Student Services Specialist

Blackfeet Community College•Browning, MT

About The Position

Under the direction of the Student Services Director, the Student Services Specialist provides student support, academic advising, resource navigation, retention services, and programming within Student Services. The position fosters an inclusive and supportive environment and works collaboratively with departments across the College to promote academic success, personal growth, cultural affirmation, retention, and student well-being in accordance with BFCC standards, mission, vision, core themes, policies, and procedures. The specialist provides short-term student support, guidance, referrals, and routine information about Student Services, while maintaining professional boundaries and confidential records. The role includes academic and career guidance, support for special student populations, scholarship information, student activities and workshops, New Student Orientation, and retention initiatives. It also integrates Blackfeet culture and language into student support and programming, coordinates with College departments and community resources, supports required reporting, and contributes to evaluation and improvement of Student Services programs. The position is regular full-time, 12 months per year, with 26 pay periods. It is FLSA exempt. Work is performed in a normal, usually quiet office environment, with extensive use of computers and office equipment. Walking, standing, sitting at a desk, and some lifting of books, equipment, and miscellaneous materials are required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Education, Student Services, or a closely related field.
At least three years of relevant experience, including at least one year in an adult or higher education setting.
Working knowledge of student development, academic advising, retention, resource navigation, referral practices, and planning, coordinating, and monitoring student support activities.
Knowledge of Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities and the unique educational needs of Indigenous students.
Knowledge of principles, techniques, and ethics applicable to higher education student support and advising.
Assessment, referral, communication, intervention, report-writing, recordkeeping, and relationship-building skills.
Sensitivity to diverse and non-traditional student populations.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to identify, understand, and respond appropriately to Indigenous students’ personal, educational, social, cultural, and academic needs and support their retention and graduation.
Ability to establish positive rapport and trusting professional relationships with students.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality and make appropriate referrals.
Ability to use computer hardware, software, and related equipment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Counseling, Student Affairs, Higher Education, Social Work, or a related field.
Experience serving Indigenous students and/or working within a Tribal College or similar educational environment.

Responsibilities

Provide academic, transfer, social, cultural, career, financial aid, retention, and general student support services, including support for special student populations.
Provide accessible short-term student support, guidance, resource navigation, and referrals; maintain professional boundaries and refer students to qualified BFCC or community resources when needs are beyond the position’s scope.
Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interactions and services, and collaborate with College departments to coordinate student support.
Provide academic guidance to address students’ academic, personal, and social barriers to success.
Integrate Blackfeet culture and language into student support and programming.
Provide routine and factual information about services available through the Student Services Department.
Design and implement student activities, workshops, and presentations for campus and community groups.
Conduct and participate in New Student Orientation.
Maintain current scholarship resources and provide scholarship information to students.
Identify students who may need additional college-readiness support and help them identify educational and career goals and appropriate resources.
Develop, implement, and maintain student retention initiatives in coordination with other BFCC departments.
Gather and maintain data supporting student services, advising, retention, and referral efforts.
Identify and maintain community resources for student referrals.
Assist the Student Services Director with compiling, documenting, and submitting required reports.
Participate actively on committees in support of the institution’s mission.
Collaborate with the Registrar’s Office as appropriate regarding student progress and graduation requirements.
Assist the Student Services Director with ongoing evaluation and improvement of Student Services programs and services.
Perform other duties necessary to BFCC’s function, as assigned.