Job Details

5586

In the Catholic tradition, the Student Affairs Division strives to create an inclusive, educational environment which motivates and supports student learning and personal development, serves the University community, and inspires students to make a positive contribution to society. Our philosophy and approach is to collaboratively work with Academic Affairs and all areas of the University to create an integrated learning environment.

The Student Affairs Division is a dynamic, student centered and learning organization. We are poised to create a vibrant and active co-curricular learning experience for all students. Our emphasis on leadership development and social change allows us to work on developing future ethical leaders to serve in a complex, global and changing world. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging and continuously building toward a just, welcoming and caring community for all.

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.

Torero Connect Counselor (TCC) will serve as part of a tightly integrated system of support for first year, second year and new transfer students. In conjunction with campus partners, which includes faculty/academic advisors, TCC will help ensure that students have access to information and resources on a timely basis, enhancing retention, student success, and students' ability to navigate the USD Student Experience. Trained as a coach, Torero Connect Counselor will serve as a primary point of contact for each student in their respective cohorts. In addition to providing information and connecting students to resources, this position will trouble-shoot and assist students with questions related to non-academic matters including financial aid, student accounts, course registration, housing, campus card, wellness, tutoring, student life, academic support, basic needs, university policies and other student support areas. The TCC will be responsible for meeting with their case load of students during the semester and coaching students to develop skills that facilitate empowerment, self-reliance and confidence.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Student Success

• Serves as a primary and dedicated point of contact for assigned student cohort, ensure a comprehensive understanding of and access to resources and information.
• Provides general consultation, guidance, and support to students across a wide array of issues related to students' success. 
• Responds to basic questions related to campus resources, including financial aid, student accounts, registrar, housing, campus card, wellness, tutoring, student success center, academic support, student life, basic needs, university policies, etc.
• Responsible for maintaining and nurturing an individual case load of students. Meets individually with students as a way of building relationships and signaling accessibility.  Meetings include initial introductory meetings and tailored follow-up meetings as needed dependent upon students' needs. 
• Serves as a student advocate, takes initiative to follow through on inquiries and resolve issues.
• Engages proactively with students and serves as the main point of contact on problem-solving and resolution of general issues and matters, including financial, residential, student life, etc. 
• Escalate issues to appropriate office when needed.  Advocates for student throughout the duration of resolution process and assists with keeping students informed.
• Seeks to understand and recognize the challenges faced by diverse student groups, particularly those students belonging to marginalized communities and serves all students with cultural sensitivity and compassion. 
• Develops rapport and welcoming environments for students to enhance academic skills, coping techniques, stress management, resiliency, and self-reliance.  Works to create a supportive and welcoming environment where students feel comfortable seeking assistance and guidance. 
• Responsible for developing communications and programming that promote a holistic, inclusive, and equitable student support ecosystem. 
• Surveys, analyzes, and documents resources available to students, particularly those related to academic support, wellness, career development, basic needs, and skill development.
• Leads the development of programs and connecting students to resources which focus on developing skills and characteristics of empowerment, self-reliance, and confidence.
• In partnership with connected departments, identifies consolidates, and outlines applicable and appropriate resources for students into comprehensive and effective communications and materials. 
• Conducts targeted outreach when appropriate to introduce a wide array of resources to students, with the aim of creating awareness and accessibility to information. 
• Ensures students are well informed and empowered to make informed choices to leverage resources while navigating their USD Student Experience.
• Fosters the retention and success of students through coaching and mentoring.
• Coaches and mentors students on skill development, character building, and ability to identify and utilize available resources, including experiential resources.  
• Offers comprehensive guidance and support with the aim of fostering a holistic understanding of and approach to students' personal and academic success. 
• Develops and/or refines expertise in supporting students from specific demographic groups, such as underrepresented students of color and first-generation students.

Communication and Strategy

• Collaborates and works closely with and a wide array of campus partners to maintain an understanding of student needs, resources, and priorities throughout the academic year. 
• Develops communication timelines to ensure that all students in their network are counseled on available resources at the appropriate time.
• Coordinates with the TCC group on the creation and execution of a communication strategy to keep students engaged and informed.
• Creates and implements strategies focused on incentivizing student participation.  
• Serving as liaison to campus partners, advocates and follows up to help ensure students' questions are answered and issues are resolved satisfactorily and in a timely manner. Makes referrals and follows up, as necessary.
• Assists with identifying barriers to student success and helps students develop tailored action plans, applying in-depth knowledge of resources and pathways to success 
• Individually and in concert with PCA Team, engages with students in systematic and organic ways, as appropriate and tailored to student needs.
• Supports parent inquiries.

Administrative

• Provides unsurpassed internal and external customer service by demonstrating effective listening, diplomacy, availability, and timely response to all inquiries.
• Creates and implements effective and inclusive communications campaigns and strategies to most effectively serve students.
• Engages in regular meetings with the TCC team aimed at analyzing current student trends, creating and reviewing relevant reports, and facilitating discussions to enhance student engagement and success. 
• Engages in training and attends meetings, as required. Training to  include workshops to  elevate coaching skill sets.
• Collaborates with campus partners and the TCC team to create resources to enhance student skills and self-reliance.
• Evaluates and analyzes the effectiveness of programming and communication efforts. 
• Works with leadership on creating, revising, and expanding upon initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Two years of experience working with high school and/or college/university students required.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Excellent customer service skills including, but not limited to, listening, and oral and written communication.
• Ability to make decisions independently after careful review of data.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in counseling, education, or related field preferred.
• Three or more years of work experience in a university setting or equivalent.
• Salesforce experience.
• Banner experience.
• Familiarity with Google Suite (e.g. Google docs, spreadsheets, drive, etc.)

Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the theories and practice of counseling, learning, and student development.
• Student-centered and ability to hold students accountable.
• Ability to interpret and implement policies and procedures.
• Skilled in time management.
• Ability to develop positive mentoring/coaching relationships with a diverse student population.
• Ability to communicate effectively, whether oral or written.
• Highly developed emotional intelligence and empathy.

$5,858.67-6,037.50 per month; Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers.  Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.  USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application. In addition, please upload a cover letter and resume to your application profile for the hiring managers' review.  If you have any questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Closing date: Open until filled 

Note: External job postings will be up for at least three days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.