Director, Student Care and Advocacy

University of Tampa•Tampa, FL

About The Position

At the University of Tampa, the Office of Access and Community Programs (OACP) is dedicated to fostering a campus culture where every individual feels seen, supported, and empowered. Through strategic partnerships, holistic wellness initiatives, and data-informed practices, we create pathways for success that enhance access, strengthen community, and promote a deep sense of belonging. Together, we drive meaningful impact on campus and beyond. Director, Student Care and Advocacy: Reporting to the Vice President of Access and Community Programs, the Director focuses on creating an environment that encourages responsible and safe behaviors and outreach to distressed students. Working collaboratively across The University and in the Tampa community, the Director engages with other University offices to manage high-risk student cases and emergency support systems. The Director also creates learning opportunities for students, staff, and faculty in these areas.

Requirements

Master’s degree in higher education, counselor education, psychology, sociology, public health, or a closely related field, with a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience.
Demonstrated experience in higher education across at least two of the following functional areas: emergency response, crisis management, counseling, case management, student conduct, and/or mediation.
Minimum of two years of supervisory or people management experience, including staff development and performance oversight.
Working knowledge of postsecondary education law and compliance, particularly as it relates to student conduct, civil rights, campus safety, and federal regulations, including Title IX, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and the Clery Act.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and external community partners in complex and sensitive situations.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with diverse audiences.
Demonstrated effectiveness as a trainer and educator, including experience developing and delivering educational programs or professional development.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the Simplicity Advocate case management system preferred, or comparable student support or advocacy case management platforms.
Experience in victim advocacy, with advocacy certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the Spartan Support Program and Victim Advocacy Program, including assigning and tracking cases in the case management system, Advocate.
Serve as a non-clinical case manager for the Spartan Support Program, supporting students of concern struggling with family, relationships, mental health and psychosocial issues.
Direct the recruitment, training, and supervision of the Non-clinical Case Manager, Victim Advocate, and Staff Assistant II.
Chair the Case Management Team.
Oversee the case management system, Advocate, and update the system to fit the needs of the department and students as appropriate.
Develop and regularly update manuals for each program, the Case Management Team, and the department.
Provide ongoing guidance and training for case managers and the Case Management team.
Serve as a resource for University Title IX efforts, providing information on advocacy and victim services issues.
Chair the Health Clearance Committee and Suspension Clearance Committee.
Provide training in responding to care-related incidents and advocacy for campus departments, faculty, and community agencies.
Design and monitor the systemic approach to safety-related training for students, staff, and faculty, making improvements as needed, including bystander intervention programs.
Participate in the Emergency Communication Group, become a trained emergency broadcast administrator, and be active in campus emergency decision-making.
Serve as a member of the Campus Safety Committee and the Night Operations Group.
Collaborate with the Department of Campus Safety and other university offices to provide training on relevant and timely topics and establish and update student-based processes.
Oversee the department budget.
Represent the Vice President in campus committees as assigned (i.e., Orientation Work Group) and high-profile special events, as well as in their absence.
Contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with all cultures and backgrounds.
Maintains an up-to-date working knowledge of all related technical applications, software, and programs.