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University of Massachusetts Amherst Academic Success Coach (temporary 2-year, benefitted position) in Amherst, Massachusetts

Academic Success Coach (temporary 2-year, benefitted position)

Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/822/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=524454&lJobSourceTypeID=801&sLanguage=en-us) Job no: 524454

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department:Learning Resource Center

Union:PSU

Categories: Student Affairs & Services, Academic Advising & Learning Resources, PSU A

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Academic Success Coach works closely with other Learning Resource Center (LRC)/ Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies (OURS) personnel and the campus community to ensure high quality academic success coaching services and functional supervision of peer coaching cohort. This position is responsive to the varied needs of diverse student populations in a high-volume, fast-paced work environment.

Essential Functions

  • Provides comprehensive individualized and small-group academic success coaching to a diverse population of students during the academic year, summer and winter, including new student and transfer orientation/registration periods.

  • Orients new students (first generation, transfer, honors, etc.) in summer and winter New Student Orientation and Transitions (NSOT) sessions with particular emphasis on college transition and success.

  • Reorients students returning from leave in summer and winter, with particular emphasis on college transition and success.

  • Conducts one-on-one coaching sessions to assist students with complex matters that involve goal setting, self-assessment and time management skills, planning and decision-making, resource referrals, academic resilience and wellness, and college success planning.

  • Directs the content, development, implementation, management and assessment of group peer coaching and study skills workshops.

  • Works with at-risk students experiencing academic and often critical personal difficulties.

  • Addresses relevant issues and makes appropriate referrals to University agencies.

  • Responds to and manages inquiries from parents or caregivers in accordance with FERPA and in a professional and respectful manner and tone.

  • Participates in departmental and university events, such as LRC all-staff training, and NSOT presentations.

  • Develops, executes, and evaluates Departmental Events for undergraduate peer coaches (e.g., the NEPTA conference participation).

  • Hires, trains, and mentors LRC Peer Coaches to ensure high-quality and highly responsive academic coaching services.

  • Maintains records of confidential advising sessions regarding coaching progress to ensure coaching continuity and facilitate student progression.

  • Performs complex case management for students.

  • Organizes and facilitates prospective coaching student referrals and tours of resources.

  • Communicates with LRC, campus leadership and other units to resolve unanticipated issues.

  • Manages higher-risk students and students with specialized needs with the support of the supervisors.

  • Represents LRC student needs on college and university-level committees and works collaboratively with relevant faculty, staff, students, student groups and other campus groups.

  • Creates and designs content for LRC website to provide timely information for department news, events, and undergraduate student material.

Other Functions

  • Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.

  • Works in partnership with colleagues within the LRC community and across the campus to support the LRC and Universities strategic priorities.

  • Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the LRC.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

  • Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Psychology, Counseling, Higher Education, or a related field) plus three (3) years professional experience in advising or student success or customer service/client relations.

  • Experience supervising students and/or staff.

  • Experience in serving a large, culturally diverse population.

  • Ability to recognize at-risk individuals and provide appropriate support and direction.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of complex and varied client needs.

  • Oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively with department, College, and University colleagues.

  • Intermediate level computer proficiency: the ability to use data analytics and associated tools to proactively identify patterns across student outcomes and profiles and to organize and evaluate the success of programming, workshops, campaigns, and communication channels.

  • Skilled in small group presentations and able to take initiative and work independently or collaboratively with various university personnel.

  • In-depth knowledge of FERPA, Title IX, and University academic procedures and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

  • Master’s degree in Psychology, Higher Education, or a related field plus three (3) years professional experience in advising or student success.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

  • Typical office environment.

Additional Details

  • Position is under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of the LRC, with dotted line reporting to the Executive Director of the LRC.

  • This is a two-year temporary, benefitted position.

Work Schedule

  • Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm.

  • Some nights and weekends are necessary depending on departmental needs.

Salary Information

Level 26

PSU Hiring Ranges (https://www.umass.edu/hr/documents/exempt-hiring-ranges)

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Aug 1 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Nov 3 2024 Eastern Standard Time

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