Student Services Advisor (Part-Time)

Student Services Advisor (Part-Time)

New River Community College (NRCC) is a two-year public institution of higher education operating under a state-wide system of 23 community colleges. The college is located on a one-hundred plus acre site at the intersection of U.S. Routes 11 and 100 in Dublin, Virginia with an instructional site in Christiansburg. The campus provides modern, well-equipped facilities for the career technical education programs as well as for the college transfer programs. Approximately 4,000 students comprise the student body. The people employed by New River Community College embrace the philosophy that all individuals should have an opportunity to develop and extend their skills and knowledge to increase awareness of their roles and duties as citizens. The college serves the educational needs of the public and assumes a duty to help provide the requirements for trained workers in the region through a combined effort with local industry, business, professions, and government. The college promotes equal opportunity for prospective students and employees.

NRCC is seeking a student-focused, connection-building, and compassionate problem solver to join our team as a part-time Career and Student Services Advisor. This position will serve students at both the NRCC campus in Dublin and the Christiansburg site. The Career and Student Services Advisor's primary role will be to provide career guidance and support students in various for-credit programs. The advisor will prioritize career advising by guiding students through career exploration, planning, and workforce readiness, and by working closely with them to identify career pathways within academic programs that align with their interests and skills. The advisor serves as a resource to help individuals overcome non-academic barriers that may affect their ability to achieve their educational goals. Knowledge and understanding of the specific needs of underserved populations, and a commitment to helping these individuals attain educational success, are critical responsibilities for this role. The advisor's work is proactive and designed to help students complete a credential or degree. This includes regular communication with students, maintaining records of student outreach and engagement, connecting students to support services, and assisting with academic interventions when necessary. Advisors will use a variety of technological solutions, in addition to in-person interactions, to connect with students. The ability to learn and use new technology and the willingness to work in different environments are essential. The successful candidate must be caring, organized, communicative, and flexible.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge and support of the community college mission.
• Previous experience advising, counseling, or providing academic support.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement individualized academic plans consistent with program requirements and student goals.
• Strong ability to convey accurate information about academic programs and services.
• Knowledge of barriers to educational success and a desire to help others reach their educational goals.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills to help engage, provide support to, and motivate a diverse student population.
• Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills, including the ability to follow up effectively and efficiently.
• Strong oral and written communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in use of technology, such as Microsoft Office and Google docs.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently, as part of a team, and with faculty and staff.
• Desire to learn and grow as professional needs arise.

Additional Considerations:

• Demonstrated experience providing career services support and guidance.
• Work experience in a higher education advising, counseling, coaching, or academic setting.
• Familiarity with higher education academic policies and procedures.
• Previous experience advising community college students. Knowledge of available financial aid and scholarship information.
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft or other student information software, case management systems and relevant educational technologies.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer