"Specialist, Area of Study Advising (Student Affairs)"

Job Description Summary

To provide academic advising and related student support services and to facilitate Austin Community College's (ACC) Guided Pathways model. Work may be performed in-person or virtually.

Description of Duties and Tasks

1. Guides students during advising sessions regarding educational issues such as course and program selection, class scheduling, TSI compliance, Academic Standard Progress, adjustment to college life, study habits, career planning, and financial wellness.
2. Supports students during advising sessions with the application, award, and administration of financial aid to ensure eligible students have access to and leverage federal and state aid for the completion of academic awards.
3. Assesses needs for assistance, financial aid, or additional training, and refers students to the appropriate services.
4. Responsible for effective caseload management and implementation of interventions that promote student success and retention, with special emphasis supporting students who are academically at-risk/under-prepared.
5. Educates individuals using basic coaching techniques to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral challenges affecting their educational or career/employment objectives.
6. Coordinates referrals to college and community services as needed, including student mental health counseling.
7. Reviews transcripts, Interpret test scores and other information to determine college readiness and compliance with the TSI.
8. Maintains expert advising knowledge of assigned Area(s) of Study.
9. Maintains accurate and complete student records as required by laws, institutional policies, and administrative regulations.
10. Prepares students for later educational experiences (transfer) by encouraging them to explore career opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
11. Confers with instructors, administrators, and other professionals to discuss students' progress, resolve academic, financial, and other challenges, and to determine priorities for students and their resource needs.
12. Documents advising recommendations, directives, interventions, and other pertinent information in the district's various information management platforms; reply to emails and telephone calls timely regarding program or course issues.
13. Gathers data and prepare reports on students and activities as required by supervisor or ACC leadership.
14. Participates in and promote career- and employment-related programs and events, such as transfer/career planning presentations, work experience programs, job/transfer fairs, and career/transfer workshops.

Knowledge

• Understanding of and commitment to the principles and best practices associated with Student Success specifically, effective educational plan development, timely and effective academic coaching strategies, graduation and transfer processes, short-term services and activities that support program persistence and completion.
• Student databases, information management systems, caseload management, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and general administrative support.
• Multicultural education programs and systems and the importance of cultural competence in promoting student success.
• College admissions and onboarding processes, program offerings and educational pathways, and managing the transition to college.

Skills

• Maintain an established work schedule including weekend and evening hours.
• Effective interpersonal and public speaking skills.
• Effective organizational and planning skills.
• Disseminate complex information effectively to the intended recipient.
• Maintain confidentiality of work-related information and materials.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships that foster continued student success.
• Exhibit cultural competence when working with all students and other members of the college community.
• Demonstrate initiative, follow-through, tact, diplomacy, and good judgment in dealing with constituents.

Technology Skills

Use a variety of spreadsheet, word processing, database, and presentation software.

Required Work Experience

Two years related work experience.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree.

Other Preferred Qualifications

Bilingual: English - Spanish

Physical Requirements

Work is performed in a standard office or similar environment. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, pushing, and pulling. Occasional lifting of objects up to 10 pounds.

Salary Range

$47,840 - $54,567

Number of Openings

1

Job Posting Close Date

October 7, 2025