Academic Advisor

Job Summary

This role is a transitional role with the expectation that new hires successfully obtain certification and move into the Career Advisor role, typically within one year of hire. This role is responsible for supporting advising strategies for students from entry to completion by engaging with students through non-scheduled appointment times (i.e., virtual chat, walk-ins, quick-advise) while referring students who need more in-depth support to their assigned Career Advisor, as outlined in the case management model.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Performance Requirements
• Provides general advising to assigned students and groups from entry to completion
• Provides overview of degree plans for core, major and transfer students
• Proactively communicates internally and externally with assigned students, partners, and stakeholders by e-mail, phone, texting, chat, face-to-face, direct mail, and web
• Interprets student data and develops action plans and interventions as approved by the Director of Student Success & Advising (or designee)
• Performs records management, degree, and certification planning, supports course substitution and equivalency process
• Unofficially evaluates and interprets high school and college transcripts and test scores
• Collaborates with departments to develop and implement professional development and student success activities and workshops
• Informs faculty and supports students in early alert status
• Supports graduation initiatives through communication, activities, and building awareness
• Serves as liaison between students, staff, faculty, and administrators provides referral services for students, assesses and coordinates services, and streamlines processes in a changing environment
• Assists with special projects and participates on internal committees in support of student success as assigned

Service Excellence
• Participates on behalf of the College in external community organizations and associations as assigned to support the essential performance requirements
• Attends the workplace regularly, reports to work punctually, and follows a work schedule to keep up with the demands of the worksite
• Completes all required training and professional development sessions sponsored through Tarrant County College (TCC)
• Supports the mission, values, goals, and principles of the College

Supervision
• Works under the general supervision of the Director of Student Success and Advising

*Performs Other Related Tasks as Required

The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Three (3) years' working experience related to the Essential Performance Requirements
• Within a timeframe set by the Vice President of Student Affairs, typically within one year or less, to transition into the Career Advisor role after successfully obtaining a Certificate in Advanced Education Leadership (CAEL) or any National Career Development Association (NCDA) Certification including Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP), Certified Master of Career Services (CMCS), Certified Career Counselor (CCC), Certified Clinical Supervisor of Career Counseling (CCSCC), or Certified School Career Development Advisor (CSCDA)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Degree in higher education, advising, counseling, social work, or related area
• At least one (1) year's working experience in advising and providing support services to students
• At least one (1) year's working experience working with new student programs in a college or university setting
• Bilingual conversational ability

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of student characteristics and campus/college programs
• Skilled in communication and team building across all areas of the college
• Ability to prepare/present programs to various audiences
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to use Online Student Records Management Systems such as Who's Next and Student Planning
• Ability to work independently, follow established procedures and regulations, and use discretion and judgment
• Ability to multi-task and work under conditions of high stress and high volume during peak periods.
• Ability to work in a case management process environment
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment
• Ability to think critically to effectively solve and communicate problems in a fast-paced environment where the demands for work are varied, and unpredictable in scope and volume
• Ability to analyze data and provide sound recommendations based on policy, procedure, practice, and existing regulations

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Accommodation/EEO Statement

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.