Student Services Specialist

Blackfeet-Community-College; Browning (MT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackfeet Community College is seeking a Student Services Specialist to provide comprehensive student support, advising, and programming within Student Services. Under supervision, you will deliver culturally responsive services, navigate resources, and support retention and student well-being.

The role emphasizes collaboration across departments, data-informed improvement, and alignment with BFCC standards and policies to promote academic success and personal growth among Indigenous students

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Human Services, Social Work, Counseling, Education, Student Services, or related field.
• Master’s degree in Counseling, Student Affairs, Higher Education, Social Work, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience, including at least one (1) year in an adult or higher education setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic, transfer, social, cultural, career, financial aid, retention, and general student support services.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interactions and services; coordinate with College departments.
• Provide academic guidance and support to address students' barriers to success.
• Integrate Blackfeet culture and language into student support and programming.
• Design and implement student activities, workshops, and campus/community presentations.
• Conduct and participate in New Student Orientation.
• Collaborate with the Registrar's Office regarding progress and graduation requirements.
• Assist with ongoing evaluation and improvement of Student Services programs.

Skills

Student development

Academic advising

Retention

Resource navigation

Referral practices

Relationship-building

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Counseling, Education, or related field

Master’s degree in Counseling, Student Affairs, Higher Education, or related field (preferred)

Job description

Department

Student Services

Personnel Definition

Student Services Specialist, Regular Full-Time, Service Professional

Term of Employment

12 months/year, 26 pay periods

FLSA

Exempt

Supervision Received

• Student Services Director
• Vice President for Academic Affairs/Student Services
• President

Supervision Exercised

None

General Statement of Duties

Under the direction of the Student Services Director, the Student Services Specialist provides student support, academic advising, resource navigation, retention services, and programming within Student Services. The position fosters an inclusive and supportive environment and works collaboratively with departments across the College to promote academic success, personal growth, cultural affirmation, retention, and overall student well-being in accordance with BFCC standards, mission, vision, core themes, policies, and procedures.

Specific Area of Duties

• Provide academic, transfer, social, cultural, career, financial aid, retention, and general student support services, including support for special student populations.
• Provide accessible short-term student support, guidance, resource navigation, and referrals; maintain appropriate professional boundaries and refer students to qualified BFCC or community resources when needs are beyond the scope of the position.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interactions and services provided and collaborate with other College departments to ensure a coordinated approach to student support.
• Provide academic guidance and support to address students' academic, personal, and social barriers to success.
• Integrate Blackfeet culture and language into student support and programming to foster identity, pride, and connection for students.
• Provide routine and factual information regarding services available through the Student Services Department.
• Design and implement student activities, workshops, and presentations for campus and community groups.
• Conduct and participate in New Student Orientation.
• Maintain current scholarship resources and provide scholarship information to students.
• Identify students who may need additional college-readiness support and assist them in identifying educational and career goals and appropriate resources.
• Develop, implement, and maintain student retention initiatives in coordination with other BFCC departments.
• Gather and maintain data to support effective student services, advising, retention, and referral efforts.
• Identify and maintain community resources for student referrals.
• Assist the Student Services Director with the compilation, documentation, and submission of required reports.
• Actively participate on committees in support of the institution's mission.
• Collaborate with the Registrar's Office as appropriate regarding student progress and graduation requirements.
• Assist the Student Services Director with ongoing evaluation and improvement of Student Services programs and services.
• Perform other duties necessary to the function of BFCC, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Human Services, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Education, Student Services, or a closely related field.
• Master's degree in Counseling, Student Affairs, Higher Education, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience, including at least one (1) year in an adult or higher education setting.
• Experience serving Indigenous students and/or working within a Tribal College or similar educational environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Knowledge Required: Working knowledge of student development, academic advising, retention, resource navigation, referral practices, and the organization, planning, coordination, and monitoring of student support activities.
• Knowledge of Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities and the unique educational needs of Indigenous students.
• Knowledge of principles, techniques, and ethics applicable to higher education student support and advising.
• Skills Required: Assessment, referral, communication, intervention, report writing, recordkeeping, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong sensitivity to diverse and non-traditional student populations.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Abilities Required: Ability to identify, understand, and respond appropriately to the unique personal, educational, social, cultural, and academic needs of Indigenous students and support their retention and graduation.
• Ability to establish positive rapport and trusting professional relationships with students.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and make appropriate referrals.
• Ability to utilize computer hardware, software, and related equipment.

Complexity

Requires substantial knowledge of student support, academic advising, retention practices, resource navigation, and referral processes, particularly in serving Indigenous students and adult and higher education populations.

Personal Contacts

Has contact with personnel in all departments, students, Board of Trustees, Blackfeet Tribal departments and programs staff, and other related entities and persons that are necessary to conduct the day-to-day business operations of the Student Success.

Physical Demands

Work is performed in a normal office environment. Duties require extensive use of computers and office equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Normal demand for office work is applicable. Walking, standing, and sitting at a desk is required. Some lifting will be required (i.e. books, equipment, and other miscellaneous materials).

Guidelines

• Position Description
• Employee Contract
• BFCC Policies and Procedures Manual
• BFCC Catalog
• All applicable tribal, federal and special policies, laws, rules and regulations as they apply.