Student Success Specialist - TriO

Reports to: Director of TRIO SSS

Job Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary:

The Student Success Specialist for TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a full-time position reporting to the Director of TRIO SSS. This position works directly and holistically with students at various stages of their HCU experience with the goal of helping them persist and graduate in a timely manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advocate for and coach a cohort of 70 students to help them succeed holistically on HCU’s campus and beyond
• Collaborate with other divisions of HCU, especially Academic Affairs, Career and Calling, Financial Aid, Student Involvement, and Student Success to ensure students in caseload are succeeding
• Recruit current students who meet the definition of “at-risk” according to the grant standards for inclusion in a cohort of 140 individuals
• Work with students to develop an educational plan with a clear pathway to graduation
• Plan and deliver TRIO SSS Orientation and other workshops as needed by cohort of students
• Coordinate and deliver individualized coaching and counseling activities inclusive of academic needs as well as co-curricular interests
• Facilitate social and academic integration to support student engagement
• Maintain frequent contact with students via phone, text, email, or social media
• Train student leaders on student success and mentoring in relation to 504 Accommodations needs, financial literacy, academic excellence, student engagement and service, and other areas of student success and the collegiate experience
• Other assignments, initiatives and duties as assigned by the Director of TRIO SSS
• Aids in social, academic, and spiritual integration to support student engagement and success
• Contributes to students’ discipleship and spiritual growth as key component of student success and development

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, or related field
• Two years of experience working directly with students
• Bilingual preferred (Spanish preferred)
• Familiarity with academic advising, student success research, and understanding of factors that drive retention preferred
• Ability to communicate with students to set academic goals
• Must be a good listener and must be empathetic to student needs
• Must be able to completely affirm, uphold, and live within the Preamble of Houston Christian University
• Must work to further the University’s vision as stated in the Ten Pillars
• Be available for some night and weekend programming
• Exhibit an active Christian faith with local church membership and involvement

Additional Information:

Houston Christian University is an independent, private Christian liberal arts institution with a diverse student body. It has access to all the cultural advantages of one of the largest metropolitan centers in the country. For more information about the University, visit hc.edu.

The University is in the process of implementing its Ten Pillars vision (hc.edu/vision) and anticipates significant growth in student enrollment and university programs. The successful candidate will also be able to articulate a vision for the role of his or her discipline at HCU that is supportive of the Ten Pillars vision statement.

Houston Christian University is committed to maintaining a teaching faculty and staff who share an active Christian faith. The Preamble to the By-Laws of the University sets forth a statement of belief which each University employee is expected to support and personify. Your submittal of an application for employment indicates your acceptance and affirmation of these statements.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of personnel.

**Disclaimer**

Background checks are performed on every new hire. If your application is selected to continue with the interviewing process you will be required to submit a Background Check form. If you decline, your application may be denied. By proceeding with the online application you understand and accept this process.