TRiO Student Support Services Counselor
TRiO Student Support Services Counselor
Position Number
293GA150
This is a full-time restricted faculty position. Continuation of employment is based on renewal of grant funding.
The search will remain open until the position is filled; however, to be considered for the initial screening, candidates should submit a complete application package by November 13, 2022.
Virginia Peninsula Community College welcomes applications for a TRiO Student Support Services Counselor. Founded in 1967, we serve the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, and Williamsburg as well as counties of James City and York. As of Academic year 2021-2022, our college was the sixth largest in the Virginia Community College System in terms of students served. The College served 8,987 students in academic credit instruction in that year. We are proud of our award-winning faculty, our nationally accredited and professionally recognized academic and training programs, and strong dual enrollment and early college programs, powerful partnerships, and our student success outcomes. This college epitomizes its mission to change lives and transform communities.
The college is nestled in the backyard of the NASA Langley Research Center, Jefferson Lab, multiple military bases, the largest nuclear ship and submarine building company in the United States, the Virginia Space Grant Consortium, Colonial Williamsburg, and several major medical and healthcare institutions. Our community is home to the Commonwealth’s largest infrastructure project, the first U.S. offshore wind energy development in federal waters, a diverse array of homeland defense and security organizations, excellent public-school systems, renown colleges and universities, theme parks, museums, research centers, entrepreneurial incubation labs, fine dining, arts, entertainment, and leisure.
This position will provide counseling services (academic, personal, career, financial and transfer) to the participants in the TRiO Student Support Services project in order to meet the required enrollment, good academic standing, retention, graduation and transfer objectives. This position also supports the College initiatives of JumpStart (Summer Bridge) and New Student Orientation by working closely with the Coordinator of Educational Support Services and the TRiO Coordinator at the Historic Triangle campus.
- Develops and monitors participants’ Educational Success Plan to include, but not limited to, reviewing and interpreting project assessments (Myers Briggs Type Indicator, Study Skills Questionnaire), and setting and monitoring academic goals for each semester.
- Develops and closely monitors participants’ Academic Plan.
- Conducts intense career exploration and four-year college exploration.
- Develops online videos for study skills and other pertinent academic topics, uses Canvas for announcements, Google docs for various projects, and Microsoft Teams for project management.
- Determines and assists participants with resources for improving study skills, time management, etc.
- Works with participants’ on financial aid deadlines and completing the FAFSA as well as intense financial literacy education.
- Enters student data and counseling notes into BLUMEN database.
- Uses Navigate to monitor participant Early Alerts and post TRiO SDV 100 grades.
- Works with the project Director and other TRiO staff to develop, plan, and participate in various cultural/educational enrichment activities and workshops that target student success, retention, graduation and transfer.
- Works closely with project staff to develop, plan, initiate freshman JumpStart program, and teach SDV 100 to participants.
- Serves as project liaison with Disability Services and faculty regarding participant’s academic issues and serves as participant advocate when appropriate.
- Participates, as needed, in New Student Orientation and other college initiatives deemed appropriate by supervisor.
- Works on various college committees that target retention, graduation and transfer as designated by supervisor and the Vice President of Student Affairs.
- Performs other duties assigned.
Education and Experience:
- Master’s Degree in Counseling or a related field.
- Progressive professional work experience providing counseling in an academic setting and academic advising, transfer, and/or career services at a post-secondary institution.
Specialized knowledge of:
- Current best practices in academic counseling and understanding of student development theory.
- Effective communication techniques and American Disabilities Act and disability referral services.
- Financial literacy education
Skills:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in directing and motivating students.
- Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
- Skilled in delivering exceptional customer service.
- Excellent organizational and time management
Abilities:
- Proven ability to work within the processes and procedures of the TRiO project or other at-risk program, institution, and federal government.
- Resolve problems and to develop relevant alternatives and recommendations.
- Collaborate effectively with faculty, students, and administrators.
- Maintain confidential and sensitive information.
- Work independently and as a part of a project team to meet deadlines.
- Must be able to work at all campus locations.
- Work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends to fulfil the full responsibilities of the job.
Experience with:
- Data analysis and strategic planning.
- Developing and implementing retention and graduation rate improvement initiatives.
- Assisting with program evaluation and assessment.
- Summer Bridge programs and teaching Student Development courses.
- Using social media as a retention tool and the use of technology (i.e. Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Navigate, Google docs, Canvas, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications
- BLUMEN database experience.
- Working knowledge and experience of Virginia Community College System’s Student Information System and Placement test interpretation.
- Community College counseling/academic advising experience with TRiO Student Support Services or similarly related program.
- Professional or personal experiences in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting project participants.
Apply online at https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/53505
EEO Statement
The Virginia Community College System, an EEO employer, welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and recognizes the benefits of a diverse workforce. Therefore, the VCCS is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disabilities, political affiliation, veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors.