Academic Counselor

About Berkshire Community College:
Berkshire Community College (BCC) has the distinction of being the first community college established in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Nestled in the scenic Berkshire Hills, our nearly 2,000 students have access to a wide range of career and transfer programs on our newly renovated campus. Occupying a scenic 180-acre property, just minutes from downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts, BCC provides students from a broad range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds with an intimate learning environment, small class sizes, and much opportunity for interaction with faculty. Berkshire County was home to many forward-thinking historic figures including, W.E.B. DuBois, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth (Mumbet) Freeman, all of whom were pioneers of social justice. The Berkshires contain both rural and urban elements, combining a beautiful natural environment with world class museums and other cultural opportunities. Pittsfield and Berkshire County continue to evolve, with immigrants from over 70 countries now calling the Berkshires their home. BCC seeks to recruit diverse employees who embrace, as well as demonstrate, a commitment to diversity and inclusion and whose experiences and perspectives model the opportunities and success derived from a college education.

Job Description:
General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities

As part of the One Stop Student Success Center, the Academic Advising Office works in conjunction with other enrollment services offices to provide comprehensive initial outreach, support, and advising services to all BCC students. Serving as the primary-role advisor to an assigned caseload of students, the Academic Counselor will advise and coach students regarding their academic plan, course selection, transition to college, and navigating the college system. The Academic Counselor will work closely with other members of the Academic Advising and One Stop teams to prepare and register new students each semester, serve as the advisor for early college students, and provide outreach and resource referral for students indicated at risk via early alert.

Supervision received: Director of Academic, Career & Transfer Advising

Supervision exercised: N/A

Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:
Serve as advisor, coach, and advocate to new and assigned students, including early college students;
Advise and coach students regarding their academic plan, course selection, transition issues, and navigating the college system;
Assist students with registration, add/drop, change of program, and course withdrawals;
Engage students in initial career/transfer conversation to provide support and make referrals to appropriate resources;
Help students build their self-advocacy skills and success strategies;
Meet with students suspended from Financial Aid related to satisfactory academic progress;
Monitor student progress and provide outreach and resource referral for students indicated at risk via early alert, mid-term grades, etc.
Work with faculty of students experiencing academic difficulties and refer students for additional support or services;
Assist with organizing and facilitating new student registration sessions.
Participate in new student orientations and coordinate activities with other programs and departments, as needed.
Maintain professional knowledge in applicable areas and utilizes current and emerging communication technology and software supporting student success.
Create/update literature related to advising to support new and current students.
Interact with various agencies/individuals including attending meetings/events and making presentations; serving on various college committees; and collaborating with other departments, faculty members, community groups, outside agencies, and other individuals.
Serve as an academic liaison with academic divisions
Maintain confidentiality as related to student records in accordance with FERPA guidelines

Requirements:
Master's degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology or closely related field with three years of experience and/or training involving college admissions, academic advising, career development or program/project management; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Strong sensitivity to the needs of a diverse student population in an open enrollment environment.
Ability to assist student with transition to college, academic planning, success strategies, and self-advocacy.
Experience with issues pertaining to admissions, financial aid, transfer of academic credit, and/or career development
Demonstrated positive working relationships with faculty and staff, as an advocate for student.
Strong interpersonal, presentation and written communication skills.
Relevant technology skills including the use of software programs to support student success.

Additional Information:
Source of Funding: State Funded

Salary: $58,320 - $62,543 (per MCCC contract) Grade 5; Full time; Benefited; Temporary

Area of Assignment: Student Affairs & Enrollment management

Effective Dates: July 2022 - June 2023

Pursuant to the Clery Act of 1990 a copy of Berkshire Community College's security report is available on the BCC Website.

BCC is committed to providing an inclusive learning and working environment that values the diverse backgrounds of all people and encourages applications from individuals whose experiences and perspectives model the opportunities and success derived from a college education.

Berkshire Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on basis of race, creed, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, maternity leave, military service, and national origin in its education programs or employment.

Application Instructions:
To apply, submit please submit your resume and cover letter by visiting the Berkshire Community College Job Board .

Closing Date: June 5, 2022