Student Services Specialist - American Career College

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position.  However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.)

Student Facing:

• Coordinates the day to day operations/activities related to a comprehensive student services program and other related activities that support successful student satisfaction and graduate outcomes.
• Develops an individualized success plan and records for each student.
• Enhances student success through personal and academic coaching, developmental workshops, increased student engagement, and referrals to other campus resources.
• Meets regularly with identified students to access their needs, assists in academic planning and goal setting, and monitors their attendance and academic progress.
• Assists students in navigating academic and non-academic resources on campus, online, and in the community.
• Employs various techniques to help students finish the program, including but not limited to improve study skills, assist student in improving test taking skills and provide student with time-management tools.
• Serves as a mentor, role model and facilitator and provides guidance and academic support for students.
• Refers students to community organizations and social service agencies for assistance as appropriate.
• Refers students’ to other College personnel/Departments as needed.
• Coordinates issuance of parking passes, records and resolves issues/concerns for students that need transportation to college.
• Maintains and oversees student identification system/photographs for college entry; ensures appropriate supplies, forms, and materials are available and coordinates maintenance of system and equipment as applicable.
• Assists with the student information system used in student services needs analysis, awards and records maintenance; troubleshoots problems and resolves with Information Technology Services personnel.

Retention Goals & Strategy:

• Maintains documentation of all student interactions and generates regular performance reports summarizing student progress.
• Maintains advising related student records with the necessary information for each individual student, i.e.; progress towards program requirements, goals and objectives, information, and concerns.
• Develops strategies to meet program retention goals. Works with the college administration, staff and faculty members to improve operations in the Student Services area and student satisfaction rates.
• Develops key metrics to track and report retention rates and outcomes for the purpose of notifying and updating leadership committees as it relates to overall successful operation outcomes for College. Identify key areas of concern as it relates to student success and retention.
• Develops a written institutional retention plan, complete with historical analysis, goals, and strategies for the purpose of managing, developing, implementing and assessing a comprehensive retention action plan.
• Interprets existing retention practices and develops and implements new retention practices and policies to successfully navigate and achieve retention goals. May serve as a member of interdepartmental committees to review and modify existing and revised practices and policy.
• Reviews, recommends and implements improvements and enhancements to the consistency and quality of course offerings, course/program development, and curriculum.
• Follows proper procedures/channels of communication.
• Utilizes daily data reports to develop accurate assessments and guide daily actions. Reviews data and progress updates with Program Director, Director of Education on a daily basis.
• Facilitates monthly student services meetings for the purpose of reporting progress and areas of concern; presents recommendations for modifications and adjustments to meet goals.
• Analyzes student attendance, student satisfaction and other retention related data to develop a protocol and strategies for reaching out to students for whom traditional retention programs have not been successful.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of individual overall retention strategies.
• Collaborates and participates in maintaining a student and learner-centered philosophy and focuses student services initiatives on successful student outcomes including: retention, graduation, placement, and transfer success.
• Oversees/monitors the student attrition, retention, and re-entry efforts of the college and participates in the implementation of the Institutional Effectiveness Plan and campus retention efforts.
• Provides administrative oversight in the academic and social integration of the student into college life assisting the student in achieving their educational, career and personal goals; and advocates those programs and services that students require to be successful in their academic career pursuits.
• Provides administrative oversight for student attrition, retention and re-entry activities in collaboration with all program faculty and staff.  Additional activities include, graduation, special events/programs/awards/appreciation days, along with interventions such as: student advocacy, mediation, conflict resolution, problem resolution, student clubs and student development centers. Negotiates services with vendors on a quarterly and bi-annually basis as it relates to student events.
• Prepares appropriate reports; monitors and reports on student retention data; prepares trend analysis indicating variances from year to year or month to month and projects student retention figures to be used in strategic decision making/planning.
• Utilizes tracking system for early identification of at-risk students and contacts the student to provide success strategies, services, and resources.
• Assists with preparation and execution of the Graduation Preview Process to ensure successful outcomes for respective campus.
• Acts as a liaison with students and the College to enhance services and acts as a student advocate and mediates conflicts.

General:

• Participates in professional development and organizations in order to maintain an understanding of current ideas, research and practices, attends meetings, workshops and seminars to enrich personal growth, knowledge and skill in management development.
• Maintains professional appearance for position and serves as a role model, leader and mentor to the college community.
• Adheres to College policies and procedures and provides leadership to all staff through guidance and example.
• Conducts job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set out in the College’s Code of Ethical Conduct, Compliance Agreement, Sexual Harassment Policy or any of its policies and procedures, applicable federal and states laws, and applicable professional standards.
• Maintains established department policies, procedures and attends in-services and other required meetings.
• Maintains confidentiality of all student, associate, and/or college information as required.
• Exercises care, proper use and maintenance of department equipment and supplies and identifies unsafe conditions and makes appropriate adjustments.
• Maintains order, cleanliness and safety at work.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• High school graduate or equivalent required. 
• Associate degree in education, administration, business management, student personnel, or related field preferred.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

None required.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

• Three to five years previous experience in student services.
• Experience and skill in interpersonal communications and conflict resolution techniques/procedures.
• Proficient command of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and correct usage of the English language.
• Experience with MS Office. 
• Knowledge of applicable databases and computer application systems to supply the most accurate information, reports and projections.
• Knowledge of state, federal and local laws/regulations relating to programs, governmental compliance and other regulatory standards such as Title IV, ABHES, BPPE, and other accreditation standards.