Academic Advisor, Student Support Programs (Education Support Specialist III)

The Academic Advisor provides holistic support and serves as the primary academic advisor and college contact for a specified caseload of students who are housed within specific special population categories including Great Expectations, academic accommodations, international and F1 students . The Advisor evaluates student records and assesses and determines students’ readiness and course placement for college level English and mathematics. Using knowledge of specialized academic program areas and college/university curricula in general, the advisor utilizes critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills to offer counsel and guidance to students regarding academic program and career field options that may suit their aptitudes, skills, and interests. Holistic support includes, but is not limited to, following up on academic alerts and other concerns of faculty, articulating knowledge of Federal and State regulations to interpret financial aid programs and policies, assisting to resolve financial aid eligibility discrepancies, developing plans and strategies for students to meet academic progress benchmarks, and assessing students’ needs for academic and other support services available at the college and in the greater community. The advisor will collaborate with faculty and staff to develop and implement appropriate supports and recommendations for students and will develop, implement, and conduct summative evaluations of complex activities and programming in support of student enrollment services, financial aid, career planning, and student engagement activities and events.
Contacts include the public for presentations regarding Office of Accommodations and Disability Services (OADS) office; Great Expectations populations; students; parents; schools; faculty; staff; financial institutions. Additionally, this position will perform other tasks and duties to support the advising team as a whole and the mission of providing academic advising to all students. As a member of the OADS team, this person will help to develop, interpret, and apply policies and procedures within prescribed limits or parameters.
This position will report to the Director of Student Support Programs and work in collaboration with the Disability Services Counselor and College Social Worker.
Work schedule: This position is anticipated to work five days a week Monday – Friday with occasional events in the evenings and weekends as needed. One day of telework per week will be allowed with a rotating (every other) Friday telework shift currently permitted. This position also is required to work one day a week from the Fauquier campus.
Compensation and Benefits
The hiring range for this position is $45,739.00-$58,946.00. The position is classified staff and as such is eligible for the benefits package offered by the Commonwealth of Virginia for state agencies. For more information, please visit www.dhrm.virginia.gov .
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Laurel Ridge Community College is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment, and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Laurel Ridge will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in order to provide access to the application, interviewing, and selection process. Please email [email protected] for further information.
Sponsorship of an employee’s work authorization takes time and requires an ongoing financial investment. Therefore, Laurel Ridge Community College does not have funding to sponsor potential employees in the US on a work visa. We consistently follow this funding model to ensure our practices are not discriminatory. Exceptions would require approval from the college president.
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. While honoring bona fide occupational exceptions as needed, the college shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including lactation, age, status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. The college also promotes a safe working environment and prohibits sexual misconduct, including sexual violence and harassment. Know your rights!

May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

• Proven subject matter knowledge, which may be evidenced by training, experience, and/or credentials.
• Proven academic excellence and work record of professionalism in providing customer service.
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple tasks, use critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Student Information System software, and/or Learning Management software.

• Demonstrated experience working with a diverse population including age groups from late teens through late adulthood preferred.
• Demonstrated experience advising in a college or university setting preferred.
• Demonstrated work experience in a community college setting preferred.

The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link:  http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/

VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.