Position Summary

Continuation of position is contingent upon grant funding.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Academic Completion Specialist shall perform the duties as specified in conformity with policies established by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees and the Drake State Community and Technical College Faculty and Staff Handbook.

• Build student relationships and provide curricular-informed mentoring
• Provide direct, comprehensive program guidance to assigned students
• Maintain regular communication with students according to college protocols
• Assist students in their educational planning and progress from pre-admission until graduation
• Maintain contact with assigned students throughout the semester via phone, email, in-person meetings, and other means of communication to monitor student progress and provide encouragement and guidance
• Assist students in identifying appropriate campus services/resources and facilitate their use of those services/resources including tutoring, counseling and career services
• Monitor student academic progress via the student early alert system, intervene as necessary to assist those students having difficulty, and complete required college reports on their progress
• Foster students’ accountability for individual academic performance and career goals
• Assist with New Student Orientation each semester
• Assist with admission and registration
• Consult with faculty concerning assigned students
• Assist the Student Success Specialist in providing effective student coaching, specifically in the areas of goal setting, time management, self-advocacy, and study skills
• Track students for the purpose of collecting data on retention, graduation, grade point averages, and transfer rates
• Participate on college-wide committees as assigned
• Maintain professional conduct in dealing with students and the college community
• Dispense necessary reports in a timely manner
• Attend all called meetings
• Continue professional development through professional organizations, seminars, etc. to maintain and improve skills
• Retain and submit documentation as requested to support accreditation, grant administration, and reporting efforts of the College
• Perform other work-related responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services, Dean of Students, and/or President

Job description may be modified or altered at any time by management.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of an earned Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Documented experience in academic advising in post-secondary education
• Experience with Student Information Software, Auditing Software, and CRM Software
• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to effectively analyze ambiguous information and respond appropriately
• Experience in group presentations
• Ability to process and maintain highly confidential information
• Ability to work effectively with individuals of varying backgrounds, abilities, outlooks, ages, and nationalities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Internet capabilities
• Excellent collaboration skills and ability to work as a member of a team
• Demonstrated exceptional listening, verbal, written, organizational, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Membership in an advising organization such as NACADA
• Documented evidence of experience in Personal, Social, and Vocational Counseling/Student Development, or related field
• Experience with Banner, Degree Works, and TargetX Software
• Knowledge of the programs of study offered at the College

DESIRED PROFILE:
Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate through their experiences and accomplishments:

• Understanding of and commitment to the philosophy and mission of a community and technical college
• Sensitivity and commitment to cultural diversity
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and various situations in a calm and professional manner
• Ability to work well under pressure and deadlines
• Commitment to teaching and learning, where recent high school graduates, adult students, and non-traditional students are involved

Application Procedures/Additional Information

• An on-line application
• Current resume
• Copy of college transcripts (Transcript must confirm applicant meets educational requirements.)

Application materials must provide documentation that the applicant meets all minimum qualifications.

The College reserves the right to fill the position within (120) days of the job announcement stated closing date or to not fill the position due to budgetary or operational considerations. Further, the College reserves the right to fill more than one position in the same job classification should another vacancy occur during the search process.

Sick Leave
All regular full-time non-instructional staff earns one day of sick leave which is the equivalent of 8 hours of sick leave per month. Unused sick leave is rolled over to the following year. Upon retirement, employees are allowed to convert unused sick time into service time for the purpose of retirement. Further retirement benefits may be found on this page under Alabama Teacher's Retirement.

Annual Leave
All regular full-time non-instructional staff earn annual leave per month. A complete description of leave benefits can be found with the Human Resources office.
0-4 years 8 hours per month
5-9 years 10 hours per month
10-14 years 12 hours per month
15-19 years 14 hours per month
20+ 16 hours per month
(may accumulate up to 480 hours)

Personal Leave
All regular full-time non-instructional staff earns up to two (2) regularly scheduled workdays of personal leave per leave year.
Unused Personal Leave converts to sick leave if not used.
Professional Leave
Up to 10 days a year of professional development leave with pay may be granted by the President.

Holidays
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King/Robert E. Lee Birthday
National Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
15 (5 locally assigned)

Contracted Work Days
260

Retirement
The TRS was established in 1939 to provide benefits to qualified persons employed by state-supported educational institutions. Responsibility for the management and administration of the TRS is vested in its Board of Control. The Boards of Control elect the Secretary-Treasurer who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the RSA and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the RSA. The TRS is a defined benefit plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information visit The Retirement Systems of Alabama. All regular full-time and part-time employees (non-temporary and non- student) who work at least 20 hours per week are required to participate in The Teachers' Retirement System of Alabama.
Tier I - Pays 7.50% monthly. State matches 12.59% (effective 10/01/22)
Tier II – Pays 6.20% monthly. State matches 11.44% (effective 10/01/22)
Law Enforcement Officers:
Tier I-Pays 8.50% monthly. State matches 12.59%(effective 10/01/22)
Tier II- Pays 7.20% monthly. State matches 11.44% (effective 10/01/22)

Health Insurance
PEEHIP, established in 1983, provides health insurance benefits for active and retired education employees and is governed by the PEEHIP Board of Control. The Boards of Control elect the Secretary-Treasurer who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the RSA and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the RSA. For more information visit http://www.rsa-al.gov/index.php/members/peehip

Premium amounts:

• Single $ 30
• Family (without Spouse but with dependents) $ 207
• Employee + Spouse (no dependents) $ 282
• Family (with Spouse and dependents*) $ 307

• Includes $100 per month spousal surcharge Note: The spousal surcharge does not apply to spouses who are independently eligible for PEEHIP.