Position Summary

Skagit Valley College has an outstanding opportunity for an Academic Advisor. The Academic Advisor will work as part of a student advising team to provide educational planning, appreciative advising, and resource support to students in technical and transfer pathways. The incumbent will assist students to identify and develop their educational goals.

The position will collaborate with college staff, faculty, and community partners to develop and enhance relationships in order to improve persistence rates for students. This position will work within the Counseling and Advising Department.

This is a 12-month, full-time position (FTE 100%), working 40 hours per week. The Academic Advisor will primarily be assigned to work at the Mount Vernon Campus. Travel to the Whidbey Island campus may be required on an occasional basis.

About SVC: Established in 1926, Skagit Valley College is a comprehensive community college within the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) providing associates and bachelor’s degrees, as well as certificates, in high-quality academic transfer pathways, workforce training, basic education for adults, and lifelong learning opportunities. Our equity goals align with SBCTC’s Vision statement; “Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities.”

SVC's commitment to equity and social justice drives our collective work to increase access to higher education, inspire student learning and achievement, and strengthen our diverse community. We embrace equity through our core themes of access, achievement, and community by pursuing the continuous examination and revision of norms, policies, and practices to foster the success of all.

SVC aspires to reflect the diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic demographics in the district, particularly a growing Latinx population. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) SVC seeks equity minded leadership, faculty, and staff that are committed to inclusive practices and to diverse environments where students from all backgrounds can thrive via multidisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of an array of services. Candidates representing all aspects of diversity are encouraged to apply.

Mission: Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.

Vision: The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:

• 
  Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
• Our Guiding Principles;
• Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
• The development of our employees;
• A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

The Location: Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People’s, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.

Did You Know: Skagit Valley College is an innovative community college committed to offering inclusive access to educational opportunities, supporting student achievement, and engaging our community. SVC is nationally known for learning communities and support for high impact teaching practices that improve the lives of our students. We are committed to creating student learning experiences that foster equity and diversity to strengthen our local and global communities. We practice a high degree of collaboration among faculty, staff, and administrators to lead initiatives that advance student success and strengthen our increasingly diverse district. We value student and colleague engagement in creating an equitable, diverse, innovative, learning-centered environment.

Skagit Valley College offers:

• An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
• Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship.
• Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
• Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban and urban lifestyles.
• Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments.
• Excellent benefits including competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the offices of Basic Education, Enrollment Services, and Financial Aid, co-develop and deploy developmentally responsive, and culturally competent entry and first-year advising to foster smooth, strengths-based transitions into the College;
• Assist and guide students with their academic plans, including a timely and accurate review and interpretation of academic skills and assessment results to determine appropriate placement in courses, along with information related to degrees, certificates, courses, policies and procedures, and resources;
• Using a coaching approach, track student progress, review and update educational plans and implement retention strategies;
• Support ongoing caseload of student advisees, as determined by the Associate Dean of Advising & Special Programs;
• Develop, implement, and coordinate intervention strategies related to the College’s Academic Progress policy by assisting students to make effective decisions toward their career and academic goals;
• Complete outreach to students through the college’s Early Alert system
• Provide advising support for special populations of students. This could include Champions of Diversity Scholars, Athletes, or other special populations;
• Advise new/prospective and current students in navigating the various degree and certificate programs the College offers and help interpret academic and institutional policies for students;
• Develop, coordinate and facilitate programs, services, and processes to increase student success, retention, and progression, such as quarterly college success/readiness workshops;
• Develop individual funding plans for students and assist students in applying for Federal Financial Aid, scholarships, and other SVC funds;
• Facilitate and Advise group advising sessions;
• Apply the Education Planning model to support students in First Quarter Experience courses;
• Collaborate with internal and external colleagues to provide resources to students.
• Work closely with students and assist them with problem-solving educational and day-to-day issues, access to emergency funds, and to community and campus resources as needed;
• Define and establish a written academic success plan for students and assist students in completing petitions for financial aid;
• Utilizing Appreciative Advising, build a positive mentoring relationship with students and work with and instruct them to resolve issues that impede their academic success
• Meet and communicate regularly in person, by phone, or via computer networks with students to provide information, resources, and support as they progress through the program;
• Communicate with department chairs and division chairs to stay abreast of degree, certificate, and program requirements relevant to assigned caseload and Area(s) of Study;
• Attend department meetings, training, or conferences necessary to meet the duties and responsibilities of the position;
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation regarding student interactions utilizing 21st-century technology, including the college’s customer relationship management system;
• Determine and document student eligibility for Support programs at SVC
• Engage in regular follow-up, contact, and tracking of students, data gathering and analysis, and reporting;
• Administer completion support to students utilizing Cardinal Complete funds.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge and/or understanding of:

