Academic Advisor (Program Specialist 3 - Re-open) Job Listing at Bellevue College in Bellevue, WA (Job ID 13067)

Description

Position Summary  

This posting is for two Academic Advisors/Program Specialists 3 positions.

• Health Sciences or Business Pathway Advisor: Pathway advisors work with students who have an interest in or definitive idea of what their program of study is/will be. Pathway advisors then help students to discern their educational options within said pathway to select a focus area of study, in part to equip those students who intend to complete either a Bellevue College (BC) offered bachelor's degree or preparation to transfer to another institution. This position reports to the Director of Academic Advising.
• New Student/Exploratory Advisor: New Student/Exploratory Advisors work with incoming new and returning students to lead enrollment appointments that help students set a solid foundation of success by outlining the class enrollment process and connection to BC internal and external resources from the start of their academic trajectory. Additionally, New Student/Exploratory Advisors serve as exploratory advisors for students who have begun their educational journey and have not yet determined their pathway and/or academic program of study. This position reports to the Associate Director of New Student Programs. 

The nature of the work is professional, and requires an ability to interpret and work in accordance of college rules, policies, and regulations, as well as state and federal regulations for financial aid and other funding purposes. The position performs highly complex duties, and operates at the journey or fully qualified level. The overall of focus of the Academic Advisor's work is to assess student needs and provide services and communication that guide the student toward educational solutions that are responsive to these needs. 

The Academic Advisor/Program Specialist 3 has campus-wide responsibility for advising services related to a specific caseload of Bellevue College students. This position may be assigned to serve in a back-up or primary advising role for a designated academic pathway or student population on campus as the need arises. The position coordinates advising interventions and campus-wide outreach efforts toward guiding students through the process of selecting or clarifying a major/program of study and developing an educational plan. The Academic Advisor performs specialized tasks, such as developing learning materials, workshops and other events, and individualized plans with students. They are also responsible for conducting research, assessments, and providing and summarizing data in order to identify advising program needs.  
The use of professional judgement based on the assessment of student need and individual circumstances, and as defined and allowed according Bellevue College graduation requirements, is required for this position. The Academic Advisor/Program Specialist 3 also provides training to Student Affairs staff, BC faculty and other departments based on specific training needs. 

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule  

Position Salary Range: $57,984/year - $78,096/year

The salary information shown above is a general guideline only. The salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Individuals newly hired to Classified position are placed in a salary range based on the WPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Competitive salary is within the Range stated above, and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Generous benefits package is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This is a Classified, overtime eligible position and represented by the Washington Public Employee Association of Higher Education (WPEA-HE).

About The College  

Bellevue College is a diverse student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. Bellevue College is located just 10 miles east of Seattle where we serve a student population of over 54% students of color and over 1,300 international students. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that supports a diverse student body, faculty and staff. As an essential part of our mission and goals, diversity, equity and pluralism are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. By enriching student life through leadership opportunities, personal learning and cultural experiences, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse campus community that fosters creativity, innovation and student success.

For more information, visit BC Facts at a Glance @ Bellevue College.

About the Department  

The Academic Advising Department promotes student success by engaging students in developing educational plans in relation to their career and life goals. We strive to meet the diverse and unique needs of each student by mutual teaching, learning and relationship building. (Mission Statement Adopted by Department, Fall 2017) 

The Academic Advising Department consists of New Student Programs/Orientation, Academic Advising, and the Office of Student Success and Retention and supports the mission of Bellevue College by providing equity-minded, high quality, and accessible services. The Department is comprised of trained professionals who work directly with Bellevue College students to meet their goals. Academic Advising partners with and provides comprehensive and accurate information to students, faculty, and other staff in support of transfer and professional/technical academic programs, all structured within a Guided Pathways framework. 

