Student Success Coach CARES Grant

Kentucky Community and Technical College System • Prestonsburg, KY

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Big Sandy Community and Technical College invites applications for a Student Success Coach (Academic Advisor II) in the CARES grant. The Student Success Coach plays a critical role in supporting students throughout their academic journey. This grant funded position is responsible for providing personalized academic advising, coaching, and support to help students achieve their educational and career goals. The Success Coach will engage students early in their academic careers, assist with course selection, help students navigate college resources, and promote retention and graduation by addressing academic and personal challenges. This role emphasizes proactive advising, student empowerment, and building strong, supportive relationships with students.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field required
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in academic advising, student coaching, or related student services.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with students, faculty, and staff.
• Knowledge of academic programs, career development, and student success strategies.
• Proficiency in using student information systems (SIS), Microsoft Office Suite, and advising-related software.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in compliance with FERPA regulations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple student cases simultaneously.
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to assist students in overcoming academic and personal challenges.
• Empathetic, patient, and supportive in working with students facing academic or personal challenges.
• Passionate about student success and committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and engaging college environment.
• Strong desire to work collaboratively and contribute to a positive team culture within the Student Services department.
• Some evening or weekend hours may be required for student outreach, workshops, and special events.
• Occasional travel may be required for recruitment, outreach, or professional development activities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in student affairs, higher education, counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with community college students, particularly non-traditional, first-generation, or underrepresented populations, is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide One-on-One Advising: Meet regularly with students to discuss academic goals, progress, course selection, and career aspirations. Guide students in developing clear academic pathways that align with their personal, academic, and professional objectives.
• Assist with Course Registration: Advise students on appropriate course selection, balancing academic load, and meeting program prerequisites. Provide guidance on transfer requirements, major-specific courses, and electives that align with career goals.
• Degree Audits and Progress Tracking: Conduct degree audits to track students' progress toward graduation and ensure that they are on track to meet program and institutional requirements. Review transfer credits and help students understand their academic progress.
• Support Student Retention and Success: Act as a proactive support system for students, addressing challenges that may impact their academic success. Monitor student performance and provide interventions for students at risk of academic difficulty or withdrawal.
• Develop Personalized Success Plans: Work with students to create individualized success plans that identify academic goals, strategies for overcoming barriers, and timelines for achievement. Follow up regularly with students to assess progress and adjust plans as needed.
• Motivation and Goal Setting: Inspire students to set both short-term and long-term academic and personal goals. Help students develop self-regulation strategies, time management skills, and organizational habits to improve academic performance and retention.
• Engage in Proactive Outreach: Reach out to at-risk students, including those on academic probation, students who have stopped attending classes, and students who may be struggling. Provide encouragement, resources, and guidance to help students stay on track.
• Lead New Student Orientations: Facilitate orientation sessions for new students, helping them acclimate to the college environment, understand academic policies, and get acquainted with student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and financial aid.
• Work with Underrepresented Populations: Provide targeted support for underrepresented and first-generation college students, helping them navigate challenges unique to their backgrounds and supporting their academic and social integration into the college community.
• Career Exploration and Development: Assist students in exploring career options, identifying career goals, and understanding the educational requirements for various fields. Provide resources for career assessments, internships, job search strategies, and professional development.
• Promote Transfer Opportunities: Advise students on transfer opportunities to four-year institutions, ensuring that they meet all prerequisites, deadlines, and application requirements. Assist with transfer application processes and provide information about scholarships, financial aid, and articulation agreements.
• Work with Faculty and Staff: Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and support staff to identify students who need additional academic or personal support. Attend department meetings and stay informed about academic programs and institutional policies.
• Referrals to Campus Resources: Make appropriate referrals to other student support services, including tutoring, counseling, disability services, financial aid, and career services. Act as a liaison between students and these departments to ensure timely access to resources.
• Monitor and Report on Student Progress: Use student information systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft) to track student progress, document advising sessions, and follow up on academic success strategies. Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of student interactions, progress, and outcomes.
• Provide Feedback and Reports: Assist in assessing advising programs and student outcomes by providing regular reports and feedback on student retention, graduation rates, and program effectiveness. Participate in institutional assessment efforts to improve advising services.
• Stay Current on Advising Best Practices: Continuously engage in professional development opportunities, including training on new advising technologies, student success strategies, and trends in higher education. Participate in conferences, workshops, and webinars to stay up to date on advising tools and resources.
• Contribute to Advising Policy Development: Participate in the development and review of advising policies, student success initiatives, and retention strategies that align with the college’s goals and mission.

Benefits

• Exceptional health care, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family
• Tuition reimbursement/waiver for you, your spouse, and dependents
• 403(b) retirement plan: a 5% employee contribution receives a 10% employer match
• Vacation/Sick Time
• Work-Life Balance
• 9.5 Paid Holidays
• 2 Weeks Institutional Closing Pay (Last 2 weeks of December) for qualifying positions
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

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