals•Long Island, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Apex Technical School is a premier New York trade school with over 60 years of experience delivering hands-on, career focused training in high demand skilled trades. With campuses in Long Island City Queens and Midtown Manhattan, Apex offers 400, 600 and 900-hour certificate programs in fields such as A/C and Refrigeration, Automotive, Plumbing and Pipefitting, Electrical and Advanced Electrical, Welding Technology, Construction, Culinary Arts and Custodial Services. All programs are taught by industry experienced instructors in state-of-the-art shop environments. Licensed by the NY State Education Department and Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Apex has prepared thousands of graduates for entry-level employment through practical skills, real world experience, and a commitment to workforce success in New York City. Apex certificate programs are highly regarded and have been shown to have a substantial positive impact on economic mobility – leading to entry level careers. JOB PURPOSE To oversee the daily operation of the Student Support department to deliver a positive student experience while maintaining full compliance and fostering a collaborative and thriving community. JOB SUMMARY The Director of Student Support leads the team in creating a welcoming and supportive environment through personalized advising, resolving challenges early, boosting retention and engagement. This position is responsible for overseeing the tasks needed to ensure student success.

Requirements

Software Skills Microsoft Office Suite Google Workspace
Proficient typing speed
Ability to walk for short periods of time.
Reasonable commute to and from Apex Technical School LIC location
Excellent customer service skills
Strong desire to help students succeed and work through challenges and personal barriers.
Meticulous attention to detail.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Proven ability to exercise well informed decisions, adaptability, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
Proven organizational and project planning skills.
Ability to supervise, direct and motivate staff to obtain planned outcomes.
Personable skills to maintain an effective working relationship with management, staff, students and subordinates.
Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
Capable of working with a diverse staff and student population with varying skills and abilities.
Ability to balance priorities and deadlines.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team.
Strong leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the educational field preferred
Understanding of educational best practices is not necessary, but preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitor student progress to identify at-risk individuals and implement intervention plans to improve completion rates.
Monitor student attendance and academic progress of the assigned case load and provide advisement as required.
Maintain communication, monitoring and tracking of various groups of students at risk of not successfully completing the program.
Analyze various reports to ensure a smooth transition from course to course.
Mentor students who are not making satisfactory academic progress or need any support to overcome obstacles.
Lead conflict resolution efforts with empathy and fairness, mediating disputes between students, staff or faculty to promote understanding, restore harmony and reinforce school culture, while enforcing school policies and accountability as needed.
Contact dropped students, students who did not graduate on time, and students on leave of absence, for reinstatement and/or to ensure the completion of their education.
Monitor students return from Leave of Absence and coordinate the necessary steps to get the students back on track.
Coordinate students’ graduations: credentials, celebratory activity and related tasks.
Manage and drive the Student Complaint Committee to resolve complaints timely.
Ensure that students receive the appropriate reports/awards.
Monitor the assigned caseloads cohort requirements and ensure they are met regularly.
Function as an ambassador and liaison for Apex Technical School.
Contribute to organization success by accepting new assignments, helping team members, learning new skills, and striving to improve team results.
Schedule/approve time off for staff and conduct employee evaluations.
Maintain a positive team culture by addressing performance issues promptly and fairly, providing constructive feedback and coaching for improvement, and when necessary disciplinary action in accordance with school policy and applicable labor laws.
Works together with other departments to drive initiatives to help keep students on track to completion.
Work in conjunction with department heads and Dean of Student Affairs to help oversee student wellness and connect students to outside resources when necessary.
Help plan and execute student events and engagement activities that foster community.
Provide training for department staff as needed and ensure professional development goals are achieved.
Serve as liaison between students, faculty and administration to help resolve issues, communicate updates and advocate for student needs.