Job Details

Academic Advising Specialist (0055) (Multiple Positions)

Classification Title: Program Adviser - CUSTOM CLASSIFICATION
Position Number: 00004740
Open Date: 08/05/2022
Close Date: 8/26/2022
Priority Review Date:
Business Unit Description: Civil Service
Full/Part Time: F
FTE: 1.00
Position Status: R
FLSA::
Job Code:
Union Representation:
Division: Academic Division
College/Unit: College-Hlth & Human Sci Dean
Unit/Department: College of Health & Human Sci
Location: WZ 227
Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page: https://www.chhs.niu.edu/

Overview:
The College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS) has dynamic programs focusing on:

• Health (audiology, gerontology, health education, medical laboratory sciences, nursing, nutrition/dietetics, physical therapy, public health, rehabilitation counseling and speech-language pathology)
• Human sciences (early childhood studies, family and child studies, family and consumer sciences and fashion merchandising)
• Military science

There are 13 accredited programs in the college and over 700 external practicum sites that provide excellent opportunities for students to learn, participate in research and work in the community.

The college prepares leaders to enhance the lives of individuals, families and communities across the lifespan. Our motivated students work with outstanding faculty who are committed to excellence in teaching, research and service. Our graduates have excellent opportunities for employment in high-demand fields and hold leadership positions in their fields as well as in national and international organizations.

Position Summary:
The Academic Advising Associate position is a 12-month, full time position that is critical to enrollment, retention and student success. Understanding that student's needs are different depending upon where they are in their development is at the core of this advising position at NIU. The full time Academic Advising Associate will practice both developmental advising and high-touch intervention recognizing the importance of (1) the interaction between students and the campus environment; (2) the value of supporting the "whole" student; (3) the consideration of student's developmental level; and (4) the need to be intentional and responsive to concerns, potential risks, barriers or challenges. The Advising Associate must be deliberative and proactive and is expected to work in collaboration with support units across campus guided by the goal of student success. Also, they are expected to understand and fully utilize technology to support positive student outcomes including utilizing Navigate for scheduling, note-taking, referral and data analysis. The Academic Advising Specialist is expected to be highly aware of the status of the students in their caseload including retention, persistence and graduation outcomes, academic outcomes and progress toward completion and achievement of customized pathways to completion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Academic Advising Associate interacts with students, faculty, and staff in their role as academic advisor to undergraduate students. They are expected to utilize appropriate and effective communication skills with students and pertinent constituencies while participating in university wide programming from recruitment to graduation. The advisor is expected to exercise discretion and confidentiality with student academic records according to university requirements (e.g. FERPA). They also are to serve as subject matter specialists who are able to provide expertise on academic course content, degree requirements, and academic policies for internal and external constituents.

The visibility and complexity of this position mandate a professional demeanor, strong ethical behavior, good personal judgement and decision-making abilities, and the ability to be flexible in a non-routine job setting as imposed by the variety of duties both day and night, on and off campus.
Since the academic advisor communicates and helps implement the College of Health and Human Sciences undergraduate program, accuracy and follow-through are essential and expected.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service):
CREDENTIALS TO BE VERIFIED BY PLACEMENT OFFICER
1. Bachelors degree.
2. Additional education or other formal training in an area of specialization inherent to the position may be required.
3. Demonstrated work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position may be required.
Bachelor degree, additional education, training and/or work experience in a distinct academic discipline or area of specialization may be designated by the Employer. Such designations must be directly linked to the specific position description and requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)
1. Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing quality educational guidance. This includes student needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of student satisfaction.
2. Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in the presentation and delivery of academic programs, strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, recruitment methods, and coordination of people and resources.
3. Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
4. Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
5. Knowledge of educational, evaluation, and measurement principles, practices, methods, and techniques, university policies and procedures.
6. Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively; ability to develop a rapport with students.
7. Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
8. Ability to establish effective working relationships with students, faculty, and staff.

Specialty Factors (Civil Service):


Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service):

• Demonstrated experience using Navigate (or similar student academic platforms) for scheduling, note-taking, referrals, and data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing various database and software packages to enter, track, maintain student information (i.e. Excel, Word, and other related software)
• Demonstrated experience using developmental academic advising and high touch intervention practices with students.
• Demonstrated experience managing a student caseload including regular reporting and monitoring of retention, persistence, and graduation outcomes, academic outcomes, and progress toward completion of and achievement of customized pathway to completion.
• Demonstrated experience reading, understanding, interpreting and acting upon higher education curriculum outlined in a college, university or community college catalog.
• Availability to work some evenings, weekends, and off-campus assignments based on critical advising cycles.

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS):


Additional Requirements (SPS):


Preferred Qualifications (SPS):


Physical Demands/Requirements:
Physical demands consistent with office-type work

Availability to work some evenings, weekends, and off-campus assignments based on critical advising cycles.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date:
Anticipated Appointment End Date:
Percent of Staff Year: 1.00
Standard Hours:
Hourly Rate or Semi-monthly Pay Rate:
Hiring Rate/Range: $45,000.00-$47,000.00
Earn Type: S

Application Procedure:


Special Instructions:
The applicant reviewer should be Liz LeMay

Quick Link to Applicant: https://employment.niu.edu/postings/64397
Is Background Check Required?: Yes

EEO Statement Summary:
In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

Visa Policy:
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation:
NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a persons disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information:
NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety. Read the Annual Safety and Security Report. Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-1649 for a hard copy.
Read the Fire Safety Report. Contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 815-753-0404 for a hard copy.


To apply, visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/65394

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560 jeid-716081c904b29343abba2152f77432da