• Express appropriate awareness of the history of underrepresented groups and promote an equitable work and learning environment;
• College admission, counseling, registration, and financial aid policies and processes;
• Resources available to students from counseling, disability support services, SVC Foundation, and financial aid;
• Community resources for food, housing, funding, and assessment;
• Educational programs including Basic Skills, developmental education, and professional/technical certificates and transfer degrees;
• Education and career pathways;
• State and federal laws affecting Skagit Valley College;
• MS Office applications including Outlook, Word, and Excel;
• Software and database applications including Customer Relationship Management systems and Student Management Systems.

Ability to:

• Interpret community college regulations and maintain compliance with the rules;
• Present information to individuals and large groups orally and in writing;
• Maintain positive relationships with students, partner agencies, instructors, department staff, and employees in other units;
• Promote and model appropriate workplace behavior with culturally diverse populations;
• Promote an unbiased, open forum for the safe exchange of ideas and learning opportunities;
• Apply sound judgment, common sense, and tenacity to a variety of workplace problem-solving;
• Work in a diverse, dynamic, and fast-paced environment;
• Communicate clearly and effectively.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• 
  Bachelor's degree or equivalent education or higher, in Social Work, Counseling, Education, or a related field;
• Experience working with populations representing diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and abilities;
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting equitable access and educational achievement of diverse students.

OR

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with diverse populations of students, clients, and community and business partnerships in an educational setting;
• Master's degree or equivalent in Education, Communications, Human Services, Social Sciences, Student Development, or a related field;
• Experience advising in a higher education setting;
• Strong oral and written bilingual/multi-lingual communication skills in Spanish and English;
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office and database management.

Salary, Benefits, Conditions of Employment, Application Procedure

Salary and Benefits:

• 
  The annual salary rate for this twelve-month, 100% full-time position is $52,000.
• Contracts are written annually for the period of July 1 to June 30. This position will be filled as soon as practical after a candidate is identified and the salary will be pro-rated for the remaining contract period.
• This position is exempt from the overtime pay requirements of The Fair Labor Standards Act and is civil service exempt.
• Salary, retirement, medical, and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations and may be subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates. Additional information on benefits can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/pebbhealthplan/compare.aspx.

Conditions of Employment:

• Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
  
  Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.
• In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
• If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• Per Proclamation 21-14, employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no later than date of hire. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 Vaccination as part of the hire process. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes, subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
• Completion of academic degree(s) will be verified through receipt of official transcripts at the time of hire.

Application Procedure:

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the minimum qualifications and;
• Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.edu that includes the following:

• The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references;
• A current resume; (Attachment: Resume)
• A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position; (Attachment: Cover Letter).

In order to be considered for the position, you must complete the online application in full and attach the required supplemental documents. Failure to provide this information may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Priority Application Deadline: Priority review will begin being reviewed on January 13, 2023. Applications received after the screening date may be considered until the position is filled.

Please be aware that the College hiring authorities reserve the right to hire one or more candidates and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process. Only candidates selected to interview will be contacted.

Application Assistance: If you have questions about the position or require special accommodation, you may contact Human Resources at (360) 416-7794, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. SVC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may leave a TDD/TTY message at (360) 416-7718 by the application closing date. Information on SVC's Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at OPPM 3040.

For questions regarding the online application system, you may call NEOGOV Applicant Tech Support at (855) 524-5627 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. For best results, apply using one of the following browsers supported by NEOGOV: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and later versions of Internet Explorer.

SVC Annual Security Report: The U.S. Department of Education and the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act require all colleges to provide information to current and prospective students and employees about campus safety policies, procedures, and statistics on certain crimes, including hate crimes, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault. We are required to report our campus security information and statistics in an Annual Security Report, which is updated annually each October. All prospective employees may obtain a copy of the Annual Security Report from the Human Resources Office by calling (360) 416-7794 or by accessing the Report at: https://www.skagit.edu/about/safety-security-parking/

Skagit Valley College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all groups in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. SVC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, age, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. All faculty and staff hired at Skagit Valley College are encouraged to embrace, continually support, and enhance diversity and equity on our campus and in our community. Annual Notice of Non-Discrimination.