Counselor, Student Support Services

Job Title Counselor, Student Support Services Department Student Support Services College/Division General University Primary Job Posting Location Macon, GA 31207 Additional Job Posting Locations McDonough, GA 30253 Job Details This position coordinates and provides academic advising and essential services to traditional undergraduate, first‑generation, low‑income, and students with disabilities in academic and co‑curricular programs and services. Some evening and weekend work is required. The position is under direct supervision. Responsibilities Assesses students’ educational needs and develop individualized student success plans. Assists with writing and developing program communications intended for the program website, newsletter, press releases, and social media accounts. Completes monthly reports as well as other evaluation reports as required. Develops and conducts workshops on specific topics and teaches an introductory college success course. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and key stakeholders within the Mercer University community to identify barriers to learning and provide solutions and support systems that will enable SSS/Opportunity Scholars students’ success. Maintains student and program records in a database and ensures that all guidelines regarding a student’s eligibility are met. Monitors student’s grades and progress toward graduation, meeting with students daily and making necessary referrals. Participates in professional development and performs all duties required for the successful implementation and operation of the project. Provides support for an assigned caseload of SSS/Opportunity Scholar participants in academic advising student success development, career planning, financial literacy, financial aid/scholarship assistance, and graduate school advising. Supervises, monitors and trains peer mentors, student workers, and graduate assistants. Other duties as required. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Experience in an educational setting teaching, advising, or tutoring low‑income, first‑generation college students. Experience successfully using and applying documentation instruments and technology to track students. Knowledge of financial aid terminology; Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing requirements; types of federal student loans and loan rehabilitation; knowledge of college access and educational advising issues for underrepresented populations in higher education (i.e., admissions, securing scholarships, college majors and course selections and experience working with individuals to promote financial and economic literacy). Knowledge of and ability to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEP), evaluate transcripts, and interpret exam scores. Ability to identify and select students and to review, analyze, and evaluate program applications. Ability to effectively manage a caseload of students. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form. Collaborate with team members. Ability to establish rapport with college students from various backgrounds. Exceptional interpersonal counseling, communication, organization, and facilitation skills. Minimum Qualifications A Master’s Degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field, and two (2) years of appropriate and relevant professional experience working in a TRIO project or a similar program are required. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the university’s carrier. Background Check Contingencies Criminal History Approved Driver’s Check Required Document Attachments Resume Cover letter List of three professional references with contact information Externally Funded This position is contingent on external funding and the length of employment in this position is dependent on continuation of these funds. Benefits Mercer University offers a variety of benefits for eligible employees including comprehensive health insurance (for self and dependents), generous retirement contributions, tuition waivers, paid vacation and sick leave, technology discounts, schedules that allow for work‑life balance, and so much more! Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Job Family Staff Student Operations Exempt EEO Statement EEO/Veteran/Disability #J-18808-Ljbffr Jekyll Island Authority