Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor

Responsible for organizing and implementing a comprehensive academic support program that includes support services, while fostering academic and career growth.

Education/Certification: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the field of Education, or related field, teacher certification preferred.

Experience: Two years' experience of teaching or advising students in an academic environment.

Special Knowledge/Skills: Knowledge of academic and career theories and practices Extensive knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to student education Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, orally and in writing, including electronic media Excellent time management skills and ability to organize, prioritize, and manage work assignments in an efficient manner and within established timeframes Operating knowledge of computer programs, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and web-based technologies and platforms Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with all stakeholders Ability to effectively engage in the problem-solving process

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Monitor, assist, supervise, and support students on campus throughout the school day, before school, and after school as directed.
• Foster a culture of high expectations for all students by promoting the importance of education and each student's capacity for academic achievement.
• Provide structured presentations to students and families concerning target areas of assessment that define individual strengths and provide resources to help develop academic and career success.
• Identify and monitor students' educational, career, and post-secondary goals and customize programs to support those objectives.
• Collaborate with families, teachers, administration, support staff, and community agencies to address the academic needs of students.
• Facilitate meetings for students with academic and career concerns.
• Incorporate research-based retention and persistence strategies for case management of students at risk of not graduating.
• Advise students in appropriate course selection; collaborate with students to facilitate the completion of graduation requirements, in alignment with local, state, and federal requirements.
• Provide follow-up guidance to students regarding academic and post-secondary goals.
• Act as a liaison and facilitate the transition to post-secondary schooling or career paths.
• Monitor student behavior using positive behavior supports, maintain discipline in accordance with required disciplinary policies and procedures, and enforce rules, regulations, the student code of conduct, and District policies to foster safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and other members of the school community.
• Record, prepare, and maintain required reports; ensure confidentiality is maintained, as required by federal, state, and District policies.
• Maintain open lines of communication with students and parent(s)/guardian(s) regarding student progress and information and attend parent/guardian and teacher conferences as required to support student learning and continuous improvement.
• Refer students to the appropriate personnel when evaluation or follow-up services as required; provide information to students and parents/guardians as requested.
• Administer District, local, state, and federal testing for students and ensure all rules and regulations are upheld and that testing conditions are modified as appropriate to accommodate learning needs; notify appropriate personnel when this does not occur.
• Participate in professional learning communities (PLCs) and utilize a variety of data to evaluate learning outcomes, adjust planning, and continuously improve the effectiveness of lessons and the academic program based on students' needs.
• Follow District policies and procedures concerning education, health, safety, equipment, personal information, and the wellbeing of students.
• Maintain compliance with School Board policy at all times.
• Maintain required certifications, participate in professional development workshops and in-service training sessions as required, attend required meetings, and keep abreast of current educational trends, laws, regulations, and statutes.
• Maintain the requirements of professional responsibility and ethical conduct by fulfilling expected obligations to students, the public, and the education profession while adhering to all rules and requirements.
• Take necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, materials, equipment, and facilities.
• Provide support in developing/maintaining students' daily living needs and medical needs.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Mental Demands / Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hour; occasional districtwide and statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress