Student Support Specialist

University of Arkansas System•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

The Student Support Specialist will report directly to the Associate Dean supervising Student Services and will assist the Deans and faculty in the retention of undergraduate and graduate students in the college and other student populations as indicated. The Student Support Specialist will offer support and resources to students in a variety of areas including emotional/mental health concerns, financial stress, academic support, and personal difficulties. This is a five-year externally funded position with potential for extension of initial appointment. This position is governed by state and federal laws, and agency/institution policy.

Requirements

Master’s degree or higher in social work
Eligible for social work licensure in Arkansas at least at the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) level
A minimum of 2 years post Master’s social work experience
Self-motivated, problem-solving, proactive attitude and highly dependable
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
Adept at both oral and written/electronic communication
Computer proficiency (including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat) and computer software, and other management systems
Ability to develop, interpret and suggest policy/procedures
Ability to conduct research and compile data into report form
Ability to analyze documents to determine compliance with rules, regulations, and procedures

Nice To Haves

Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
3-5 years social work (case management/counseling) experience
Experience in a higher education setting
Experience in student advising and retention initiatives
Experience in program planning and evaluation

Responsibilities

Provide advice, crisis counseling, and case management services to students covering academic, social, career, and related issues, making appropriate referrals as needed
Coordinate with the UA Little Rock CARE team to assist students in need of more intensive services or case management
Maintain internal and external referral systems for tutoring, mentoring, financial management, counseling, and health services
Coordinate with existing campus services, including Career Services, Health Services, Student Affairs, etc. to ensure students are aware of and are utilizing available services and programming
Work collaboratively with Counseling Services to best serve students, including referrals and participation in weekly clinical staffing meetings
Supervise and mentor Counseling Center clinical interns as needed
Supervise and mentor an administrative graduate assistant for student support
Develop and maintain relationships within the community to facilitate low cost or free support services
Determine areas of need and develop and implement early intervention programs, seminars, student workshops and related activities designed to address these needs
Track students who are at risk of academic distress and develop interventions to support student academic status and success
Work closely with students who are on academic probation in coordination with all college academic units
Provide both group and individual academic coaching and track progress for nursing students in Pathway programs
Support students struggling with determining a major and those who are not admitted to their preferred program
Oversee process and distribution of emergency funds available through the college
Participate in on and off campus events that support the university, college, and schools
Track student usage of both internal and external resources and referrals, including follow up data
Assess the implementation of early intervention and support programs and related activities to determine success and identify areas in need of improvement
Generate reports on retention initiatives and student outcomes
Research, develop, and submit grant proposals to enhance student success initiatives
Other duties as assigned