Student Support and Advocacy Specialist

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Provide student-centered support services, interactive educational opportunities, quality supervision of student and/or professional staff, and strong leadership on relevant departmental and campus and community committees.

The Office of the Dean of Students is committed to helping every student thrive; their wellbeing and success as a student is our priority. We are committed to helping students access the resources needed to be successful on their academic journey by providing basic need programs, case management, and equipping all members of our campus community with training and skills to build a campus culture of care and support.

Fully competent and productive professional contributor who applies acquired job skills, policies and procedures to complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Works independently with general supervision; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action. May provide guidance and assistance to entry level professionals and/or support employees.

60% of Time the Student Support and Advocacy Specialist must:

• Report to the Associate Dean of Students while working within the Student Connections and Support Center office; serve as a liaison between the Office of the Dean of Students and Student Connections and Support Center.
• Support the Office of the Dean of Students’ efforts to promote services and train campus members on awareness, prevention, intervention and risk reduction of stalking, sexual assault and relationship violence.
• Develop a strategy and overall vision for the Campus Clothing Closet, champion partnerships to sustain efforts--including for volunteer programs, funding, donations, expansion, etc.
• Provide administrative direction for programs and services related to confidential support services and The Campus Clothing Closet.
• Provide confidential, no cost support for Boise State students, including: advocacy, case management, resources and referrals and crisis intervention.
• Provide consultation to campus and community partners implementing prevention efforts and/or responding to students in crisis.

35% of Time the Student Support and Advocacy Specialist must:

• Maintain case files, prepare requested documentation and prepare reports in alignment with best practices.
• Implement and facilitate University-wide training for front-line service providers.
• Maintain on-going relationships with on and off campus agencies to increase effectiveness and coordination of services.
• Design marketing and outreach for corresponding programs and services.
• Assist university offices and Student Affairs and Enrollment Management units during peak periods such as Bronco Welcome, Residence Hall check in, convocation and commencement.

5% of Time the Student Support and Advocacy Specialist must:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• General knowledge of federal and state laws relevant to the role, including FERPA, Clery, Title IX, purchasing, confidentiality of licensed mental health professionals, etc.
• Ability to understand and integrate into professional practice, knowledge of the functions of university departments and programs with the larger goals of the university.
• Relevant research and emerging practices related to:
  • Trauma, stalking, sexual assault, relationship violence
  • Crisis intervention, victim or student advocacy and case management
  • Violence prevention and bystander intervention
• Human behavior in the social environment.

Ability to:

• Thrive working both independently and as part of a team
• Use ethical decision making, logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of possible solutions, conclusions or approaches to complex problems.
• Demonstrate emotional maturity and ability to apply good judgment, use discretion and resolve conflicts.
• Make date-informed decisions and implement improvements
• Be flexible and quickly pivot efforts, as needed.
• Communicate complex information professionally and accessibly, in writing and in speech.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, including building rapport…