What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Advisor position at Rhodes State College?
Summary of Duties
Under the general direction of the Director of Advising, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, the Advisor serves as a resource for students in the areas of onboarding, curriculum, success, and completion. The person in this role provides proactive and developmental academic advising to new, first-semester students and an assigned caseload of students using strategies and methods based on the guided pathways model and an ‘advising as teaching’ mindset. They also contribute to the success of the department and College through a student-centered approach. A successful Staff Advisor will be able to learn quickly, demonstrate empathy, and provide support to students. In addition, specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Duties & Responsibilities
- Create rapport and build relationships so that each advisee feels a connection, support, and guidance to promote student success and retention.
- Guide students in developing a plan of study that meets degree requirements, including recommending appropriate academic course loads and course selections.
- Facilitate problem-solving, decision-making, planning, and goal setting.
- Connect advisees to available campus resources according to individual needs.
- Support student progress with a consistent and effective pattern of proactive outreach.
- Support assigned Faculty by providing information and resources to support student persistence, retention, and completion.
- Teach students how to track their academic progress, locate and interpret appropriate policies, and utilize the tools and resources available.
- Use technology that supports advising and registration. Document contact with students through appointment notes, email, and phone conversations.
- Develop strong working relationships with academic departments, programs, faculty, and staff.
- Engage in ongoing assessment and development of the College's advising practices.
- Complete tasks in a timely manner.
- Perform other related duties and special assignments as required
- Serve as an active member of institutional meetings and within Shared Governance as appropriate.
Experience, Skills & Abilities
- One to three years of experience in academic advising, admissions, or other higher education functional areas (including internships and practicums).
- Strong communication, decision-making, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new software.
- Successful experience with underrepresented populations and respect for all people of disadvantaged backgrounds.
- An understanding of and appreciation for the community college setting and the College's mission statement.
- Evening and weekend hours may be required.
Education & Certifications
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, counseling, or related field.
Preferred:
Master’s degree in college student personnel, social work, education, higher education administration, or related field.