Conestoga College Looking for Student Success Advisor at Brantford, ON Full Time

(Full-time Support Staff will be given first consideration)

COVID-19 Update: Thank you for your interest in joining the Conestoga College community. 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, all 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. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued interest in Conestoga College.

The Student Success Advisor is the first point of contact for students seeking supports. 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 problem-solving, and making appropriate referrals. We have two positions we are recruiting for, with each successful candidate supporting a specific academic area.

Although many of our employees are currently working remotely, this position is governed by the applicable legislation of the Province of Ontario. Successful candidates will be required to conduct work within Ontario and must be available to work on campus as required.

Responsibilities:
Advising students using a strengths and skills-based approach, grounded in developmental and lifecycle theory and practice

Assessing student requests, concerns, and/or complaints through daily drop-in service (in-person, phone, virtual) and facilitating problem-solving using College information systems and resources

Researching and piloting new delivery models to better meet the needs of students

Monitoring online referrals from faculty and staff, reaching out to students to understand needs and identify barriers to success

Providing appropriate information and individualized feedback to support students in successfully navigating the college system including institutional expectations, academic policies, and procedures

Facilitating appropriate connections and referrals to support student concerns (e.g. personal, mental health, financial, academic, career)

Supporting students to develop life skills to support academic success (e.g. time management, organizational, problem-solving skills)

Provide ongoing support, acting as a mentor and resource for specific student demographics as directed (e.g. WSIB sponsored students, Discover Your Future, etc.)

Supporting with the evaluation of possible learning disabilities and making referrals to Accessible Learning at Conestoga as appropriate

Maintaining documentation of direct and in-direct service

Staying current with AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code, College policies and procedures, and advising and retention best practices

Connecting with at-risk student populations post-acceptance to proactively schedule advising appointments, provide information and resources on services available, and field questions, concerns, and referrals to other departments as appropriate

Taking a lead in building awareness of Student Affairs services and supports during the academic cycle through timely communications to faculty and students and varied outreach methods such as presentations, workshops, and events.

Acting as a resource and champion to the College community in identifying and understanding the needs of students and the supports required for student persistence/retention

Supporting the management in the development and maintenance of Student Success Advising training manuals and best practices

Collecting and maintaining statistics relevant to Ministry reporting guidelines and the requirements of the College in coordination with the Operations team

Working with the management team to evaluate the effectiveness of service delivery and identifying key areas for improvement, prepare reports as requested

Representing the college on relevant College and community committees (e.g. Crown Ward Committee) as directed

Liaising with other college departments as appropriate to support student success

Qualifications:
Three-year Diploma/Degree in the field of Human Services, Education, or relevant field is required

A Certificate, Diploma, or Professional Designation in Academic Advising, Student Affairs/ Services, or Adult Education is preferred

Three years of practical experience advising students in a post-secondary educational or government setting

Demonstrated knowledge of student and adult learning and development theory, approaches, and best practices

Working knowledge of student academic and personal advising theories, approaches, and best practices

Good understanding of academic operations as well as knowledge of college post-secondary, continuing education, and apprenticeship programs

Demonstrated experience working with and supporting a diverse student/client population

Ability to positively relate to students, staff, and the public (one-on-one and groups) is essential

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

Demonstrated listening, coaching, and facilitation skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment

Displays strong organizational ability with close attention to details

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Access to reliable transportation, and the ability to travel between campuses

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