Grand Valley State University

Academic Resources and Retention Specialist
- Advising Center, College of Education and Community Innovation

Grand Rapids, MI (Pew Campus) Full Time R105078

This position supports a caseload of 300+ graduate students in the Master of Social (MSW) program while also proactively coordinating and offering retention activities and resources for College of Education and Community Innovation (CECI). Retention activities include outreach, programming and event planning, as well as consistent communication through newsletters, webpages, social media, and Educational Advisory Board (EAB) Navigate Campaigns.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary range $51,000-$54,000, commensurate with experience.

• Maintain an advising caseload of 300+ MSW Students providing course planning, resources and referrals
• Counsel MSW students on academic probation or dismissal through an appeal process
• Manage overrides and permits for MSW course registration
• Assist on a committee to support admission to the MSW programs
• Host regular information sessions for newly admitted MSW students preparing for orientation and course registration
• Provide student support services, resources and referrals for CECI graduate students
• Assess students' academic needs, aid them in setting goals, connect them to appropriate resources, and provide ongoing support as needed
• Understand and be able to clearly communicate academic information, including possible programs of study, resources available to students, and be knowledgeable of academic policies and administrative practices
• Partner with professional staff and faculty advisors to support students
• Maintain electronic student files and student databases
• Support New Student Orientation in Allendale (summer months only) for incoming first year students

• Oversee W.A.V.E. program (Wellness and Vibrancy Events) including planning events
• Represent CECI programs at open houses and/or graduate program information sessions
• Participate in campus events to promote department services
• Facilitate workshops/training and/or design resources provided to students to assist them in their development as a university student
• Produce and distribute informational materials related to programs and services creating access through digital media and systems such as Blackboard
• Create content for digital communication (website, social media, monthly newsletters)
• Create and deliver classroom presentations
• Represent CECI programs at open houses and/or graduate program information sessions
• Facilitate alumni events and panels for CECI student networking
• Assess student-centered programming and retention

• Serve on University and College Committees
• Research and distribute cross-university opportunities for CECI students
• Attend staff meetings/team meetings regularly
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership

• Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE accredited MSW Program
• Minimum of two (2) years of post-MSW professional social work experience
• Evidence of critical, reflective thinking about the role of field education within social work education
• Record of, or demonstrated potential for, working with graduate students and community partners to support MSW field education
• Ability to provide leadership to the field education program through practice experience, field instruction experience, and administrative or other relevant academic and professional activities in social work
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to…