"Academic Success Coach - TRIO DSSS - 261086"

Academic Success Coach - TRIO DSSS - 261086

Western Carolina University

Department: Accessibility Services

Position Summary:

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA). The anticipated begin work date is early 2026.

This position is funded through a federal TRIO grant, with an initial five-year funding period secured through September 2030. Continued employment is contingent upon renewal of grant funding.

The Academic Success Coach manages academic programing and proactive services for the TRIO DSSS program within the Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR). Reporting to the Associate Director of OAR-TRIO DSSS, this grant-funded position serves as a key resource ensuring that all DSSS participants have the support and guidance needed to ensure their academic, personal, and professional success. The Academic and Success Coach will work in collaboration with OAR administrative staff to accomplish unit goals and objectives.

Primary responsibilities include provision of student-centered, strengths-based counseling, mentorship, case management, and proactive interventions to promote academic achievement and enrollment retention. This position also assists in data collection and analysis for grant reporting purposes and assists program directors in meeting and evaluating program outcomes.

The Academic and Success Coach will also work alongside the DSSS and OAR teams as a consultant, serving University faculty and staff to ensure accessibility, inclusion, and compliance with federal mandates, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), its amendments (ADAAA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

A successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively with different populations and University constituents, collaborate with all segments of the University in identifying difficulties and barriers for students with disabilities, and provide solutions for problems preventing students with disabilities form achieving their academic potential. Must be a strong advocate for students with disabilities, medical conditions, or physical and/or neurocognitive differences.

Willingness and ability to advocate for students in instances when traditional processes and strategies have not met with success. Plus: Experience with TRIO/SSS programs, an understanding of disabilities or neurocognitive differences, and knowledge of student development theories and practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance.
• Minimum of a bachelors degree from an accredited institution in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Disability Studies, Special Education, or a closely related academic field.
• Proven capability to effectively support and engage with students who have diverse backgrounds, learning approaches, and individual needs.
• Professional commitment to maintaining confidentiality and respecting individual differences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Effective communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience and knowledge of TRIO or similar programs.
• Knowledge of ADHD, learning disabilities, autism and other neurocognitive differences.
• Experience and knowledge of barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, medical conditions, or physical and/or neurocognitive differences; experience supporting individuals with disabilities, medical conditions, or physical and/or neurocognitive differences; experience building relationships with individuals with physical or neurocognitive differences.
• Experience creating presentations, workshops, and training programs both in-person and virtually. Experience leading group and individual academic, career, and/or personal coaching.

Position Type: Time-Limited Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. This position is funded through a federal TRIO grant, with an initial five-year funding period secured through September 2030. Continued employment is contingent upon renewal of grant funding.

To be considered, you must apply online. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references with their complete contact information.

For questions or additional information, please contact Lee Roddick-Brown at lroddick@email.wcu.edu