Academic Advisor

If you are considering a new job, work environment or career opportunities you should look at Mercer County Community College. MCCC is a publicly supported college that is open to all and dedicated to student success. In order to support that mission Mercer seeks to attract, retain, and support a skilled diverse workforce which is our most valuable resource. We thrive on and are proud of our diversity and open access. Our students and employees find the College large enough for a multitude of offerings yet small enough to keep the “Community” feel for all. The College consists of two campuses, the James Kerney Campus (JKC) in the capital city of Trenton, NJ and a larger 292‑acre suburban campus just six miles north of Trenton. As part of the comprehensive and valuable benefits package the College offers credit course tuition waivers for employees, spouses and dependents. This allows for employees and their families to take advantage of earning a higher education degree without the high cost. The College offers students 69 Degree Program Options and 35 Credit Certificates from which to choose. JOB DUTIES The EOF Advising Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the academic and personal success of eligible EOF students by providing comprehensive advising services and guidance throughout their college journey. This position is an integral part of our commitment to student success and access to higher education. Provides academic and career advising to Hispanic students participating in the La Comunidad program, aiming to enhance their educational experience, improve retention rates, and promote their overall success. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is illustrative ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. It does not imply that all positions within the class perform all of the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned. Academic Advising: Provide comprehensive academic advising to Hispanic students enrolled in the La Comunidad program, assisting them in selecting courses, developing academic plans, and addressing any academic challenges. EOF Program Support: Collaborate closely with the EOF Program team to ensure seamless integration of La Comunidad students into the broader EOF program. Assist in coordinating program activities and events. HISPA Partnership: Serve as a liaison between MCCC's EOF program and HISPA, fostering a strong partnership. Attend HISPA events, meetings, and workshops to stay updated on resources and opportunities for Hispanic students. Retention Initiatives: Implement initiatives aimed at improving retention rates for La Comunidad students, such as organizing workshops, tutoring, and mentoring programs. Career Counseling: Offer guidance and resources to help students explore career options, set career goals, and develop strategies to achieve their professional aspirations. Data Collection: Maintain accurate records and data caseload progress and achievements to assess the effectiveness of support services. Cultural Competency: Demonstrate a strong understanding of the unique challenges and needs of Hispanic students and create a supportive and inclusive environment for them. Community Engagement: Promote community involvement and leadership development among La Comunidad students by connecting them with relevant community organizations and resources. Professional Development: Stay informed about best practices in academic advising, career counseling, and support services for underrepresented populations. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES N/A WORKING CONDITIONS Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed. Please note that assigned tasks and responsibilities span both campuses for all MCCC positions. Please note this position is grant funded and continued employment is subject to grant renewal. ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS Positions in this class typically require: ability to use a key board, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Sedentary Work: Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are me Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, or a related field. Experience working with Hispanic students in an educational or advising capacity. Knowledge of the EOF program and its goals. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage and build rapport with students, faculty, and staff. Strong organizational and data management skills. Knowledge of academic advising principles, student development theories, and familiarity with educational support services. Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively with a diverse student population. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Master’s Degree in Counseling, Higher Education, or related field Two – four (2-4) years’ of experience with the EOF program Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a proven ability to interact with a variety of individuals from different backgrounds. Excellent interpersonal skills, including sensitivity to cultural differences and success in building partnerships. Ability to handle multiple assignments, work under pressure, take initiative, and meet deadlines. Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google suite, database management, etc.) Knowledge of current practices in student affairs/higher education and student development theories preferred. Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests. Follows instructions, responds to management direction; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals. Develops project plans; coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and budget; manages project team activities. Treats people with respect; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values. The successful candidate should demonstrate the following competencies: Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures. Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization. Customer Focus: Making customers and their needs a primary focus of one’s actions; developing and sustaining productive customer relationships. Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences. Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message. Contributing to Team Success: Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals. Diversity & Inclusion: Working with situations involving different cultures/languages and responding to the ambiguity of unexpected/unfamiliar approaches. Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive. Building Partnerships: Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, units, or organizations to help achieve business goals. Mercer County Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, religion, age, disability, handicap or other legally protected status in its provision of employment, education, and activities, or other services. Mercer County Community College is an EEO/AAP Employer/Protected Veteran/Disabled. Disclaimer: This job description outlines the general nature and key features performed by various positions that share the same job classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of all employees assigned to the job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or re‑assign duties to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodations or other business reasons. #J-18808-Ljbffr