Academic Advisor in Santa Ana, California at The Wooden Floor

Reports to: Director of Student Development

Department: Student Support Services

Location: Santa Ana, CA

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt Part-Time (Monday – Friday, 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturdays as needed)

SUMMARY:

The Wooden Floor’s mission is to inspire and transform the lives of young people through the power of dance and access to higher education. The Next Step Program© is a key component of this mission, providing comprehensive college and career readiness support to students throughout their middle and high school years.

As an Academic Advisor, you will play a key role in guiding students through their academic journey and supporting their college and career readiness. You will work closely with an assigned group of students, providing individualized guidance, building strong relationships, and helping them develop the skills and plans needed for long-term success.

This is a student-facing, relationship-driven role that requires strong communication, organization, and consistent follow-through. Advisors are expected to actively engage with students, maintain clear expectations, and support steady progress over time.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

· Provide consistent one-on-one, in-person advising to an assigned group of students.

· Build and maintain strong, supportive relationships while reinforcing expectations and accountability.

· Plan and deliver engaging monthly college and career readiness sessions tailored to the age and needs of the cohort.

· Design and adapt session delivery methods (e.g., presentations, activities, discussions) to ensure content is interactive, accessible, and responsive to student needs.

· Support students in setting goals, tracking progress, and staying on track academically.

· Monitor student attendance, participation, and engagement in advising sessions and program activities, and take initiative in following up with students to support consistent attendance, accountability, and progress.

· Maintain accurate and timely student records and program documentation.

· Prepare reports on student development and program outcomes as needed.

· Collaborate with the College and Career Readiness Coordinator to align programming and student support strategies.

· Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling student information.

· Attend staff meetings and participate in professional development opportunities.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

· Collaborate with other Academic Advisors to support consistent and high-quality student experience across cohorts.

· Support program events, workshops, and special initiatives as needed.

· Model and reinforce The Wooden Floor’s core values and the 6 Cs in all interactions with students and staff.

· Remain flexible and responsive to evolving student and program needs.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in social sciences, education, humanities, or a related field preferred.
• A degree in progress is acceptable.
• Experience working with youth (after-school programs, social services, education, or similar settings) is strongly preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish (oral and written) is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

COMPUTER & EQUIPMENT SKILLS:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to maintain and update electronic and paper student records.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasionally bend, squat, crawl, climb, kneel, handle objects, push/pull, and reach above shoulder level.
• Frequently sit, walk, and use fine finger movements.
• Occasionally lift and carry loads up to 25 pounds.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Must have access to reliable transportation. If utilizing a personal vehicle, proof of insurance is required.
• Assist with the execution of special events and activities as requested.
• Collaborate with other staff members to ensure the smooth operation of all programs and services offered by The Wooden Floor.