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Three (3) Support Staff Temporary Part-time Positions
(Part-time Support Staff will be given first consideration)
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves around the world and in our local community, Conestoga College continues to adjust plans based on the guidance provided by our local Public Health authority. Considering these unprecedented circumstances, final hiring decisions remain contingent upon confirmed enrolment numbers and the evolving work environment. Conestoga College will take appropriate measures to protect the safety and well-being of our College community and prospective candidates throughout the recruitment and selection process, including the scheduling of remote interviews.
The Student Success Advisor (SSA) is a first point of contact for students, offering academic advising support, but also referrals to college programs and services. The SSA is responsible for providing academic advising to students through a wide range of Conestoga initiatives supporting student success and retention. The incumbent is responsible for identifying barriers to student success; responding to a wide variety of inquiries from students, staff and faculty; assessing student concerns; facilitating academic and personal problem-solving; and making appropriate referrals.
As a part-time SSA, the role is intended to serve two broad purposes: (a) provide additional support to the large and growing SSA team through first level outreach and advising to student, and (b) to engage in new strategic outreach and advising activities designed to enhance the overall student experience, promote student belonging, and increase retention
Responsibilities:
Advising students using a strengths and skills based approach and grounded in student development and lifecycle theory and practice.
Providing daily drop-in service and pre-scheduled appointments for students (in-person, phone, virtual).
Researching and piloting new delivery models to better meet the needs of students.
Monitoring online referrals from faculty and staff, reaching out to students by email and phone to understand needs and identify barriers to persistence/success.
Assessing student requests, concerns, and/or complaints and facilitating problem-solving using College information systems and resources.
Providing appropriate information and individualized feedback to support students in successfully navigating the college system including institutional expectations and academic policies and procedures.
Facilitating appropriate connections and referrals to support student concerns (e.g. personal, mental health, financial, academic, career).
Implements and follows up on student retention and success initiatives in coordination with faculty and coordinators, which may include monitoring student progress and those on academic probation.
Meets with students identified as being at risk and develops individualized academic plans, as well as, discussing program discontinuation and strategies for re-admission or exploring other academic options.
Reviews, analyses, and refers as needed for student concerns regarding faculty or academics, process appeals, etc., ensuring their customer service needs are met and that appropriate processes are followed.
Advocates for student academic and personal success by identifying and reporting circumstances that may adversely impact students’ academic progress.
Supporting the Student Affairs and Academic teams in the development and maintenance of Student Success Advising training manuals, program handbooks.
Collecting and maintaining statistics relevant to Ministry or grant reporting guidelines and the requirements of the College in coordination with the Student Affairs team.
Monitoring, tracking and responding to general email and voicemail systems as directed.
Tracking and monitoring trends and patterns in service delivery.
Qualifications:
Three-year diploma or degree preferably in Human Services, Education, or a relevant field
Two years of experience advising students, preferably in a post secondary setting, where some of the following knowledge, skills and experiences may have been developed:
Student & Adult Learning and Development – a demonstrated knowledge of student development theory and adult learning and development theories, approaches and best practices;
Advising theory and practice – a working knowledge of student academic and personal advising theories, approaches and best practices;
Academic Programs and Processes – A good understanding of academic operations is required as well as knowledge of college post-secondary, continuing education, and apprenticeship programs;
Diversity & Social Inclusion – Demonstrated experience in working with and supporting a diverse student/client population;
Understanding of Confidentiality –understanding of rules related to advising and privacy and confidentiality;
Collaboration – Ability to positively relate and work with students, faculty, staff, administration and the general public in a variety of situations (one-on-one and groups) is essential.
Computer Proficiency/Experience – Proficiency in/experience with business computer applications including MSWord, OneNote and Excel plus internet researching skills and basic familiarity with office procedures is necessary. Ability to learn and adapt to new software applications is important.
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