Student Success Advocate

Job Description

The Student Success Advocate (SSA) is a professional staff position dedicated to supporting the retention and graduation of Pell Eligible (PE) undergraduates at Radford University. The SSA will provide comprehensive case management for over 2000 enrolled PE students, serving as a one-stop advocate to navigate university systems from application through graduation. Each SSA will have a caseload of approximately 500 – 600 students.

• Using a case management model, provide holistic and intrusive support for all PE students, with a focus on early intervention to increase retention and graduation rates.
• Work directly with at-risk PE students identified through the Starfish system (CRM) dashboard.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management to participate in recruitment events and host informational sessions for incoming students and their families.
• Work closely with appropriate departments to track and collect data with PE students who withdraw to identify factors contributing to their decision and inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Utilize STARFISH and Advocate software for case notes, goal tracking, and early warning system referrals
• Provide a comprehensive support system that assures academic success, student well-being, sense of belonging and career preparedness.
• Assist with data collection and analysis for PE students.
• Support Student Affairs and University major events and programs including (but not limited to) new student orientation, move-in, welcome days, open houses, family weekend, and Student Affairs' signature programs.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated Experience in case management, holistic and intrusive approaches to student support/success, student affairs, or a similar role preferred.
• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by Pell Eligible students.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Demonstrated Commitment to supporting underrepresented and vulnerable student populations.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, non-verbal and written) that can be applied across a wide range of constituents.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to successfully navigate multicultural issues by creating positive and supportive environments for a diverse campus population.
• Ability to work independently as well as serve as a member of an effective work team.
• Proficiency working with a computer and ability to learn and effectively use various software.
• Ability to navigate and prioritize competing demands.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, human services, or a related field.
• Preference for Radford University graduates and/or former Pell recipients.

Special Instructions to Applicants

This is a restricted/grant-funded position; therefore, continued employment is contingent on the need for services, the availability of funding, and satisfactory performance.

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.