So Take the Next Steps

Location: Dobbs Ferry and any other campuses as may be required

Job Summary: This position assists the Director of TRIO-Student Support Services Program (SSSP) with the overall SSSP grant goals and objectives at Mercy University, at all campuses.

Administrative/Technical/Service

• Ensure that opportunity grant counseling services funded by SSSP are provided to eligible students. Work directly with counselors developing and implementing a student success plan
• Promoting retention and graduation strategies by making sure project objectives are satisfied and services are being provided as described in the grant
• Assist director with the planning and implementation of the recruitment process, interviewing students, determining student eligibility, monitor grant admission materials and make recommendations
• Coordinate summer programs and communicate with faculty, deans and library officials for the implementation of the pre-freshman summer program
• Work with financial aid counselors in the collection, processing, and distribution of grant financial aid documentation and packaging
• Provide reports to the director regarding program activities and outcomes
• Utilize university data systems to track student information for academic progress and grant reports using Degree Works, Banner, Xtender, Argos, USDOE reporting tools
• Assist program director with university requirements including: middle states requirements, competency, course sequencing, and curriculum development appropriate for SSSP students
• Work one-on-one with students and counselors in developing electronic portfolio activities
• Ensure that rosters (cohort) for each semester are maintained and coordinate with counselors the summer courses for continuing students
• Organize summer cohort class scheduling
• Collect all data necessary for the mid and final year reports needed for the USDOE and work with the director on fiscal information and annual reports
• Perform other duties/projects as assigned

Organizational/Managerial

• Develops and implements initiatives to build the team, engage the department in the University community as a team member and build positive morale in the department
• Provides employees with clear expectations regarding organizational values and desired results, clear and honest performance feedback, suggestions for training and self development and timely evaluations
• Conducts regular staff meetings and provides training to staff on a regular basis
• Develops goals and holds employees accountable for productivity goals and facilitates their development to meet those goals. Provides mentoring, coaching and training for employees to improve productivity
• Manages time and other resources to meet established short and long term goals within the agreed upon time frames
• Assesses departmental operations and policies to ensure optimal productivity and efficiency continuously
• Manages time and attendance of all employees
• Ensures clear, timely communications to others (both oral and written), particularly to those who will be affected by change. Listens to others carefully and attentively and encourages collaboration. Builds effective formal and informal communication channels
• Maintains confidentiality in the management of information
• Demonstrates written and oral ability to deal with “customers, supervisors, peers and subordinates as needed to do the job and resolve difficult situations
• Initiates actions that foster acceptance of organizational change and that build commitment to Department and University objectives
• Gather and analyze appropriate information and appropriately use the information as improvement benchmarks/metrics
• Demonstrates flexibility in the acceptance and completion of work assignments
• Service Orientation: Monitors employee productivity and customer service delivery of all staff and ensures that excellence is demonstrated in this area
• Answers telephones and emails in an appropriate, professional manner, and resolves problems in a reasonable time frame
• Demonstrates a professional, courteous, and respectful attitude in dealing with clients, staff and other members of the Mercy University community
• Managing the Environment: Maintains a work environment that is marked by respect for others; that values inclusiveness and builds workforce diversity; and that fosters cooperation and teamwork
• Is punctual and maintains a satisfactory attendance record. Is appropriately attired for the office
• Develops and maintains a cooperative, friendly and mutually supportive work environment for all staff. Uses resources wisely and effectively
• Collaborates and cooperates with other managers and departments
• Manages departmental budgets appropriately
• Demonstrating Initiative: Identifies and initiates actions independently to support the vision, mission and objectives, and to resolve or avoid problems
• Effective in taking action without being told. Takes initiative in troubleshooting and completing tasks

Educational/Professional Development

• Identifies learning strengths and needs. Seeks to learn and continuously develop self by utilizing learning resources
• Provides training for staff as appropriate

Policies and Procedures Compliance

• Complies with policies and procedures of the Department and the University including but not limited to the Universities Code of Conduct
• Identifies and reports gaps in policies and procedures to management
• Complies with all required training. Ensures that employees complete all required training

EDUCATION REQUIRED

• Master’s degree in Counseling or related field required

EXPERIENCES AND/OR SKILLS REQUIRED

• Minimum one to three years of counseling experience
• Interact professionally with all levels of the Mercy University Community
• Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, written and oral communication, problem-solving, organizational, and presentation skills
• Computer proficiency in MS Office, Outlook, Degree Works, Argos, Xtender and Banner required
• Bilingual helpful
• Demonstrated evidence of detail-orientation, customer service orientation, ability to work independently, ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, and great levels of responsibility required
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evening hours
• Ability to travel between locations required