Academic and Student Success Advisor – Social Work

The Academic and Student Success Advisor works directly with students to provide proactive academic guidance and assistance and holistic, high-touch support from matriculation to graduation. They serve as their students’ primary contact during their program of study. In addition to planning schedule, guiding course selection and registering students, the effective Advisor is responsible for monitoring students’ progress, trouble-shooting at-risk issues to help students achieve their academic goals, facilitating connections between students and resources at SAU that promotes academic success, and promoting persistence to graduation. Additionally, they assist with professional mentoring for the social work profession, in accordance with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards. Full-time, Exempt.

• Applies knowledge of SAU policy and CSWE accreditation standards to all work activities.
• Works with the Social Work Department leadership, faculty, and staff to support and enhance student learning and success.
• Works with the admissions team to support prospective students and provides practical advice during students’ decision-making process.
• Works closely with accepted students to create an academic plan to complete their academic program and fulfill graduation requirements in a timely manner.
• Monitors student progress toward degree completion and recommends adjustments to their academic plan as needed.
• Facilitates connections with faculty, staff, and academic/institutional support as needed
• Assists with the development and maintenance of a strong professional atmosphere in the Social Work department and its affiliates in the community.
• Works with departmental faculty and staff to enhance student learning and compliance with CSWE standards.
• Serves as a liaison for the MSW program to the Student Development and Success department of the university.
• Documents all interactions with students in enrollment and retention management systems.
• Ensures the timely processing of student requests, including requests to register, drop courses, withdraw, and adjust academic plans.
• Serves as back-up support for other Academic and Success Advisors as needed.
• Provides support as needed during accreditation review periods
• Assists with departmental meetings, orientations, admissions events, and other department events as needed.
• Participates in and incorporates into practice professional development, Student Success meetings, advisor trainings, and industry best practices.
• Assist with the maintenance of departmental documents including catalogs, program guides and forms.
• Attends and assists with graduations and other academic events as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree in Social Work is required.
• Strong customer service and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail, including skills in record keeping and management
• Ability to coach and motivate teammates and students for goal achievement
• Proficiency with multitasking, prioritizing, and dealing with ambiguity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as outstanding listening and comprehension skills
• Ability to work effectively within a team to accomplish shared goals.
• Experience working in Higher Education, Advising, and/or Counseling environments is strongly preferred.
• Preferred proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and literacy with internal CRM systems
• Experience working in multicultural academic environments preferred and individuals from diverse populations are encouraged to apply.

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Exhibit a life and service that is in full accord with the Spring Arbor University Concept, Statement of Faith, and Community Covenant. Applicants must be thoroughly supportive of the University’s mission and values as an evangelical Christian university affiliated with the Free Methodist Church.