TRIO SSS Advising Specialist II

Western Nebraska Community College; Scottsbluff (NE); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Nebraska Community College seeks an Advising Specialist II for the TRIO SSS program to provide proactive, holistic advising to first-gen and low-income students, with a focus on academic planning, career exploration, financial literacy, and FAFSA guidance.

The role coordinates SSS workshops, orientations, and SPiN and SSS Club activities, maintaining compliance and accurate records in Blumen and Colleague, and building strong campus and community partnerships to support student retention

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, or related field is required.
• Two years of experience in academic advising or related services.
• Experience handling confidential records and data securely.
• Experience using student information systems and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive, individualized advising and coaching on academic planning and course selection.
• Guide students through financial literacy, FAFSA, and scholarship processes.
• Refer participants to campus and community resources based on needs.
• Lead orientations, workshops, and college visits for SSS participants.
• Develop annual SSS workshop schedule and evaluate activities for goals.

Skills

Academic advising

Student coaching

Communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Blumen

Colleague

Job description

The TRIO SSS Advising Specialist II provides proactive, comprehensive and holistic advising and support to participants in the federally funded TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program.

This position is designed to support first-generation college students, students with limited income, and students with documented disabilities through educational guidance, career exploration and readiness, financial literacy, and assistance with applying for federal financial aid and scholarships to support student retention, academic success, graduation, transfer, and post-college success. The Advising Specialist plans and implements enrichment activities, college tours, workshops, and other programming, ensuring project objectives are met, while upholding all grant compliance and reporting requirements. The position also serves as the SSS Club Advisor and the coordinator for the Single Parent in Network (SPiN) program.

Job descriptions are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Provide proactive, individualized advising and coaching to TRIO SSS participants regarding academic planning, course selection, degree completion, transfer opportunities, career exploration, and strategies for student success.
• Provide guidance regarding financial literacy, financial aid, scholarships, budgeting, student loan management, and completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), within the scope of the position and available institutional resources.
• Connect participants with appropriate campus and community resources and make referrals based on identified academic, financial, career, personal, or other support needs.
• Conduct and support participant orientations, workshops, coaching sessions, career activities, college visits, enrichment activities, and other required or permissible SSS services.
• Develop and coordinate an annual schedule of SSS workshops and events, including identifying topics, developing or coordinating content, securing presenters, and evaluating activities in relation to program goals and participant needs.
• Coordinate and support the SSS Club and Single Parents in Network (SPiN) program, including planning activities, maintaining appropriate records, and managing associated resources in accordance with institutional and program requirements.
• Assist with SSS participant recruitment, outreach, application processing, and eligibility documentation in accordance with federal program requirements and approved project policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete participant records and service documentation in institutional and program databases, including Blumen and Colleague, as applicable.
• Protect the confidentiality and security of participant information and personally identifiable information (PII) in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, institutional policies, and program requirements.
• Assist with SSS project evaluation activities, including collection, organization, and review of qualitative and quantitative data and preparation of information used for required reporting, including the Annual Performance Report (APR).
• Assist with implementation of the SSS marketing and recruitment plan and provide information about program services to prospective and eligible participants.
• Assist with administration of Supplemental Grant Aid (SGA), including application review and selection processes, documentation, and compliance with applicable program and institutional requirements.
• Maintain accurate SSS time and effort documentation and other records required for grant administration and institutional reporting.
• Participate in professional development and maintain current knowledge of applicable federal regulations, TRIO SSS requirements, institutional policies, advising practices, and resources relevant to the position.
• Assist with development, review, and implementation of SSS policies, procedures, and operational processes to support consistent service delivery and program compliance.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, community partners, and other constituents to support participant success and program objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in education, counseling, human services, social sciences, student affairs, or a closely related field required. Master’s degree in a related field preferred.

Experience:

Required -

• Two years of progressively responsible experience providing academic advising, student support, coaching, counseling, human services, educational guidance, tutoring, training, or related services.
• Experience supporting students from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, including students who may experience barriers to educational access or success.
• Experience maintaining confidential records and documenting services in accordance with established requirements.
• Experience using databases, student information systems, electronic records, reporting systems, or other technology used to document and track services.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing, with students, colleagues, community partners, and other constituents.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and collaborate with individuals and groups with varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and program requirements.
• Ability to organize multiple priorities, meet deadlines, maintain accurate records, and work independently while contributing effectively to a team.

Preferred -

• Experience working with college students or in a higher education environment.
• Experience developing individualized goals, action plans, and strategies to support student persistence and achievement.
• Experience planning and facilitating workshops, orientations, educational programs, or student activities.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record that does not exclude the driver from coverage under WNCC’s vehicle insurance required.The physical demands and work environment described below represent those that may be required to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

• Work is primarily performed in an office, classroom, meeting, and other college or community settings.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and alternate between sitting and standing as needed.
• Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, monitor, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to communicate information effectively in person, by telephone, and through other communication methods.
• Ability to hear and distinguish speech and other sounds necessary to communicate with students, colleagues, and members of the public.
• May occasionally require movement between campus locations and travel to community or off-campus locations for program activities, meetings, college visits, or other work-related activities.
• May occasionally require lifting, carrying, or moving materials associated with workshops, events, or program activities.