TRIO SSS Specialist & Academic Advisor

TRIO SSS SPECIALIST & ACADEMIC ADVISOR

CATEGORY/LEVEL: PSS/8

BASIC FUNCTION: Assess the financial, academic, and personal development needs of participants in the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program. Provide holistic advising and individualized support to help students establish, pursue, and achieve their educational, personal, and career goals. Develop and implement success plans that connect participants with appropriate resources and support services to promote retention, persistence, and completion. Facilitate educational workshops and instructional activities that enhance students'' academic, personal, and professional development. Guide students in academic planning, course selection, and degree completion while assisting them through the transfer process and supporting their transition to four-year institutions.

START DATE: ASAP

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Starting salary of $46,900 to $57,600 based on experience. Benefits package includes Blue Cross/Blue Shield major medical health insurance; eye care, dental, life and disability insurance; paid vacation and sick leave; a choice of IPERS or TIAA retirement plans, and a variety of additional optional benefits.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Education, Human Services, Psychology or related field. Minimum of two years of experience working with the academic and developmental needs of students.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Master's degree in Counseling, Student Affairs, Education, or related field. Teaching experience, as well as work with diverse populations of college students, in addition to work or lived experience in at least one qualifying category for SSS.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Design appropriate curriculum, provide workshop instruction and evaluation, and assist in the annual curriculum design revision.
• Coordinate and administer comprehensive financial, academic, career, and personal development assessments for SSS participants; assist students in interpreting assessment results, developing Individual Progress Plans, and implementing academic and career pathways that align with their interests, strengths, and transfer goals. Monitor participant progress, evaluate outcomes, and provide appropriate interventions.
• Maintain accurate and detailed student records in compliance with federal regulations and institutional requirements. Support departmental operations, including enrollment management, transfer reporting, file documentation, program assessment, strategic planning, curriculum review and revision for SSS courses, and other activities necessary to achieve program objectives.
• Co-advise the TRIO and Friends Club and coordinate, promote, and support student participation in cultural events, leadership activities, transfer visit days, and other educational opportunities that enhance student engagement and transfer readiness.
• Recruit, advise, and support TRIO SSS participants throughout program enrollment and completion. Maintain regular communication with students, implement advising strategies that advance SSS goals, and track student learning outcomes, achievements, and participation.
• Develop and implement individualized academic plans for students in assigned NIACC Guided Pathways/Meta-Majors, aligning educational progress with their academic, career, and life goals.
• Engage with students individually and in groups to build rapport, assess needs, and support progress towards academic and personal goals.
• Seek professional growth through participation in appropriate organizations and conferences.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff across campus to identify student concerns, provide coordinated support, and promote student engagement and success.
• Maintain strong organizational skills, demonstrate reliability, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Fulfill other responsibilities as needed or assigned.
• Perform in a manner which strengthens the coordination and cooperation of all organizational components of the College, including opportunities for student recruitment.

NIACC Core Principles: All employees are expected to adhere to all NIACC policies and procedures. NIACC administration, faculty, and staff value a positive working environment and an environment of mutual respect; therefore, all employees are to maintain a positive attitude and respect for others when working with all NIACC departments, employees, students, partners, and the public.

Applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. NIACC is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

10/2026