General Description
The Student Services Specialist will be responsible for supporting the institution’s graduation initiative, Inspire the Future to address on-time degree completion and supporting student retention goals. The Specialist is responsible for providing holistic student services including
academic advising, monitoring student progress, resolving registration issues related to advising, student outreach, and supporting student workshops. The Specialist offers the unique advising capabilities to students seeking career advice or guidance for transfer or dual/joint admission programs and develops programs and workshops to address student retention goals. The Specialist measures and may develop measurements for student learning and outcomes.
Characteristics, Duties, and Responsibilities
• Provides proactive academic advising with focus on educational planning and timely program completion.
• Has knowledge of successful retention strategies and implements student retention programs as directed.
• Responsible for retention efforts with first-time, full-time cohorts.
• Engages in student retention and completion analysis.
• Assists with developing student learning/development outcomes measures for Student Development goals and objectives, collects appropriate data, and completes assessments of results assigned; recommends modifications to existing services based on outcomes.
• Consults with the appropriate department to resolve problems or policy concerns evolving from within the sections of the program or unit supervised.
• Prepares reports and studies containing findings and recommendations for the review, information, and assistance of the Student Development division.
• Develops and implements student development workshops, career and employment topics, and personal development.
• Serves on ad hoc committees as required.
• Provides data on area usage and materials needed for the unit budget.
• Maintains records/data regarding services as directed.
• Performs related responsibilities as assigned by supervisor or designee.
Education Requirements
• Master’s Degree required in Higher Education or a Master’s degree and experience to demonstrate core competencies.
Experience
Refer to Competencies and Skills Required.
Competencies and Skills Required
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills to interact tactfully and courteously with students, the general public, faculty, and other staff members.
• Must be a “quick study” in order to quickly grasp knowledge of policies and procedures relating to every aspect of student services that a prospective or current student may utilize.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with MS office products including Excel.
• Ability to collaborate with others.
• Commitment to student service and a diverse population.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
• This position’s duties are normally performed in a typical interior/residence work environment, based on the activity scheduled.
• Some physical effort required; however, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Some travel required.