Job Description

Posting number: 08507

Department: LAWSON-501020-Counseling and Career Guidance

Job classification: Student Services Specialist

Posting type: Open

Categories: Counseling, Community and Social Services

The Student Services Specialist is responsible for providing comprehensive support services that facilitate the educational, personal/social, and career development of students; to include testing, disability services, academic advising, registration, and retention.

Salary Schedule C3 03 ( $49,215- $80,401) based on experience.

Examples of duties

1. Provides academic, personal/social and career counseling to assist students in dealing with obstacles that affect their educational, occupational, social, and personal lives.
2. Conducts pre-admission counseling and assists students with understanding and developing a program of study to ensure appropriate placement and retention.
3. Serves as Disability Services counselor for students with special needs and facilitates appropriate accommodations based on documentation.
4. Maintains accurate records of services provided to students with disabilities and serves as liaison to disability service agencies/providers.
5. Coordinates all aspects of the college’s testing programs which includes administering, scoring, reporting, and inputting of ACCUPLACER, ATB, ACT and ETS.
6. Conducts seminars/workshops related to student success.
7. Maintains accurate documentation of all services, conducts follow-up, and prepares summary reports each term.
8. Develops and maintains a working relationship with faculty and staff to ensure effective delivery of services to students.
9. Assists with recruitment and retention activities as appropriate.
10. Develops and implements an annual evaluation plan for the counseling and assessment area and uses the evaluation results to plan future improvements.
11. Participates in New Student Orientation sessions each term.
12. Serves as facilitator for ORI 101 – Freshman Academy
13. Contacts and provides counseling and guidance to students on academic probation.
14. Assists with the promotion of student organizations and planning of student activities.
15. Refers students seeking assistance to the proper internal and/or external resources.
16. Enforces state and federal regulations, SACS and FERPA regulations and other college policies and procedures.
17. Participates and leads departmental and college-wide committees.
18. Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the appropriate administrative head.

Qualifications

1. Master's Degree required with a major in Education, Counseling, Student Personnel Administration, Psychology or related field from a regionally accredited university.
2. Three years of experience in counseling, education, student services or similar experience is required, preferably in higher education.
3. Ability to work flexible hours and travel as needed.
4. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and computer skills; experience in Ellucian Banner is preferred.

REQUIRED LICENSE, CERTIFICATION, OR SPECIAL CREDENTIALS:
None
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to represent the College in a professional manner in responding to State Department employees, executives, college personnel, students and the public;
2. Ability to take initiative, handle multiple priorities, and complete various projects within designated deadlines;
3. Ability to work independently, prepare accurate reports from various statistical information, plan, organize, coordinate, and manage tasks; willingness to learn and apply new concepts; maintains flexibility and adaptability;
4. Ability to maintain confidentiality;
5. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing;
6. Ability to apply computer skills in systems and software programs associated with the work;
7. Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment, initiative, self-direction and effectively manages stress associated with the work.

The Student Services Specialist will be expected to work a flexible schedule. This job description is a general statement of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular basis. This job description and specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties, as may be required by their supervisor.

Supplemental information

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and must submit a complete application packet through the ONLINE application system ( www.lawsonstate.edu) by the deadline date in order to be considered for the position. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure his or her application packet is completed. Application material may not be submitted by fax or email. If you have any questions regarding the application, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (205)929-3408 or humanresources@lawsonstate.edu

A complete application packet consists of:

• A cover letter
• An Online application
• A current resume
• A copy of relevant post-secondary transcripts identifying the applicant, institution,and date degree conferred
  • If employed, all official transcripts must be received in the Office of Human Resources prior to the employment start date.

Applicants who fail to submit a complete application packet will not be considered Before an offer is made, the top applicants must provide the following: Employment verification letter(s) from a current or previous employer detailing all relevant experience. Employment verification letters must include employment dates and job title and be on official letterhead with an authorized personnel signature. Work experience verification from a current employer may be delayed until an official offer of employment has been made. Applicants must submit a written request to delay submission or work experience verification from a current employer.

More than one position in the same job classification may be filled from the applicants for this position should another vacancy occur during the search process.

EEOC, E-VERIFY, AND BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENTS:

Lawson State Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Alabama Community College System, including all postsecondary community and technical colleges under the control of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, that no employee or applicant for employment or promotion, on the basis of any impermissible criterion or characteristic including, without limitation, race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, sex, age, or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment.

Lawson State Community College will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled applicants upon request.

In accordance with Alabama Community College System Policy and Guidelines, the applicant chosen for employment will be required to sign a consent form for a criminal background check. Employment will be contingent upon the receipt of a clearance notification from the criminal background check. Lawson State Community College is an active participant in the Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-verify). E-verify electronically confirms an employee's eligibility to work in the United States as required by the Department of Homeland Security.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated on this vacancy notice and must submit a completed application packet in order to be considered for this position. Complete application files must be received no later than the application deadline. Applicants who fail to submit all required information will be disqualified. Applicants must adhere to the College's prescribed interview schedule and must travel at their own expense. The College reserves the right to withdraw this job announcement at any time prior to awarding.