TRiO SSS Student Success Specialist

Hamline University • Saint Paul, IN

1d • $48,583 • Onsite

About The Position

The Student Success Specialist is a dedicated and student-centered professional who serves as a primary point of contact for students in the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program. The Student Success Specialist provides direct, holistic support to a caseload of approximately 70-80 students who are first-generation, low-income, and/or have documented disabilities. The Student Success Specialist builds strong relationships with students, empowers them to navigate academic and personal challenges, and connects them to resources that support their persistence, academic success, and graduation. This position is also responsible for coordinating student recruitment and the application/selection process. This is a 100% grant-funded position. Continued employment is contingent upon the renewal of federal funding.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience and a genuine passion for working with students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who are first-generation, low-income, and/or have disabilities.
• Exceptional interpersonal, active listening, and communication skills, with a proven ability to build rapport and trust with students.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a caseload of students effectively.
• A deep commitment to the principles of student development, access, and equity.
• Strong desire and ability to work in a highly collaborative team environment.
• A Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• A minimum of one (1) year of professional experience in academic advising, counseling, mentoring, or student support services in a higher education setting OR student advising in a comparable college access or success organization.

Nice To Haves

• A Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, or a related field.
• Experience advising students at a small, private liberal arts college.
• Knowledge of student development theory, financial aid processes, and career counseling principles.
• Direct experience working in or history as a participant of a federal TRIO program or a similar educational opportunity program.
• Personal experience in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting the SSS target population.
• Experience using a student information system (e.g., Workday) and/or a TRIO database.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of assigned SSS participants, serving as a main point of contact within the TRIO SSS program.
• Meet regularly with students for one-on-one sessions and cohort-based advising to provide proactive academic, financial, career, and personal guidance.
• Develop and monitor individualized Plan for Academic and Career Exploration (PACE) with each student to set goals and track progress toward degree completion.
• Assist students on course selection, major exploration, and understanding degree requirements, working in close collaboration with TRiO colleagues, the Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA), and faculty advisors.
• Support students with financial aid processes, including FAFSA completion/renewal and scholarship searches, to promote financial literacy and reduce loan debt.
• Provide timely and effective interventions for students experiencing academic or personal difficulties, making appropriate referrals to campus partners.
• Assist the Program Director in the planning, coordination, and assessment of SSS workshops and events.
• Facilitate interactive workshops on academic success strategies, career navigation, and personal finance.
• Support the coordination of cultural enrichment activities and visits to graduate/professional schools.
• Foster a vibrant and supportive cohort community among SSS participants.
• Work in a highly collaborative team environment with the Program Director and Retention Specialist to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive support model for all participants.
• Manage and process digital and physical files for TRiO/SSS applicants.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential records of all student contacts and progress in the program's database.
• Assist the Program Director with data collection and tracking necessary for the program's Annual Performance Report (APR).
• Coordinate the recruitment, application review, and selection process for new SSS students each year.
• Other duties, as assigned.
• Represent TRIO SSS at campus events, such as new student orientation and admissions visit days.
• Develop strong working relationships with faculty and staff across the college to create a robust network of support for SSS students.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Paid Time off, including vacation time, paid holidays and safe and sick leave time off
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Tuition waiver

What This Job Offers

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