Academic Advisor

Job Goal

Guides students from their initial inquiry through program completion; facilitates new student orientations; assists students’ in their career exploration and class selections; provides case management and assistance for targeted student populations and tracks program completion; and participates in community outreach events/activities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are not exhaustive but illustrate the general duties required of the position. Management may require personnel to perform duties other than those contained in this document.

1. Assists students in planning a program of study, interprets college-placement test scores, and assesses students’ readiness to begin college level work.
2. Advises students in appropriate course selection and instructs students in the online registration process, utilizing various modalities.
3. Identifies and resolves barriers to student success utilizing coaching principles.
4. Incorporate research-based retention and persistence strategies for case management of students at risk of non-completion.
5. Assists students with initial career advisement, refers them to the College’s career exploration tool, and guides students to appropriate career resources.
6. As appropriate, serves as VA certifying official advising students on the educational benefits under the veterans’ administration program. Assists students in the preparation and transmittal of Veteran Administration forms.
7. Recruits and conducts outreach activities to high school students and other college-bound individuals or groups. As appropriate, serves as dual enrollment advisor with area public, private and home schools.
8. Conducts outreach activities to students who have inquired about the College.
9. Facilitates student orientations and campus tours.
10. Assists the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management with functions related to academic advising, such as, but not limited to testing, orientation, career assessment, transfer workshops, and other activities including high school and community outreach events.
11. Provides guidance to students about transfer requirements. Participates and/or organizes annual Transfer Fair.
12. Assists the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management with community outreach and retention initiatives and related follow-up and reports.
13. Utilizes a wide range of software and computer systems to track and analyze student progression and retention.
14. Represents the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management in his or her absence, as assigned.
15. Works with the student information system to provide online academic advising assistance to students and keeps abreast of updates and enhancements of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system as they relate to advisors.
16. Assists in implementing the College Equity Plan.
17. Serves on College and campus committees and participate in campus activities as appropriate.
18. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Requirements

These requirements are a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as an exhaustive list of specific duties and responsibilities. Management may direct employees to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Education Requirements/Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from regionally accredited institution.

Bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, human services, education, or related field from a regionally accredited institution. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of theories and best practices in academic advising and retention.
• Thorough understanding of all PHSC certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degree programs.
• Knowledge of college and community resources including student accessibility services, veterans’ program, student support, learning support, and student assistance programs.
• Knowledge of transfer issues and articulation agreements, PHSC policies and procedures, FERPA regulations, and relevant legislative changes.
• Customer service principles.
• Applicable student support programs, academic advising, and/or related programs.
• Career planning principles and practices.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Understanding of diverse populations and cultures.
• Record keeping principles.
• Computers and related software applications including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to serve diverse populations and cultures.
• Ability to work flexible hours including some evening and weekend hours consistent with student needs.
• Ability to review and analyze student needs and recommend appropriate success strategies and referrals.
• Ability to manage large amounts of information related to academic programs, college policies and procedures, and federal regulations.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills and the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple activities and maintain flexibility.
• Demonstrated leadership practices and ability to think strategically to support change and innovation.
• Experience with advising students on academic, finance or career issues.
• Excellent customer relations skills and the ability to establish and maintain a professional working relationship.
• Public speaking skills including the ability to engage groups as a part of workshops and structured presentations.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Ability to prioritize work requirements and demonstrate independent decision making.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, and the general public.
• Ability to coordinate student support programs or services; provide excellent customer service; promote services and maintain records.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

Advising as coaching certification required by the end of the employment period. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, human services, education, or related field from a regionally accredited institution and two years of experience in academic advising, student services, or higher education, strongly preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish.