Academic Achievement Counselor 2 (Limited)

University of California Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Merced is seeking a Monarch Center Student Success Specialist to provide individualized support to undocumented, mixed-status, first-generation, low-income, and historically underserved student populations. This temporary six-month position focuses on engagement, resource navigation, and program coordination within Monarch Center services.

You will work with Student Life & Engagement to promote belonging, access to campus/ community resources, and student success

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of work with students in higher ed or similar settings preferred.
• 1 year of progressive experience in student services or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized support to diverse student populations to promote engagement and connection to campus resources.
• Support Monarch Center programs, workshops, and engagement activities.
• Coordinate operations for programs and events, including logistics and materials.
• Track student participation and program outcomes; collect feedback.
• Assist with staff, interns, and volunteers and support related administrative tasks.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

LocationMerced

Full/Part TimeFull Time

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $26.90 - $46.32.

Job Closing Date

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully On-Site.

This is a temporary position.

Clery Act (U15): Campus Security Authority

CANRA (U13): Mandated Child Abuse Reporter

Other special conditions of employment

This union position is represented by the bargaining UAW-SSAP (SV).

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,600 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

About the Job

The Monarch Center Student Success Specialist provides individualized support to undocumented, mixed-status, first-generation, low-income, and historically underserved student populations to promote student engagement, connection to campus resources, and student success.

This temporary six-month position provides programmatic and student support for Monarch Center services through assistance with student engagement activities, resource navigation, educational programming, and operational coordination. The position supports efforts designed to address academic, personal, financial, legal, and social barriers that may impact student persistence and well-being.

The Student Success Specialist works collaboratively with Student Life & Engagement staff and campus partners to support student programming, outreach efforts, and access to campus and community resources.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Student Support & Resource Navigation
  Provides individualized support and resource navigation to undocumented, mixed-status, first generation, low-income, and historically underserved student populations. Assists students in accessing campus and community resources related to academic success, financial support, legal services, wellness, and basic needs. Conducts follow-up communication with students to support engagement and connection to appropriate services. Assists students in identifying barriers to success and promotes self-advocacy and problem-solving skills.
• Program Support & Student Engagement
  Assists with planning and implementation of Monarch Center programs, workshops, and student engagement activities. Supports educational programming and community-building opportunities that promote belonging, leadership development, and student success. Assists with student outreach, communications, and promotional efforts to increase awareness and participation in Monarch Center programs and services. Supports collaboration efforts with campus departments and community partners related to student programming and referrals.
• Operational Support & Event Coordination
  Provides operational support for Monarch Center programs and student-facing services.
  Assists with logistical coordination for programs and events, including supply preparation, scheduling support, room reservations, and implementation needs. Supports front-facing student engagement and assists with responding to student inquiries. Maintains organized program materials, student participation records, and resource information.
• Program Tracking & Documentation
  Assists with tracking student participation, program attendance, and engagement data. Supports collection and organization of program feedback and participation information. Assists with maintaining records and documentation related to Monarch Center activities and services.
• Administrative Support
  Assists with communication and coordination related to student staff, fellows, interns, and volunteers.
  Supports administrative processes including purchasing documentation, reimbursement support, and other program-related operational needs. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience working with students, in higher education, or within student affairs/student services or with a community based organization would be accepted in lieu of a bachelors degree.
• 1 year of progressively responsible experience working with students, in higher education, or within student affairs/student services or with a community based organization.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in education, higher education, social sciences, counseling, or related field and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with historically underserved, underrepresented, first-generation, or low-income student populations.
• Experience supporting student programs, workshops, educational initiatives, or student engagement activities.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive student information.
• Experience working in higher education, student affairs, student services, or community-based organizations. (Preferred)
• Familiarity with undocumented student services, equity-centered student support, and/or student retention efforts. (Preferred)
• Experience supporting student engagement initiatives, outreach, or program coordination. (Preferred)
• Experience working collaboratively with campus and community partners. (Preferred)

Background Check

Background check required.

This position will be required to complete all pre-employment requirements, including a background investigation, the University's credentialing process, and verification of licensure and/or certification through the appropriate California licensing or certifying board(s), as applicable.

Policy Statement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at .

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: compensation-and-benefits/