TBR | The College System of Tennessee

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a comprehensive, multicultural, public, open—access college. Southwest has 6 campuses/centers from which it offers over 100 programs and over 20 technical certificate programs.

We foster student success, transform lives, and increase the educational level of a growing community in Shelby County. Southwest is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Title: Relational Advisor (Grant Funded)

Employee Classification: Other Professionals

Institution: Southwest Tennessee Community College

Department: Advising and Career Services

Campus Location: STCC - Multiple Campus Locations

Job Summary

This is a full-time, grant-funded position within the Department of Advising and Academic Support. The position is funded through the Title III IDEAS Grant.

The Relational Advisor (RA) will provide academic guidance and advisement to students on policies, procedures, and program requirements to fulfill a certificate or degree program and will proactively participate in the planning and delivery of academic advising services for students and subpopulations that promote comprehensive educational opportunities. Responsible for sustaining an environment of academic and professional excellence for students, providing proactive outreach, referrals, and intervention with student populations via several communication methods. The RA maintains student engagement and academic progression by tracking the advancement of students from inception to graduation.

Job Duties

• The Relational Advisor will strive to meet Title III grant goals of strengthening academic success for targeted populations, increasing retention and graduation rates for Southwest students, and diminishing the achievement gap in all gatekeeping courses.
• The primary accountabilities of this position are to advise students and oversee the points of transition during their tenure at the college. The Relational Advisor will support students as they transition at various points throughout their academic careers at Southwest, which include:
  • Self-exploration: focusing on strengths, interests, and values with major and career exploration.
  • Identification of co-curricular, career, and experiential learning, and leadership opportunities to support both academic and professional development.
  • Selection of a major and development of an academic plan that aligns with strengths, aspirations, and abilities.
  • Implements an aspect of relational advising models that effectively serve the assigned caseload of students.
  • Advises using Academic Maps or Guided Pathways.
  • Effective registration and advising during NSO, one-on-one appointments, and Academic Success Classes.
  • Maintain bi-weekly check-ins and will serve as an Early Alerts partner.
  • Document students’ stories and progression towards graduation day.
  • Monitor Academic Progress Reporting and intrusive interventions for academic success.
  • Participate in transfer fairs (for 4-year degree programs), Advising Roundtables, and Priority Registration.
  • SAP interventions and support.
  • Assist the Director/Manager/Supervisor in reporting data to fulfill grant requirements.
  • Coordinate with Career Services Partnership on undecided/wavering majors.
  • Make faculty mentor and co-curricular (Leadership & Engagement) referrals.
  • Monitor graduation.
  • Support closing of academic achievement gaps and promoting holistic student success for increased course completion and graduation rates.
  • Utilize advisor technologies (Banner, EAB Navigate, Degree Works, etc.) to effectively advise and support students.
  • May perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; counseling, education, or a related field.
  
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in higher education.
  
• A background check will be required for the successful candidate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a community college setting.
  
• Experience working with students in a post-secondary institution.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to provide a high standard of customer service when assisting students with problem resolution and the ability to seek input from alternate authority if necessary.
  
• Knowledge of college degree requirements.
  
• Ability to pivot with changes in policies and procedures to maintain current working knowledge.
  
• Knowledge of advising practices and principles.
  
• Ability to use good judgment and work effectively under pressure.
  
• Ability to record and maintain files accurately, in paper and software programs.
  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
  
• Ability to interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations.
  
• Ability to communicate efficiently.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Candidates who are called for an interview must notify Human Resources in writing at least five (5) days in advance of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

First consideration will be given to current Southwest Tennessee Community College employees who meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

In order to be considered for the position, the following items must be uploaded:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Unofficial Transcripts

A summary of our benefits can be found below: 

https://www.southwest.tn.edu/hr/benefits-overview.php

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a TBR and AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities.