"Graduate Senior Advising Specialist"

About the University

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) enrolls over 16,000 students, where nearly 60% are first generation and over 55% are students of color. Located in downtown Denver, we are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado. As the third largest institution of higher education in Colorado and the only institution with an open access mission, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s students. The University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success. Visit MSU Denver

About the Department of Social Work

The Department of Social Work at MSU Denver is a growing academic unit consisting of undergraduate and graduate education and includes the Master of Social Work Program, Bachelor of Science in Social Work Program, grants and contract services, the Office of Social Work Internships, and the Office of Social Work Student Services, Operations and Finance. The mission of MSU Denver's Department of Social Work is to prepare social workers to engage in skillful, ethical, justice-oriented, and effective practice in their communities.

We accomplish this by:

• Educating and training students to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, including those who are members of historically excluded populations.
• Building community centered and strategic partnerships with organizations, co-creating relationship-centered learning and working environments to foster growth and collaboration.
• Utilizing the NASW Code of Ethics to inform teaching and practice, while adapting to changes in the field and world, drawing from a vast knowledge base informed by multiple perspectives. Visit Department of Social Work

Position Summary

MSU Denver is seeking applicants for a Graduate Senior Advising Specialist. The Graduate Senior Advising Specialist in the Department of Social Work provides academic advising and coaching support to 300-500 graduate students in the Master of Social Work program, as well as providing support for prospective MSW program students.

Responsibilities

• Graduate Student Advising - 30%: Provide academic advising to MSW program students in person, by phone or online. Use Navigate360 and other advising-related systems to document student interactions, and facilitate communication. Maintain an advanced understanding of the MSW program curriculum and degree completion options to maximize student progression and retention. Coordinate closely with the Office of Social Work Internships to ensure students are receiving critical information regarding internship placement and support. Facilitate student enrollment and solve registration problems and errors. Work with a diverse population of graduate students who are at various levels in their careers and lives. Analyze Degree Progress Reports (DPRs) at the conclusion of every semester and provide students with an individualized Academic Progress Report (APR) that includes an attainable path to graduation. Identify students who are out of academic standing compliance and design a customized resolution plan that adheres to programmatic course sequencing rules as well as Departmental and University policies and procedures. Conduct outreach activities that impact retention such as Early Alert campaigns, drop and withdraw support, and leave of absences. Initiate students applications for graduation and determine who is eligible for graduation in partnership with the Registrars Office. Design and participate in University and departmental advising campaigns. Ensure individual advising services are accessible to all students, to include both fully online and on campus students. Engage in assessment practices to continually improve and develop advising services.
• Graduate Student Coaching - 30%: Meet regularly with the MSW Program Director to discuss student support needs and attend MSW faculty meetings. Coach students through academic and administrative barriers to connect them with resources and provide additional check-ins with students as needed. Coordinate Student Support Reviews (SSR), as needed, that involve feedback from all instructors and faculty advisor. Work collaboratively with program faculty to identify student support needs on a cohort or individual basis, and to foster a network of support for students between the student, advisor, and faculty. Communicate with the Office of Social Work Internships on student support issues. Engage with University student support resources such as CARE reports, Office of Graduate Studies, the Counseling Center and other areas. Participate in the Student Support Process, through attendance in formal resolution focused meetings. Engage in assessment of the Student Support Process to ensure the student perspective is considered.
• Student Engagement and Post Graduate Success - 25%: Lead information sessions for prospective MSW students and offer individual prospective student support. Maintain and regularly assess the MSW Program Student Orientation in Canvas. Participate in the MSW Program Fall Assembly and MSW Pinning and Hooding Ceremony and any other departmental events. Educate MSW Program students on licensure options, requirements, and policies, including how licensure varies from state to state, with a focus on Colorado. Liaise with the National Association of Social Workers, Colorado (NASW-CO) to stay informed about licensure requirements or policies. Work with the Social Work Assessment Committee to facilitate exit and alumni surveys. Explore a mentorship program or other means of connection for MSW alums and current students.
• Departmental and University Engagement - 10%: Serve on at least two departmental committees. Actively participate in the MSU Denver advising community including attendance at regular meetings, providing feedback, and participating in workgroups as needed. Serve as a point of contact for MSU Denver Graduate Studies including attendance at regular meetings, providing feedback, and participating in workgroups as needed.
• Other duties as assigned - 5%

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Exceptional organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• Ability to build strong relationships with students, faculty, and colleagues
• Demonstrated ability to relate effectively with a diverse university community

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree
• Minimum of 3 years of academic advising experience or work in a similar student success role
• Detail-oriented; ability to consistently and accurately track and maintain data

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in higher education, social work, or other related field
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency
• Experience assisting with developing and/or leading trainings, workshops or presentations

Schedule Information

Full Time, Exempt, Days of Week: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Evenings and Weekend Work: Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekend hours as needed, Schedule: Hybrid with required in person, on campus work as well as some remote schedules, Travel: Rarely

Salary for Announcement

The anticipated hiring range is $50,000 - $61,800.

Instructions to Apply

Please apply by visiting our career site and searching for JR104033. For full consideration, submit a resume and cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.