Student Advisor / Field Placement Officer

Durham College•Oshawa, ON

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce. A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, media, art and design. Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs – including six bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs – to more than 11,000 full-time post-secondary and nearly 3,000 apprenticeship students. In addition, we have more than 16,000 student registrations in professional and part-time learning. More than 120,000 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world. DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration. This position supports student success by providing academic and program guidance for current, potential, and at-risk students, referring students to appropriate college resources, and recommending alternate learning strategies, as well as having the responsibility for the placement of students enrolled in programs within the Faculty Health Sciences.

Requirements

A minimum of a three-year diploma with a strong emphasis on human relations and interpersonal communications skills.
A minimum of five (5) years of work experience in an academic office environment with a focus on student interaction and service.
Proven networking skills along with working knowledge of Faculty of Health Sciences programs, and related policies and placement needs is essential.
Must be proficient in Excel and have excellent general computing skills.
Must have the ability to multi-task and be circumspect with confidential information.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with team members and independently.
Understanding the importance of student services available for supporting student diversity.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Banner (SIS), Cognos, DC Connect, Banner web reports, MS Office is an asset.

Responsibilities

Liaising with agencies to secure and arrange placements for students enrolled in Faculty of Health Sciences programs.
Maintain current partnerships and develop new partnerships with various community services agencies to support student placement needs.
Resolving placement issues (i.e. student transportation, inappropriate or lack of placement opportunities).
Coordinating class field placement seminars for each program.
Monitoring compliance with various agency and college policies, (i.e. immunization, Public Health Act, documentation, contractual agreements, WSIB, and HSPnet) as related to placement.
Assigning students to placement in collaboration with the assigned faculty and/or program coordinator.
Monitoring the placement experience/outcomes and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
Liaises with Risk Management to review Affiliation Agreements and track agreements.
Supporting students by developing academic plans and meeting with non-standard students
Referring students to college resources (e.g., study skills workshops, health and wellness, peer tutoring).
Providing information for students transferring to other programs.
With student consent, meeting with parents/external agencies to explain student’s academic status, academic policy, student rights and responsibilities, academic options.
Using transaction sheets to thoroughly document all student interaction – maintaining records of information provided to students, date(s) and means of contact (i.e. email, voicemail, appointment as well recommended referrals, strategies, academic options).
Advocating for students in student success related matters, for example, with the dean/associate dean in exceptional matters or with the professor and/or program team.
Informing students regarding the application and interpretation of college policies.
Ensuring timely and accurate information is provided upon request and communicated in an efficient, professional, and customer focused manner.
Assisting in verifying and updating some portions of student records.
Informing students of academic choices, such as part-time versus full-time options and communicates processes with both Registration and Admission related inquiries.
Informing Continuing Education students of post-secondary equivalent courses.
Registering students using Banner.
Confirming student eligibility for field placement.
Assisting with the review of graduation status, as required.
Processing advanced standing applications and return to full time studies applications, if applicable.
Running reports for review and action by the Associate Dean.
Creating, maintaining and expanding a database of placement agencies to support the needs of the programs.
Sending out student communication regarding upcoming deadlines.
Assisting with Program Guides (for example, requirements for promotion, health documentation) and Placement Manuals (for example, Public Health requirements).
Assisting with special projects such as collecting and summarizing data.
Providing office support.
Assisting with student recruiting by participating in events such as: Open House, Focus on Durham, Student Orientation, and Student Services Events.
Attending divisional, program, and other school meetings, as appropriate.
Attending regular group meetings and inviting various college representatives to discuss policies/procedures/practices to ensure currency.
Other related duties as assigned.