"Academic Counselor - SSS"

Job Description

Position Category: Staff (Non-Exempt)
FLSA: Non-exempt
FTE: 1
Location: Thousand Oaks

University Background:

The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person's dignity.

Basic Function:

Under the direction and supervision of the Director of Student Support Services, the Academic Counselor - SSS position is primarily responsible for advising students in their academic progress and performing all functions related to their academic records. This includes providing academic support through various means that align with personal educational goals leading toward graduation; reviewing, analyzing, processing, and certifying degree completion requirements in accordance with established University policies and procedures; collecting, evaluating, and conducting follow ups on student advancement; and developing, coordinating, and implementing various components of academic counseling. The Academic Counselor - SSS position will also engage in leadership roles to support the professional responsibilities within Academic Advising, including training staff on policies and procedures.

Representative Duties:

• Counsels students in their growth/development during their academic journey; guides students with identification of long term goals and career plans; provides information and direction for planning a program of study to help ensure that students meet their goals and graduate within an appropriate time frame. E
• Advises students individually and in groups regarding their academic plan and performance; implements the provisions of the academic support programs; reviews, monitors, and evaluates student progress; identifies potential student needs or problem areas; provides resources and referrals. E
• Facilitates an intake process for all students to guide appropriate course registration; reviews, evaluates, analyzes, processes, and maintains students' academic records from all academic institutions to certify completion of requirements; advises students and provides assistance and technical information regarding academic and degree completion matters. E
• Tracks and maintains information related to retention, attrition, and success rates of all enrolled students; identifies barriers and develops a system to identify and intervene with students with academic needs and/or difficulties; monitors students' academic progress including analyzing reports, identifying potential areas of concern, and provides appropriate support and resources. E
• Acts as subject matter expert for a set of academic programs; works to position the student to create a graduate plan that meets requirements for the degree; serves as a proactive agent to support students with faculty and academic departments. E
• Apply affirmation, support and advocacy in academic counseling and outreach, bearing in mind the impact of diversity, equity and inclusion in the program population. E
• Knowledge in all degree requirements and common substitutions and transfer equivalencies to support both the program participants and faculty. E
• Coordinates program activities including Semester Calendar, Financial Literacy, Cultural Events, TRIO Day, SOAR, and all other student engagement activities E
• Develops and implementation of assessment efforts of the advising, tutoring and study skills components E
• Monitors and oversee the maintenance of all student records, including updating all required paperwork each semester/year (i.e., transcripts, financial aid reports, counselor notes, student contacts) E
• Manages student intake process for all newly admitted participants E
• Conducts program evaluations for undergraduate students; prepares and records petitions to modify academic requirements; performs graduation audits to determine eligibility; confirms degree completion and commencement participation. E
• Serves as a liaison between the University and the students with respect to degree requirements and student progress; responds to requests, concerns, and complaints from students, parents, faculty, campus administrators, and the general public regarding programs, services, policies, procedures, and regulations; resolves matters with confidentiality, tact, and sensitivity; expedites referrals to appropriate/responsible group. E
• Maintains the confidentiality of student records and other information according to FERPA regulations. E
• Coordinates with various offices, faculty and staff to develop specific programming to increase retention, and graduation rates; provides accurate information and serves as a campus resource through workshops, presentations, trainings, and classroom instruction; assists and participates in various events as required, including Admitted Students Day, New Student Orientation, T2CLU (incoming transfer event), and Commencement. E
• Prepares and maintains a variety of technical and complex records and files related to assigned activities and functions; develops and maintains complex database. E
• Completes ongoing training and professional development required for this position. E
• Performs special projects and related duties as assigned.
  E = Essential Duties

Knowledge Of:

• Needs of first-generation and low-income college students as well as students with disabilities.
• Federal regulations pertaining to TRIO programs
• University rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Basic courses offered by community colleges and universities
• Proper course analysis and evaluation techniques
• Methods and procedures of admitting and registering students
• Student development practices in higher education
• Academic counseling and advising strategies
• Effective academic resources and strategies for academic advising
• Collecting information, compiling data, and record-keeping techniques
• Good customer service and Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
• Organizational and oral/written communication skills
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary
• Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment
• Relevant computer software and technology, including Microsoft Office

Ability To:

• Understand and remain sensitive to educational equity and cultural issues facing students from underrepresented backgrounds
• Self-motivate and self-direct
• Establish and maintain cooperative, professional, positive, and effective working relationships
• Practice confidentiality and professionalism in all modes of communication
• Evaluate, solve problems, and adopt an effective course of action
• Make interpretive judgments quickly and accurately regarding academic matters
• Apply University policies, procedures, rules, and regulations appropriately
• Execute program services according to department standards
• Explain all aspects of the academic requirements
• Prepare and interpret comprehensive statistical reports
• Develop activities, presentations, handouts, forms, and other relevant communication
• Work with a diverse population of students and campus affiliates
• Perform multiple projects simultaneously involving people and paperwork
• Organize work to meet timelines
• Operate a computer and basic office equipment
• Learn and utilize work-related software programs
• Communicate clearly and effectively

Minimum Qualifications:

Any combination equivalent to: bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of two years of experience in admissions, academic advising, student counseling, transcript evaluations, and other student services areas. Experience working with first-generation, income-qualified and underrepresented students.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in counseling, education, or related field and three years of professional experience working directly with a diverse student population of undergraduate college students in individual and group settings.
Practical knowledge of academic records software and programs (i.e., Colleague, Student Planning, Informer, Perceptive Content).
Experience working with TRIO programs is highly desirable

Licenses and Other Requirements:

Ability to travel and work flexible hours as needed

Physical Abilities:

Detect to understand appropriate written correspondence; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; communicate to exchange information in person, in writing, on the telephone and by email; stationary position for extended periods of time; move or transport light objects; position self to store and/or retrieve files

Working Environment:

Office environment; constant interruptions and distractions; multiple projects with ongoing and various deadlines; collaboration with members in the campus community; contact with complacent, struggling, and/or dissatisfied individuals; public speaking for workshops and events; possible duties in evenings, weekends, or holidays

Hiring Range $26-$28
Posting Number: Staff004862022
Open Date: 02/25/2026
Close Date: 3/15/2026