The TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Academic Counselor provides program participants with advising, career guidance and assistance in developing the necessary skills to earn a Certificate of Completion and/or Associate's Degree, and transfer to a four-year institution. The Academic Counselor works cooperatively with program staff, academic departments and other student service areas to maximize impact, sustain coordinated services and support the academic success of participants. The Academic Counselor provides appropriate referrals - both academic and non-academic - to help reduce barriers to student progress, persistence and graduation. The Academic Counselor reports to the TRIO SSS Director and performs other duties as assigned and deemed necessary to achieve program objectives.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assists with the identification, selection, recruitment, and retention of eligible participants.
• Interprets placement and assessment test scores to address participants' academic needs; and provides assistance in course selection and registration.
• Monitors and reports on student academic performance and progress towards certificate and degree completion; assigns academic tutoring and other interventions as needed, conducts follow-up, and accurately records all counseling activities/contacts.
• Assists participants in identifying scholarships and completing the financial aid/FAFSA process to ensure maximum award.
• Provides participants with information and education designed to improve economic and financial literacy.
• Assists participants in developing career goals and identifying potential career fields.
• Assists participants with post-graduation planning: exploring, identifying, and applying to four-year colleges/universities and obtaining financial assistance for enrollment.
• Works closely with faculty and other student service areas to deliver comprehensive supports.
• Collaborates with program staff to plan academic year services, develop workshop topics, strategize and implement services necessary to facilitate student success and ensure program goals are achieved.
• Develops and oversees the development and implementation of workshops, informational and skill-building seminars.
• Assists with special projects as needed, e.g. orientation and registration, program presentations at on-and off-campus events, preparation of annual performance reports, and grant applications.
• Participates in professional development trainings, and on college committees as assigned.
• Develops and oversees the development and implementation of workshops, informational and skill-building seminars.
• Contributes to a work environment that encourages and promotes diversity.
• Demonstrates 100% time-on-task to implementing program activities; adherence to college and routine office procedures, and regulations governing federal TRIO programs.
• Requires flexibility to work occasional evenings and/or weekends as demand dictates, and performs other duties as deemed necessary.

• A Master's degree in counseling, psychology, student personnel, social work, education, or a related field is required.
• Three years of direct student service experience.
• Familiarity with grant-funded programs.
• Experience in academic and career assessment; and a firm understanding of the requirements for successfully completing an associate's and pursuing a bachelor's degree.
• Knowledge of retention strategies, advising practices, counseling models and concepts that have proven successful with diverse student populations.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students from various backgrounds.
• Detailed with strong organizational, listening, problem-solving, oral and written communication, and customer service skills; and a working knowledge of student information. systems, database applications and Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Experience advising students on transfer pathways; personal experience in overcoming academic and economic obstacles.
• Prior work experience with GEAR UP, Federal TRIO programs, or community college students preferred.

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT:

Applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them with the equivalent combination of education, training and experience required for the responsibilities of this position

Salary: $59,244 - $84,938 Grade 5. Actual salary will be commensurate with education and experience per the MCCC Collective Bargaining Agreement. See http://www.mass.edu/shared/collbargaining/mccc.pdf

Benefits: Yes

Position Classification: MCCC Unit Professional Position

Classification Number: HB1051

Grant Funded: Yes, currently through August 31, 2025

Work Schedule: 37.5 hours per week (Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.). Requires flexibility to work occasional evenings and/or weekends as demand dictates.

Closing Date: December 13, 2022, or until the position is filled

Anticipated Start Date: January 9, 2023

All candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States. Springfield Technical Community College is not sponsoring H1B Visa.

COVID VACCINATION REQUIREMENT:

Candidates for employment should be aware that Springfield Technical Community College faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Accordingly, initial employment is dependent upon receipt and verification of full vaccination status records; details of how to fulfill vaccine record verification requirements will be provided during the hire and onboarding process.

INFORMATION AWARENESS SECURITY TRAINING:

Candidates for employment should be aware that all STCC employees are required to complete Information Awareness Security Training within thirty days of their orientation date and annually thereafter.