Student Support Specialist

SUMMARY:

The incumbent in this position shall provide excellent customer service in supporting the needs of all NMHU students and work closely with other employees and students in a collegial, cooperative environment as well as comply with all NMHU policies and regulations. This position will work with general student records and must be able to perform all duties in a professional manner and maintain confidentiality of all University and student records. Additionally, this position serves as an advisor/liaison to proactively work with NMHU front line offices to solve student issues related, but not limited to: Financial Aid Scholarship, Human Resources, Registrar, Admissions, Graduate, Business Office, and Center (as necessary) matters.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

 Operations/Office Management:

• Utilize Internet Native and Self-Service Banner on a regular basis to process necessary actions to support Business Office, Financial Aid, Registrar, and advisement, etc. functions.

• Support recruitment efforts;

• Maintain accurate records of student and prospective student interactions while maintaining student record confidentiality in accordance with federal regulations;

• Maintain timely, positive communications between the university, students, and prospective students via telephone, email, social media, etc.;

• Advocate for students and serve as liaison to multiple functional areas of the university;

• Engage in professional development activities;

• Maintain regular attendance;

• Perform other job related duties as assigned.

Financial Aid & Scholarships:

• Support students with scholarship application procedures and deadlines;

• Support student needs related to Consortium Agreements with visiting institutions;

• Support VA Certifying Official in the coordination and maintenance of VA files, as necessary;

• Participate in Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships departmental meetings, as necessary.

Admissions & Recruitment:

• Understand, advise, and process, as necessary, new student applications for admission, transcript requests/submissions, etc.;

• Support NMHU recruitment efforts;

• Participate in Office of Admissions and Recruitment departmental meetings, as necessary.

Registrar:

• Assist new students in accessing and utilizing Self-Service Banner, student email, Degree Audit, and navigating the NMHU website online docs, etc.;

• Understand, advise, and coordinate, student registration, appeals, VA paperwork, applications for degree, transcript requests/submissions, pre-requisites, permission requirements, etc.;

• Coordinate with Registrar on student record updates;

• Participate in Registrar departmental meetings, as necessary.

Advisement:

• Advise transfer students on transfer process, basic transfer evaluation, educational options, and program articulation or transfer agreements, and refer students to the appropriate faculty member, Chair, or Dean, when necessary;

• Support academic programs in student progress;

• Understand and advise on MOUs and articulation (transfer) agreements with partner schools;

• In coordination with faculty advisor, assist students with appropriate paperwork such as course substitutions, programs of study, orals packets, independent studies, etc.

• Participate in academic program departmental meetings, as necessary.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be willing to travel;

• Must have a valid Driver’s License;

• Must be available for Notary certification, as necessary;

• Must be willing to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

 • EDUCATION: Baccalaureate Degree in any discipline. Baccalaureate degree may be substituted with a minimum of five years’ experience in at least two of the functional areas listed in DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES.
• EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years’ higher education experience in administrative work.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:  

• Demonstrate respect for all individuals and sensitivity to cultural and language differences; • Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint etc.);

• Knowledge of basic mathematics and statistics; • Knowledge of applicable university policies and procedures;

• Considerable knowledge of English, grammar, and spelling with excellent proof reading skills;

• Ability to work with sensitive, confidential data, and records;

• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures;

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships; • Skilled typist and knowledge of proper telephone etiquette;

• Ability to create presentations and communicate both orally and in writing at a high level;

• Ability to utilize independent judgment;

• Ability to work with minimal direction and supervision;

• Ability to exercise patience and maintain composure during stressful situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Repetitive hand motions and prolonged use of computer.

• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to forty (40) pounds.

• Sitting for extended periods of time. • Kneel, bend, reach, and stoop. • Walking for extended periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:              

• Work is performed in a typical interior/office work environment. • Work with frequent interruptions