Student Success Advocate

Purpose: Provide academic advising assistance to new and returning students; provide regular outreach, referrals, and guidance to support student success, retention, & graduation 

Classification: Mid-Management, Non-Exempt/Bargaining Unit
 
Level: IV

Reports To: Director of Advising/ Registrar 
 
Principal Working Relationships: Associate Vice President of Student Development, Dean of Enrollment Management, Student Services staff, faculty, and studentsMajor Responsibilities

1. Responsible for academic advisement including academic planning specific to each student’s degree plan, registration for classes as well as add/drops for all classes. Maintain current operational knowledge of all degree and certificate programs and program requirements at Carl Sandburg College. 
2. Collaborate and assist recruitment staff in transitioning students from the recruitment funnel into their designated academic pathway.
3. Provide general student services assistance to a caseload of assigned students including general financial aid advising, referrals to on-campus and community-based resources, career & skill exploration, goal development, and scholarship application assistance.
4. Provide regular outreach to students using a case-management approach. Manage individual student advisee caseload to ensure: three (3) or more advocacy appointments per term and an individual student success plan developed for each advisee.
5. Facilitate proactive interventions with students at risk of not persisting (i.e. financial aid warning/probation/dismissals, midterm warning lists, academically underprepared and at-risk, Starfish alerts, personal-social-economic challenges, etc.)
6. Document student interactions accurately in College database tracking systems as designated. Protect privacy of student educational records, storing records securely at all times.
7. Assist students in learning how to effectively navigate technological resources including but not limited to: mySandburg, Moodle, Starfish, TimelyCare, and course-specific programs.
8. Work with instructional staff to facilitate student development and collaborate to provide support for student concerns.
9. Participate in the retention efforts of the College including using the Starfish Early Alert software program.  
10. Attain and maintain certification in the following programs including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Mandatory Reporter, Campus Safety Authority (CSA), etc.
11. Other duties as assigned.

Assists with 

1. campus events such as the Charge Up Orientation, Welcome Week and other student life activities.
2. Participate on various campus committees or work groups to support the mission of Carl Sandburg College.
3. state and federal reporting as related to position responsibilities. 
4. departmental assessment and establishment of key performance indicators based on the strategic plan.

 
Risk Management and Loss Prevention Activities

1. Actively participate in and carry out activities in support of the college Risk Management Program in a capacity appropriate to this position.
2. Monitor hazardous conditions, events and circumstances present in the college operation to avoid potential torts or injuries to students, staff, or the general public, then communicate observations to the appropriate supervisor and/or Risk Management Committee.
3. Maintain a working knowledge of the college’s emergency procedures and how to operate emergency phone systems; including internal/external call boxes.
4. Monitor and assist with backup procedures for protection of data and respond to violations of user's agreement.

Minimum Necessary Skills, Experience, and Educational Background

1. Associate’s Degree required; Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, education, social work, human services, or a related field preferred. Two or more years of related experience in a higher education is preferred. 
2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
3. Must be able to communicate effectively with persons of diverse backgrounds and understand influence of culture, heritage and economic disadvantage on program participants.
4. Valid driver’s license. 
5. Proficient in computer programs and related technology needed for the successful implementation of department processes and recordkeeping.
6. Ability to work independently.
7. Spanish or French proficiency preferred.

Physical Requirements to Perform Job Functions

1. The specific motor skills and sensory perception to effectively instruct and evaluate students.
2. Must be physically able to pack, lift, carry and transport equipment and materials as needed (20 lbs.) and the ability to place work orders for anything over that limit.
3. Basic dexterity skills (computer work, telephone, and other office equipment).

This is a security sensitive position and will require a background check as a pre-employment qualifier.

Salary : $40,660 - $44,930