Job DescriptionJob Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Student Support Specialist serves as a representative of Mid-America Christian University to the new and current students enrolled in university programs. This position provides general coaching activities as well as strategic, proactive contact in alignment with the University and Department mission statements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assumes the primary responsibility for interventions, alerts, implementations, and follow-ups for students assigned to their caseload.
• Allocates and spends a substantial amount of time daily communicating with and contacting students in order to maintain student satisfaction, persistence, and retention.
• Develops and maintains an up-to-date understanding of Mid-America Christian University’s academic programs, curriculum, and degree requirements.
• Advises and assists students in identifying long term goals, motivations, and career plans.
• Advises students regarding their academic progress and guides them to meet graduation requirements in a timely fashion.
• Provides general information and resources about financial aid requirements, standing, processes, documents, and alternative funding options.
• Advises students and guides them in addressing problems and overcoming obstacles; connects them to appropriate services and resources around the university.
• Participates in the production of New Student Orientation events.
• Serves as a representative in the University’s Solution Center.
• Provides backup support to other Student Support Specialists in the case of an absence.
• May be required to oversee student workers
• Participates annually in the University’s commencement ceremony and may be asked to represent the department at other university sponsored events.
• Follows MACU’s policies and procedures in working with students while maintaining confidentiality of educational records in accordance with FERPA regulations.
• Maintains a positive work environment by cooperating in a professional manner with the University community.
• Assumes other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Skills: Ability to interact comfortably and appropriately with students, staff and alumni; customer-service orientation and philosophy to support and interpret student inquiries and needs; comfortable with spending a significant portion of the day on the phone; strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills required; team-oriented individual necessary to provide support in a high-demand environment. Discretion is vital as most information and data handled is of a confidential nature.

Abilities: Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously; comfortable with not completing tasks in a linear fashion; excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to defuse confrontational situations; able to quickly and accurately enter data; ability to work independently with minimal instruction, and must demonstrate initiative, and flexibility. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with and relate effectively with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other campus and outside constituencies. Strong analytical and organizational skills with a demonstrated focus on attention to detail. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines with little supervision.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of five years of either professional experience in a college or university or professional office environment. Preferred experience in customer service, sales, Christian ministry, or counseling.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Microsoft Office application especially, Outlook, Access, Excel, and Word; and keyboarding.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Requires repetitive motions and sitting at computer keyboard; hearing and speaking on the telephone; able to conduct business at other offices on campus; able to lift, bend, grasp, reach, lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Office cubicle environment requiring business casual dress. Some evenings and weekends required.

Please review our Mission Statement and our Statement of Faith at https://www.macu.edu/about/