What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Services Advisor - Onsite Salem Oregon position at National Holistic Institute?
Position Title: Student Services Advisor (SSA)
Department: Student Services
Reports To: Department of Education (DOE)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Overview:
The Student Services Department is committed to promoting student success by connecting adult learners with outreach programs, academic support, and educational resources that enhance well-being and facilitate the achievement of academic, personal, and professional goals.
Under the supervision of the Department of Education (DOE), the Student Services Advisor (SSA) serves as a student-centered advocate and trusted resource. The SSA provides holistic advising and support to help students navigate academic requirements, institutional policies, and personal challenges that may impact persistence and completion.
Through proactive and close collaboration with faculty, the Registrar, Student Services staff, and departmental leadership, the SSA ensures that students receive accurate guidance, academic/professional support, be well-informed, and empowered throughout their educational journey. This role requires a high level of professionalism, ethical judgement, discretion in handling sensitive information, and the ability to maintain appropriate boundaries between personal and professional relationships.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of the Student Services Advisor include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Ensure compliance with institutional and departmental policies and procedures, including student-related guidelines outlined in the student handbook, accrediting standards, and applicable state and federal regulations.
- Develop, implement, and monitor individualized student success plans, evaluating progress, identifying challenges, and recommending appropriate interventions to support retention and timely program completion.
- Collaborate with Program Directors and the Campus President to design, implement, and assess proactive retention strategies that meet or exceed accrediting agency benchmarks and completion rates.
- Lead retention initiatives for current students, including students on academic warning or probation, “fresh start” and re-entry populations.
- Identify, establish, and coordinate internal and external community resources to reduce academic, financial, personal, or social barriers that may hinder student success.
- Partner with faculty, directors, and campus leadership to provide coordinated advocacy, referrals, and support services that align with institutional goals and student needs.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of student interactions, activities, and outcomes within the student information Transcripts database in accordance with FERPA and institutional privacy standards.
- Protect sensitive student data and ensure confidently at all times, exercising sound professional judgement in the sharing and handling of student information.
- Lead the Academic Review Committee (ARC), facilitating equitable and consistent decision-making related to change of status, living expense loans, appeals, and student re-entry processes.
- Lead the Graduation Committee, managing graduation eligibility, verification of academic requirements, and coordination of related processes.
- Participate in institutional meetings, including academic, start, placement, and management meetings, contributing to continuous improvement efforts.
- Attend student orientations, graduation ceremonies, advisory board meetings, quarterly curriculum development meetings, and other institutional events as required.
- Model ethical behavior and professionalism, maintaining appropriate boundaries with students and avoiding conflicts of interest.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the DOE and/or Campus President in support of institutional and departmental goals and standards.
This position requires the ability to maintain a balanced, professional approach while supporting students with diverse needs and experiences.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.
Minimum Qualifications
- An associate degree is required; a bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, social sciences, or a related field is preferred.
- Prior experience in student services, academic advising, counseling, or higher education support services is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and student advocacy skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse student populations and cross-functional teams.
- Knowledge of student retention strategies, academic policies, advising practices, and student support services.
- Strong organizational skills, time management skills, with attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
- Ability to exercise sound judgement, maintain professional boundaries, and separate personal beliefs or experiences from professional responsibilities.
- Proficiency with student information systems, Microsoft Office, and collaborative platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
Work Expectations
- The Student Services Advisor must be accessible to students and department leadership via email, phone, and Microsoft Teams during assigned work hours.
- Flexibility to attend meetings, orientations, graduations, and institutional events outside of regular business hours is required.
Salary : $48,000 - $50,000