Educational Specialist - TRIO Veterans - Student Support Services Program

Job no: 493129
Work type: Non-Classified/Professional
Location: Boise, ID
Categories: Academic Programs, Student Services

About Us:Boise State University, powered by creativity and innovation, stands uniquely positioned in the Northwest as a metropolitan research university of distinction. Learn more about Boise State and the City of Boise at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/boise-and-beyond/. Boise State University is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, staff, students, and academic program offerings and to strengthening sensitivity to diversity throughout the institution. Boise State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. We are a welcoming campus that supports diversity and inclusion.Job Summary/Basic Function:

Veterans Student Support Services (VSSS) is a federally funded TRIO Student Support Services program designed to provide academic counseling, personal counseling, career development guidance, academic assessment, and individualized instructional support and the development of non-cognitive skills to program participants. The program’s primary goal is to alleviate academic barriers for Veteran students who are low income, first generation and/or have a physical or learning disability in order to improve their academic performance, retention, and graduation rates.

This is an eleven (11) month appointment with the salary prorated over twelve (12) months.

Level Scope:

Fully competent and productive professional contributor who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Works independently with general supervision; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action. May provide guidance and assistance to entry level professionals and/or support employees.

Essential Functions:

75% of Time the Position must:

Advising 45%

• Advise VSSS participants about: making plans toward completion of degree requirements with satisfactory progress and/or planning appropriate course work to overcome academic deficiencies.
• Provide academic and financial advising services to VSSS participants; assist in providing or referring to career and personal counseling services.
• As part of their advising caseload management, the Educational Specialist will complete certification of GI Bill Chapter via the VAONCE portal based on major.

Mentor Programming and Supervision 15%

• Provide for the application and selection of mentors
• Develop mentoring framework for mentors to follow.
• Conduct regular (weekly or bi-weekly) meetings with mentors to guide development of the mentoring program.
• Develop and utilize instruments to evaluate the effectiveness of the mentoring program/mentors
• Work with Peer Mentors in the development of learning sessions

Workshop Development 15%

• Aid in the development of workshops with Peer Mentors
  
  

20% of the Time the Position must:

Attend to Administrative Needs 10%

• Attend weekly staff meetings
• Maintain thorough records regarding participant contacts for effective follow-up.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate participant records necessary for Annual Performance report.

Tutoring and Instruction 10%

• Provide professional tutoring and direct instruction to VSSS participants with specific academic and personal needs in areas of: studying, organization, learning, college life, problem solving, math, science, technology, career development, assertiveness and financial literacy.
• Provide VSSS participants assistance in developing effective written communication skills.
• Provide VSSS participants technological problem solving support.
• Create and implement a summer skills development course for VSSS participants.

5% of Time the Position must:

Perform other duties as assigned
Recruitment 5%

• Participate in the process of identification, selection and retention of VSSS participants. This includes classroom visits to provide information about the program, attending university sponsored orientation programs, conducting interviews with applicants, developing functional advisor relationships, and maintaining consistent contact with advisees.
• Develop and implement educational action plans for VSSS participants based on personal interviews and academic assessments.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to work with individuals of varying educational, financial, and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work with a diverse ethnic, cultural and socio-economic population.
• Knowledge of study techniques necessary in maintaining good academic standing at the University.
• Advise students individually or in groups on varied and complex matters (academic, career or personal); determine the appropriate course of action and proper techniques to utilize while engaged with individuals and groups in personal interactions of a sensitive nature
• Develop, implement and facilitate academic skills and career-related workshops
• Must have knowledge of the principles of individual and group behavior, general knowledge of counseling techniques and the ability to work cooperatively with other professionals, students, and their families.
• Experience with the planning and supervision of the work of students is desired.
• Must have the ability to present clear and concise information orally and in written reports.
• Assist students in developing professional documents and correspondence; resumes, cover letters, thank you letters, and professional email communication techniques.
• Able to make independent decisions and use professional and sound judgment in determining goals, objectives, tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends.
• Strong organizational, creative and critical thinking/reasoning abilities and demonstrated competency to oversee multiple tasks with attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate with students, faculty, administrators, and staff.
• Experience in the administration and interpretation of achievement tests is desired.
• Must be able to maintain a high level of tact and diplomacy and be able to work with a diverse Veteran population within the organization and from the local and campus communities.
• Must be computer literate, knowledgeable of various software applications and be able operate standard office equipment, which may include ability to troubleshoot minor computer and printer problems.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
• Must possess excellent organizational skills and able to organize multiple tasks/events, adjust priorities and work under pressure of deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required in Counseling, Education, Psychology, Social Work, Criminology, Rehabilitation, Organizational Development or similarly related field OR equivalent level of professional experience (4 years of progressive experience).
• At least two years of professional work experience in academic or career counseling, early alert systems, college instruction, student education plans, monitor degree progress, and referrals to academic and student services programs in a University and/or a college environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications: A master’s degree in Counseling, Education, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Criminology, Rehabilitation or a job related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience. A military honorable discharge, with a rank of E-4 or higher, may be substituted for two years of professional experience.Salary and Benefits:

Salary commensurate with experience. Boise State University is committed to offering a benefits package that provides health and financial protection plans as well as resources to promote health and well-being. Our program provides flexibility so you can choose the benefits that are right for you and your family. Learn more about our benefit options at https://hrs.boisestate.edu/benefits/.

Required Application Materials:

REQUIRED:
1) Resume
2) Cover letter
3) Three work references
4) Writing sample

WRITING SAMPLE INSTRUCTIONS: Provide and explain three examples of veteran student retention activities you would carry out as an Educational Specialist, one page minimum. Upload this document to your online application.

*If your application is missing one of these 4 components your submission may not be reviewed or considered.

Advertised: October 27, 2020
Applications close: November 10, 2020