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ACADEMIC SUPPORT PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Employer
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Location
Illinois, United States
Salary
Not specified
Date posted
May 2, 2017
ACADEMIC SUPPORT PROGRAM SPECIALIST

TRIO Student Support Services College Achievement Program

University Of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign


The TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) College Achievement Program is making bold and transformative moves to improve the retention, persistence, and graduation of undergraduate students, particularly students among unique populations (e.g., historically-underrepresented minorities (URMs), first-generation, low-income, underperforming, "at-risk", etc.). Therefore, we invite individuals with specialized training, experiences, skills, and characteristics necessary for achieving success in this endeavor to apply. The program is grant-funded annually by the U.S. Department of Education contingent upon achieving annual performance objectives. The position is 12-months. We are seeking an individual who is deeply committed to a noble mission of serving students as our Academic Support Program Specialist.

We invite highly capable, self-motivated results-oriented and skilled individuals for this great opportunity, who are also energetic, innovative, problem-solving, results-oriented, and self-motivated.

Primary Position Function/Summary:
This position is responsible for promoting and achieving student success by providing comprehensive academic support and retention services to students and by making timely referrals to appropriate offices. Provide informed, specialized, and innovative programs and services that foster academic excellence among students including but not limited to first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented populations. May work within appropriate areas that serve college students and utilize the position of Academic Support Program Specialist.

The position also creates and sustains a supportive learning environment that inspires, encourages, and achieves maximum student success from outreach to completion of the baccalaureate degree. The position achieves student success through academic and personal mentoring, academic coaching, academic guidance, financial literacy and wellness, and other responsibilities that enhance students' knowledge, understanding, and skills essential for academic success and personal development. The position also develops and implements academic outreach, retention, assessment, and related initiatives. The nature of the work requires a high level of sensitivity, discretion, and confidentiality.

Major Duties and Responsibilities
  • Participate directly in the recruitment, selection, orientation, and retention of students who are eligible to receive academic support services.
  • Assist leadership, through research and critical thinking, with implementing strategic plans and/or approved proposals to ensure achievement of organizational goals and objectives.
  • Develop, recommend, and implement approved and intrusive outreach strategies for serving and following-up with students on a regular basis.
  • Research, identify, interpret, and maintain appropriate job and university-related policies and procedures to assist students with entry, progression, and degree/diploma completion.
  • Maintain ongoing written, electronic, and telephonic communications with students to ensure delivery of services and completion of educational/programmatic requirements.
  • Develop, recommend, and implement approved and needs-based academic workshops and services.
  • Maintain accurate and audit-ready records of services and activities delivered to students.
  • Collect, verify, and input accurate student data into proper database system on weekly basis.
  • Track and report to supervisor(s) service delivery efforts and outcomes on weekly basis.
  • Develop, maintain, and update student action plans.
  • Serve as an ombudsperson for students by investigating and troubleshooting problems and barriers that prevent success.
  • Apply an appropriate level of professional and independent judgment, discretion, and autonomy to develop and maintain approved collaborations and partnerships with internal and/or external entities.
  • Monitor students' academic progress and implement early-warning systems.
  • Participate in the annual new student orientation, registration, and related activities in efforts to recruit and build relationships with students.
  • Supervise student employees through assigning and approving work/work schedules and overseeing performance as requested.
  • Participate in staff and other meetings.
  • Perform sporadic evening and weekend hours upon approval may be required. Limited travel upon approval may be necessary.
  • Assist with meeting operational needs by performing other appropriate related duties.
Required Education:
Bachelor's degree

Preferred Education:
Master's degree in the fields of education, psychology, counseling, or closely related field is preferred.

Required Experience:
Minimum two years of experience, including graduate employment experience, coordinating or facilitating academic support programs and workshops specifically focused on improving student retention and graduation. Providing individual or group academic support services in one or more of the following areas: mentoring, academic coaching, learning assistance, advising, or tutoring.

Preferred Experience:
Prior experience working with first-generation, low-income, TRIO, EOP, U.S. historically- underrepresented, or at risk individuals is highly desired.

Knowledge Requirements:
Knowledge of education issues, barriers, trends, and/or research related to student success; experience using Microsoft Office suite, especially excel features; and ability to navigate the Internet.

Skill Requirements:
Must have excellent public speaking/presentation skills; organizational and time management skills; the ability to follow detailed instruction and strong problem-solving skills; the ability to diffuse stressful situations before a crisis ensues; the ability to handle interpersonal interactions at all levels and handle highly sensitive situations; must have excellent service skills with the ability to maintain a friendly attitude and work effectively with students, faculty and staff and the public; the ability to think critically and creatively; the ability to adapt to planned and unplanned change, fast-paced, and data-driven environment; the ability to work with minimum supervision; proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet.

Background Checks
This is a security-sensitive position. The chosen candidate is required to pass an extensive criminal background check prior to starting the position.

Appointment Status: This is a 12-month, full-time Academic Professional position.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and includes an excellent benefits package.

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Application Procedures:
Please complete your application profile at jobs.illinois.edu and upload: (1) cover letter addressing qualifications, experiences, and how you comply with requirements; (2) a résumé with specific month and year for dates of employment; and (3) contact information, including relationship to applicant, for three references, one of which must be supervisory. Submission of materials in one PDF document is desired but not required. Evidence of degree will be required prior to first day of employment.

Incomplete materials will not be considered. Applications may be reviewed and interviews may occur immediately but will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. To ensure full consideration, submit your completed materials by May 21, 2017; no appointments will be made prior to this date. Completed materials submitted after May 21, 2017 will be considered only as needed. Faxes, mail, or hand-deliveries will not be accepted.

For additional information regarding the application procedures, please contact:

Office of Minority Student Affairs
Human Resources
217-333-0054 (phone)
omsa-hr@illinois.edu

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.

Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability or criminal conviction history. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).

PI97682500

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