Student Support Counselor

Student Support Counselor

Reporting to the Assistant Director/Director/Senior Director of Student Advising, Student Support Counselors (SSC) are the single-point of access for students and provide student-centered support services. SSCs administer a high-level of student service to ensure retention, student satisfaction, and success of students. SSCs are responsible for adhering to all internal, federal, Department of Education, and affiliate policies and procedures. Student contact is extensive and substantive as is maintaining accurate records in order to support students through their programs. Staff members are expected to exercise a high degree of responsibility and independent judgment, and to work hours consistent with the campus student populations' need for access to services. We are looking to fill this position at one of our ground campuses: Anaheim, Chicago, Dallas, DC, or Los Angeles. The position is a hybrid with work both on campus and remote.

The Student Support Services department provides comprehensive support to students through four functional areas: Student Advising, Career Services, Student Support Operations, and the Office of the Registrar. Each area is led by a director-level leader and collaborates closely with academic and administrative partners across The Chicago School to deliver an integrated, student-centered experience.

Our mission is to foster student success by providing exceptional service, proactive support, and meaningful co-curricular opportunities that complement students' academic journeys. Team members are committed to delivering a high standard of customer service while working collaboratively across the institution to promote student persistence, engagement, and achievement.

Student Support Services professionals are expected to demonstrate sound judgment, initiative, and accountability while managing responsibilities independently and as part of a collaborative team. In support of our diverse student population, positions within the department may require occasional evening and weekend hours to ensure accessible, responsive, and student-focused services.

Principle Duties:

• Work with and support new and continuing students at various stages of their education.
• Administration of advising services including registration, evaluation of program requirements, incomplete grades, student class activity, Satisfactory Academic Progress, and overall degree progress.
• Call/meet with each student throughout the term to ensure they are successfully completing coursework and to provide support.
• Respond to calls and e-mails from incoming or current students on a daily basis by providing guidance regarding course work, policies, and support.
• Ensure student's academic account/record are accurate and up-to-date by clear and timely processing of important academic forms (e.g. Add/Drop, Withdrawal, Leave of Absence, etc.).
• Advising at-risk students through work/life balance, time management, other circumstances to ensure successful completion of the course and program.
• Advising students on course/program content and registration in degree program of study.
• Follow-up on the progress of Academic Plans for students on who do not meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements or are in need of additional support.
• Collaborate with various student facing departments such as Academics, Financial Aid, Admissions, and Student Accounts to ensure the success of the student.
• Work with Office of the Registrar to ensure that incoming and current students receive timely information and guidance regarding institutional policies, course registration, program completion, etc.
• Advise students on support services and resources available to them through their school.
• Adherence to set internal, federal, DOE, and affiliate policies and procedures, integrity and ethical standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent PC skills (Word, Excel, Power Point) and other clerical skills (phone skills, typing, filing)
• Skills to establish and maintain effective relationships
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Organizational and time management skills
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with all students regardless of educational level as well as all employees regardless of position, title, or location
• Excellent team work

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Experience within student facing positions and/or higher education preferred
• Ability to work occasional weekends and evenings

The Chicago School offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. Some of our key benefits include: generous paid time-off, medical and dental coverage, company-paid life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts (FSA), tuition reimbursement, professional development, and regular employee appreciation events. The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.