Academic Advisor - Health Science

Location: Valparaiso

About the role

Provide developmental academic advising for new and continuing students using a case management approach. Support students in defining personal and academic career goals, interpreting and understanding placement scores, program curriculum and pre-requisites, and developing basic skills to register for courses. Refer students to appropriate internal and external resources that foster student success. This position reports to the Dean of Health Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate strong commitment to student development and success through advocacy, positive attitude, adaptability, approachability, problem solving, and support.
• Provide developmental academic advising that assists students in clarifying personal and academic career goals through the use of appropriate student development, human development, and student learning theories.
• Assist students in interpreting and understanding placement scores, program curricula, and pre-requisites.
• Assist students in gaining a basic understanding of the College's registration process and processes that need to be completed prior to the beginning of each semester.
• Maintain current knowledge of the institution's academic programs, curriculum, practices, and academic and student policies.
• Coordinate with other Student Affairs and Academic Affairs areas to ensure accuracy of advising materials distributed to students, faculty, and staff.
• Possess a working knowledge of the various types of student financial assistance programs.
• Manage academic advising case load in a manner that promotes retention, persistence, and student success through proactive interactions and interventions.
• Assist students in the development of an Individualized Academic Plan.
• Monitor student progress through regular meetings, communications, interventions, assessments, and data collection.
• Maintain academic advising records in compliance with College and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Develop and maintain appropriate relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
• Utilize a communication plan to engage the college community in the academic advising process.
• Engage in behaviors that create an inclusive environment in which all people are valued, supported, and respected.
• Actively participate in professional development opportunities and professional organizations, as well as college-wide committees.

The above list of duties should not be contrasted as an exhaustive list. Other duties logically associated with the position may be assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, counseling, social work, or related fields. Master's preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in academic advising, admissions, career counseling, or related higher education area is required or one (1) year of experience with a Master's degree.
• Experience working with and being committed to diverse communities is required.
• Excellent communication and time management skills, as well as the ability to demonstrate initiative and work in a team environment.
• Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database applications including student records management systems and online social media tools.
• Administrative and organizational skills along with strong customer service attributes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in college student personnel, higher education, counseling psychology, or related discipline.
• Minimum of one to two years of relevant experience demonstrating leadership qualities.
• Community College experience or credential.

Position requires sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of the College students and employees. Fully supports the College’s mission and strategic plan initiatives.

Pay

$42,000 - $45,000/year

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• Multiple medical plan options paired with a Health Savings Account with a generous employer contribution.
• Dental plan with no-cost preventive services and coverage for orthodontia.
• Vision plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses.
• Employee Assistance Program offering no-cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources.
• Wellness program with opportunities to earn $250 in Wellness Rewards.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare (limited purpose) and dependent care.

Retirement & Financial Security

• 10% employer retirement contribution, fully vested after two years.
• Basic life insurance equal to annual salary paid by the College, with optional supplemental coverage.
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits.

Educational Benefits

• Fee remission for employees, spouses, and dependent children.
• Tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
• Paid professional development opportunities.

Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and winter recess.
• Flexible work arrangements where available.
• Paid childbirth recovery leave (8 weeks).
• Paid parental leave (4 weeks).

Additional Perks

• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Additional discounts on gym memberships, transportation, and various retail services.

Note: Employees who re-hire with the College within 180 days of leaving a full-time position with the College may be eligible for additional benefits depending on their bridged seniority date.