Essential Functions  

Provide direct academic advising services in a one-on-one or group setting

• Proactively monitor and track student progress utilizing specific softwares, including TargetX, Degree Audit, ctcLink (PeopleSoft), and other advising tools, as well as general office technology like Word and Excel.  
• Create, review and update student educational plans and proactively communicate timely updates, alerts, and reminders as necessary.  Follow-up on Early Alerts for students within a specific caseload.
• Meet with students one-on-one in-person, via phone, or via video conferencing software, specifically Microsoft Teams and Zoom
• Facilitate group advising sessions as needed and assigned utilizing a variety of presentation softwares, including Microsoft Teams and Zoom
• Guide students through the process of identifying their pathway and attaining their educational and career goals.  Teach students to select and sequence coursework and effectively use the tools and resources necessary for successful program/major clarification, degree or certificate completion, and college or university transfer.  
• Assess student needs and apply student success and advising techniques to serve students from diverse backgrounds and, more specifically, veterans, students with disabilities, Running Start, and International students.
• Perform unofficial credit evaluations for enrollment purposes, program graduation, prerequisite clearance, and course selection, following Bellevue College credit evaluation guidelines and policies.
• Intrepret English and Math placement results, advising students on the proper course selection/sequence.
• Maintain confidential student records and adhere to FERPA guidelines.  
• Approve coursework for the purpose of third party funding such as financial aid, scholarship and Veteran's funcing and for the purpose of reinstatement of funds due to not meeting satisfactory academic policy or exceeding funding limitations.
• Consult with fellow staff and outside entities to identify problems, explore solutions and alternatives, and recommend resolutions specific to student circumstances and needs.  Provide collaborative and supportive intervention/outreach to students and appropriate referrals to faculty, other departments, college/university counselors.

Manage and coordinate ongoing development of advising services 

• Write and edit in-print and online information and resources specific to guiding students toward goal identification
• Collaborate with faculty and other staff on the development and revisions of Course Maps
• Review Academic Advising Department website to ensure information is up to date and recommend changes or updates as needed.
• Participate in the training of new advisors, providing one-on-one guidance and shadowing/observation opportunities.  Collaborate with the Advising Team in developing training programs and materials.
• Conduct research and analyze Department, college-wide, and national data related to advising and student success to identify program needs.  
• Perform other duties within the classification as assigned, including possible supervision of lower level staff providing services to  students (e.g., work study students, interns, or part-time employees)
• Participate in the overall development of the Academic Advising Department, developing annual and ongoing work goals, activities and assessments, as well as collaborating in the development and facilitation of team meetings
• Provide updates and recommendations to Deans, Program Chairs, and faculty related to course management/offerings based on student needs. 

Provide campus-wide service and training as related to and representing the Academic Advising Department

• Provide professional development and training for faculty and staff members on academic advising strategies, university transfer requirements, college resources and policies, and other issues related to the student lifecycle.
• Provide technical support and guidance (via phone, email, or inperson) to faculty and staff as related to Bellevue College degree and certificate requirements.
• Participate in governance, task forces, selection committees, or other groups to support departmental or college-wide goals and advocate for student needs.  
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications  

• Bachelor's Degree from an accreditated institution. Relevant experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• One (1) year of academic advising, educational planning, or career advising in a higher education setting
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment with diverse employees and student/customer groups.
• Effective interpersonal skills in the areas of collaboration, team participation, creative problem-solving, conflict resolution, and group planning.
• Effective communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to use computers for data entry, web applications, searching the internet, and troubleshooting basic computer issues

Preferred Qualifications  

• Master's Degree in Education, Communication, Psychology, or related field from an accredited institution.
• One (1) year of demonstrated experience advising students in a community college setting or relaying information related to university transfer, admissions process, policies, articulations, and requirements.
• Demonstrated experience using multiple modalities and Universal Design principles in one-on-one and group advising settings.
• Demonstrated experience using degree audit systems, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, or other advising-specific technology to monitor student progress.
• Demonstrated experience presenting and leading advising related workshops to students, college staff, and faculty.
• Experience working within an integrated academic and career advising department or system; ability to articulate the relationship between college major and career exploration.

Conditions of Employment  

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties. 

Other Information  

• This position is NOT eligible for relocation allowance.
• This position is NOT eligible for sponsorship for employment-based visa.

How To Apply  

Applications received by 09/04/2023 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. 

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional will not be reviewed.) Please review Application Tips before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:   

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)
• Attach a Resume
• Attach a Diversity Statement (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.) that addresses the following: Please provide specific examples of how your educational and/or professional experiences, demonstrate your commitment to diversity and equity
• Complete the Job Questionnaires if applicable

Contact: 
If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at 425-564-2274 or email to jobs@bellevuecollege.edu. 

EEO Statement  

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126. 

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact hraccommodations@bellevuecollege.edu or 425-564-2271. 

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