Student Success Advisor - School of Social Work

Virginia Commonwealth University • Richmond, VA

1d • $52,000 - $56,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Social Work (SSW) welcomes
applications for the position of Student Success Advisor. This position will
work closely with the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Advising or Assistant
Director of Graduate Advising, the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, the Office
of Student Success Team, program directors, faculty, and staff to foster an
increasing sense of responsibility and empowerment for students as they progress
towards successful completion of their program. The primary purpose of the
Student Success Advisor is to support the success of social work students from
enrollment to graduation. The position will provide advising and support to
current social work students throughout their development as social work
professionals; assist with orientations and admissions outreach activities, and
promote student engagement.

General Responsibilities
The Student Success Advisor provides holistic academic advising and support to
students in the School of Social Work. The role advises students on academic
planning, degree requirements, university policies and procedures, course
selection, internship requirements, and post-graduation options while supporting
their social integration and professional development. The position monitors
student progress, conducts outreach related to academic performance and
retention, maintains advising documentation, and collaborates with faculty,
program directors, and university partners to address student needs. The Student
Success Advisor also contributes to student success and retention initiatives,
supports recruitment and enrollment engagement efforts, participates in team
meetings and committees, and connects students with appropriate campus
resources.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work, education, professional counseling, psychology or related field or Earned 18 credit hours at the graduate level as of position start date with professional experience in higher education
• Strong written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills, including public speaking
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks concurrently
• Ability to work with a team of advisors, as well as independently
• Ability to maintain confidential, accurate records and databases
• Excellent computer skills and experience with all Microsoft Office and Google Suite products, as well as various communication technologies including Google Apps, Zoom, and social media
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing academic advising and/or retention-related initiatives with social work students in a college or university setting
• Experience using university advising platforms, such as Navigate, DegreeWorks, Banner, etc.
• Experience working with non-traditional students in an in-person and online degree program

Responsibilities

• Provide academic advising services to assigned students:
• Possess knowledge of the role of advising in supporting the mission of VCU and the SSW, academic and demographic profiles of VCU SSW students, curricula information for areas of advising specialization, graduation requirements and application procedures, and academic regulations, procedures, and deadlines
• Advise, assist, and monitor current students, individually and in groups, in academic areas such as navigating school and university general policies and procedures, time management, study strategies, degree requirements, educational policies, educational plans, course selection/registration, internship requirements, transfer information, and post-graduation options
• Advise and assist current students, individually and in groups, in areas related to social integration such as residential life, community engagement opportunities, and professional development opportunities
• Evaluate and proactively address student strengths and challenges related to professional development as a social worker (academic, administrative, personal)
• Refer students to appropriate academic and non-academic resources services at the school and university
• Communicate student advising issues and updates appropriately with relevant faculty, program directors, and administrators
• Contacting students after receipt of early alerts and midterm grades of D or F and conducting retention outreach for potential enrollment stop out
• Maintain current and accurate documentation of advising communication and information
• Engage in retention and student success efforts:
• Assist with retention and student success efforts such as support to identified target populations and/or the Office of Student Success initiatives, and new and continuing student orientation, commencement, and student programming
• Coordinate initiatives and increase number of contacts with current student advisees to facilitate school and university level retention strategies
• Serve as the advisor for a student association to support programming and event facilitation as needed
• Actively participate in Office of Student Success team meetings, as well as relevant program meetings
• Serve on various school and university-wide committees as needed
• Serve as an expert resource to student needs and concerns by actively engaging and liaising with university-wide resources, such as Records and Registration, Financial Aid, Enrollment Services, Housing, Career Services, University Counseling
• Assist with recruitment engagement:
• Assist with facilitation of strategic recruitment efforts such as campus, regional and virtual informational sessions, open houses, grad fairs, and yield events
• Support engagement efforts related to prospective and recently admitted students to ensure a productive transition into their program and college experience
• Support outreach and connection efforts with prospective, recently admitted, or current students in alignment with school and university level strategic enrollment management initiatives
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits [https://hr.vcu.edu/benefits/] package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level