Education Counselor

About the position

The Education Counselor at the University of Central Arkansas plays a vital role in assisting students with their academic and personal growth. This position is centered around creating meaningful educational plans that align with students' life goals. The process is continuous and relies heavily on frequent, personal interactions between the counselor and the students. The Education Counselor is tasked with assessing individual needs and providing both individual and group education and vocational guidance services. This role is governed by state and federal laws, as well as institutional policies, ensuring that all counseling practices adhere to established guidelines. In this position, the Education Counselor will engage in one-on-one advising sessions with students, focusing on a specific college discipline. They will maintain up-to-date information regarding student advisement and work to establish strong relationships with both advisees and faculty members. The counselor will also be responsible for monitoring academic progress through collaboration with faculty and students, assisting students in personal goal setting, time management, and study skills, and ensuring that students are aware of and utilize university resources such as tutoring centers and counseling services. Additionally, the Education Counselor will explain institutional policies and procedures to students, facilitate the exploration of potential majors, and guide students toward declaring a major. They will also participate in advising incoming freshmen during summer orientation and registration, assist with Welcome Week and other academic orientations, and coordinate advising functions and research projects related to undeclared majors. The role requires a positive attitude and a genuine willingness to help students succeed in their academic endeavors.

Responsibilities

• Advising students on a one-on-one basis in a specific College discipline.
• Maintaining current information regarding all students advisement.
• Establishing rapport with advisees and faculty in their College.
• Developing knowledge related to all degree programs offered in the College.
• Maintaining regular contact with advisees via telephone and e-mail.
• Monitoring and facilitating academic progress through ongoing collaboration with faculty and students.
• Assisting students with personal goal setting, time management, study skills, and other academic success factors.
• Ensuring that advisees know about and utilize university resources such as tutoring centers, the University Counseling Center, and Disability Support Services.
• Explaining institutional policies and procedures, including the use of technology in communication, academics, advising, and registration to students.
• Facilitating exploration of possible majors and moving students toward a major declaration.
• Advising incoming freshmen during summer orientation and registration.
• Assisting with Welcome Week and other academic orientations.
• Coordinating or assisting with advising functions and research projects related to undeclared and other majors.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Director of Advising and the Provost Office, as they relate to advisement and retention.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and one year experience in education, counseling, or higher education or a related field.
• Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education.
• Knowledge of state, federal, and university rules, regulations and procedures.
• Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team.
• Ability to make sound judgments.
• Effective interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational abilities.
• Civility in all interactions.
• Demonstrate effective follow-up.

Nice-to-haves

• The formal education equivalent of a master's degree in education, counseling, or counselor education; plus one year of experience in counseling or a related field.

Benefits

• University contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance.
• 80% tuition waivers for employees and their families.
• 12 official holidays.
• Immediate leave accrual.
• Retirement program with university contributions of 10% of employee salary.
• Health and wellness incentives.
• Access to sports and cultural activities on campus for the family.
• Free gym membership (HPER) and equipment rentals.