Advisor, TRIO Student Support Services (Temporary) - Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York at Monroe Community College

Monroe Community College

Location: Rochester, NY Category: Grant Positions Posted On: Thu Jul 18 2024 Job Description:

Function of Position:

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded program that serves students overcoming obstacles in higher education, including limited income, first-generation to college, and disability. The primary objective of this position is to increase the persistence, graduation, and transfer of SSS participants. Accordingly, the role of the Student Support Advisor is to deliver comprehensive advising services and coordinate student development activities.

This role provides support for students to persist and develop the skills necessary to earn an Associate Degree and/or Certificate. The Student Support Advisor builds a strong relationship with SSS students and provides holistic support, relying on effective student development theories and coaching models that foster a sense of belonging, student engagement, resilience, self-direction, and

a strong work ethic. The Student Support Advisor maintains a caseload of assigned participants and delivers consistent monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on participants' academic progress via reporting method - case notes in file folders, notes in Starfish, etc. The Advisor will work alongside administration, staff and faculty to connect students with on and off-campus resources. This position assists with planning and implementation of academic skills building, educational, social, and cultural programs in accordance with SSS program regulations and project expectations. Services provided by the Advisor in cooperation with other staff members must be of sufficient quantity and quality to ensure all project objectives are met.

*This is a temporary, grant funded position that may be renewed annually contingent upon availability of grant funding and performance reviews. This position is eligible for paid time off and benefits.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Possess a thorough understanding of postsecondary policies, procedures, and requirements regarding retention and graduation goals and effectively communicating them to students.
• Knowledge of best practices in academic advising and student development theories/strategies.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations.
• Ability to organize and utilize student data, documentation, and records.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a dynamic team.
• Willingness to take initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to follow through.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to complete tasks according to required deadlines.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities:

Recruitment and Orientation:

• Work collaboratively with Admissions and department chairs, school specialists, and instructors in identifying and selecting students who meet the requirements for TRIO Student Support Services program.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of the SSS orientation program.
• Present SSS program information to classes, faculty, and staff to facilitate campus awareness and recruitment of participants.
• Completes the onboarding process with new program participants by communicating grant objectives, program resources and student expectations.

Academic Assistance:

• Assist the Program Coordinator in implementing the Plan of Operation.
• Conducts required and appropriate number and types of contacts/appointments to facilitate the successful performance, retention, and graduation of a designated caseload of participants and assists in same for all SSS student.
• Support student retention and build bonds and partnerships with students through regular contact, primarily by office hours, telephone, and secondary through e-mail.
• Help students choose and enter their degree pathway.
• Assist SSS participants with staying on their pathway via appropriate course selection, registration, and developing their schedules based on students' major/degree program/career pathways.
• Assists students in understanding and negotiating the academic rules and regulations that govern academic eligibility, progress, and successful degree completion.
• Monitors academic progress throughout students' enrollment, including coordination with faculty and staff, as necessary.
• Develop and implement effective strategies and early outreach plans.
• Assist students with the challenges of balancing academic life with external commitments and situations that may interfere with their ability to be successful.
• Review early alert reports through Starfish and reach out to students who need extra support.
• Help develop individual success plans for students to meet their academic goals.
• Connect students with on-campus student services, tutoring programs, mentors, and other programs designed to support their academic experience.
• Communicate concerns about student progress to the student, faculty members, and the Director of Learning Support Systems.
• Coach students and provide workshops to develop specific skills related to academics such as time management, study skills, learning styles, test taking, and navigating technology.

Financial Aid Assistance:

• Assist SSS students with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) New York State Payment Application.
• Provide guidance if and when participants are selected for the verification process by completing dynamic forms.
• Provide services designed to improve SSS students' financial literacy, responsible borrowing, and loan entrance/exit counseling.
• Promote the Federal-Work Study opportunities.
• Increase students' awareness regarding Aid for Part Time Study (APTS).
• Provide academic, financial aid, and transfer advising for students participating in the SSS program.
• Assist SSS students with exploring scholarship opportunities.

Career/Cultural Trips/Events:

• Coordinate services and field trips that will enhance SSS participants' multicultural/global experience.
• Connect program participants with potential employers at career fairs, positioning them for possible employment opportunities upon graduation.

