To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: 

This position provides advising and coaching to TRIO program participants who are first generation students, low income students and students with disabilities. Services provided by the advisor will enable students to establish educational goals, develop vocation goals, develop financial literacy skills, discover personal and social goals and formulate intellectual objectives to foster academic success and retention.  This individual will also assist students with the transfer process to a four-year school. 

THIS POSITION IS A GRANT-FUNDED POSITION. CURRENT FUNDING FOR THIS POSITION IS SCHEDULED TO END AUGUST 31, 2030. CONTINUATION OF THIS POSITION BEYOND AUGUST 31, 2030 IS DEPENDENT ON NEW OR INCREASED GRANT FUNDING.

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:  

• Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence. 
• Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and accountability for our actions.  
• Champion Service- anticipating needs and creating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.  
• Perseverance- a commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.  
• Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence. 

• Initiate intrusive and regular individual sessions with students to ensure and maintain good academic standing
• Assist students in developing individualized educational plans
• Assist students in developing individualized vocational plans
• Schedule and facilitate trips to four-year institutions for students interested in transferring
• Assess students’ concerns and coordinate and maintain communication with instructors, staff, and community resources
• Design and facilitate SSS program sponsored seminars/workshops which focus on career opportunities, transfer admissions procedures, financial literacy, cultural education activities, and social and personal development
• Collaborate and network with other departments on campus to provide student success advocacy
• Coordinate and assist with SSS program involvement in the college and TRIO program orientations
• Maintain accurate and confidential files
• Perform other related work duties as assigned

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

• Be able and willing to represent the College in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve.
• Willingness to assume responsibility, deal effectively with problems, and exercise independent judgment when making decisions
• Demonstrate skill in interpersonal relations, communication and presentation skills
• Read, listen, understand, and express oneself clearly and effectively in oral and written form.
• Effectively model communication, organizational skills and social skills to college students while maintaining a positive relationship with them.
• Maintain accurate and detailed student records
• Regular attendance at work
• Maintain  confidentiality
• Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.  

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing. 

• Bachelor’s Degree in education, counseling, social work, community/family services, psychology or related area or equivalent combination of education and experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

• Prior experience with educational programs in higher education serving low-income, first generation, and/or students with disabilities
• Familiarity with processes in higher education, including ADA regulations, financial aid, admission, graduation and transfer requirements
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students
• Strong organizational, communication, technology and interpersonal skills
• Individuals who themselves were low-income, first-generation, and/or with disabilities may be given preference

It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404,319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone:(303) 844-5695FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email:OCR.Denver@ed.gov.