Graduation/ Transfer Assistance:

• Ensure SSS participants can access Degree Works and are able to navigate the essential degree requirements.
• Provide information sessions in which program participants learn about the transfer process.
• Assist students in completing applications to four-year institutions.
• Provide assistance with the coordination of college tours to four-year institutions throughout the academic year.

Other Duties:

• Develop and implement programs that enhance and support the non-cognitive development of low-income and first generation students, such as development of leadership skills and activities that facilitate transition to college, persistence, critical thinking skills, and pursuit of excellence.
• Research new trends in retention and advising practices.
• Respond timely, empathetically and accurately to student inquiries.
• Work closely with team members to develop materials for individual students and mass communication for students, faculty and staff.
• Document all student interactions in Degree Works to monitor students' progress and follow-up as needed.
• Assesses and refers eligible SSS students to other college programs for additional support and development.
• Assist the program coordinator in conducting formative and summative evaluations, as well as assist with preparing narrative and statistical reports as requested.
• Assist the Program Coordinator in the preparation of applications, reports, and funding proposals.
• Actively participate in system-wide and campus committees and meetings.
• Contribute to the development of the SSS annual program calendar.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Proactively collaborate with College-wide departments, faculty, tutors, and academic support staff to advocate, identify, and meet the academic needs of SSS students. Work closely with the Program Coordinator and staff in future projects and tasks to ensure accurate and efficient program evaluation and expansion.

MCC Expectations:

• Adheres to the College Code of Conduct.
• Contributes to, supports, and maintains an equitable, inclusive, and collaborative College environment.
• Maintains technological competencies utilized by the College.
• Commits to the philosophy of a comprehensive community college.
• Commits to professional growth. which includes seeking ongoing training in diversity, equity and inclusion to better serve students.

Job Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Counseling, or a Related Field.
• At least two years of experience training and/or working with the target population (i.e., low-income, first-generation to college and learning disabled or physically disabled students preferred as well as knowledge of Federal TRIO grants).
• Proven track record meeting the objectives of a state or federal grant.
• Demonstrated ability to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism.
• Demonstrate knowledge of educational opportunities and student financial aid.
• Genuine interest in helping low-income and first-generation college students overcome challenges and progress through college.
• Knowledge of student development theories and needs of two-year college students.
• Strong problem-solving skills. Must demonstrate the ability to capture essential issues, suggest solutions and provide research and follow-through.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and apply confidentiality rules/guidelines/laws.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in active listening, be a team player, and reinforce boundaries with students.
• Ability to multi-task and organize, prioritize, and follow multiple projects and tasks through to completion with an attention to detail; work independently in meeting various time deadlines and work pressures with frequent interruptions.
• Demonstrated ability in following policies and procedures implemented by grant programs and host institution.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department staff, faculty, students and the public;
• Experience with college database software (e.g., Starfish, Degree Works, BANNER).
• Proven knowledge of Higher education, including registration requirements and study skills necessary to succeed.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations by promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that is respectful and accepting of diversity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Business Administration.
• Marketing, Higher Education Administration, or other field related to area of assignment.
• Have a minimum of three to five years of experience working with a diverse population of students.
• Knowledge of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Demonstrated knowledge of and/or experience with Student Support Services and/or TRIO programs.
• Evidence of effective communication, interpersonal, public speaking, and writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability with designing, developing, implementing, conducting, and assessing educational programs.
• Commitment to the mission of the institution, as well as continual professional growth.
• Bilingual and able to read, write, and speak Spanish, or other languages, proficiently.

Additional Information:

Salary: Salary is determined based on experience, internal equity and college budget. This position has a range of $42,000 to $44,000 and is based on these mentioned factors.

MCC offers a Flexible Work Policy for benefit eligible employees. Types of flexible work arrangements include flextime/staggered shifts, remote work/telecommuting and compressed work schedule. The availability of flexible work arrangements varies by division, department, and position, based upon business and operational needs. Limitations to flexible work arrangements are outlined in the official policy.

Prohibition of Remote Work Outside New York State: Remote work locations outside New York State are not authorized by the College due to out-of-state tax and regulatory implications. In limited circumstances, prompted by business or operational needs, the College may approve requests to work remotely outside of New York State, on a short term, temporary basis.

Monroe Community College prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, familial status, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, domestic violence, victim status, criminal conviction, or any other characteristic or status protected by state or federal laws or College policy in admissions, employment, and treatment of students and employees, or in any aspect of the business of the College.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

Annual Campus Security & Fire Safety Report