Academic Advisor & Intervention Specialist

SUMMARY

The Academic Advisor and Intervention Specialist serves as a proactive student success leader, supporting the academic journey of Highland Community College students through individualized advising and targeted academic interventions. This role bridges ongoing advising services with early-alert and academic support systems to ensure all students-especially those identified as at-risk-receive the support, guidance, and accountability needed to thrive academically. The ideal candidate will utilize data-informed practices, collaborate with faculty and support staff, and help create a campus-wide culture of student success and retention.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provide academic advising to continuing students, including course selection, degree planning, transfer pathways, and college success strategies.
• Identify and provide direct support to academically at-risk students through early-alert systems and progress reports.
• Coordinate and deliver academic success interventions, including workshops, coaching sessions, and individualized support plans.
• Collaborate with faculty mentors, TRIO staff, and campus support services to develop and implement student success strategies.
• Track student progress and maintain accurate documentation of advising sessions and intervention outcomes.
• Lead the development and refinement of academic success plans for students on academic probation or warning.
• Serve as a liaison between faculty and students to address academic performance concerns and help resolve barriers to student success.
• Support the execution of student engagement initiatives, including First Forty Days, to promote early and meaningful campus involvement.
• Use data and predictive analytics (EdSights, Ellucian) to inform student outreach and follow-up.
• Assist in training student workers, peer mentors, or success coaches as needed within the Student Success Center.
• Teach or co-teach academic recovery or success-related courses, including College Success (COL 103), as assigned.
• Actively participate in retention-focused committees and initiatives at HCC.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position requires a high level of collaboration and project leadership. Supervision of peer mentors or student employees may be assigned within the Student Success Center.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

A bachelor's degree required, preference in Education, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent work experience in academic advising, student success, or intervention programming will be considered. Experience working with underrepresented or at-risk student populations is highly valued. Must demonstrate proficiency in educational technology, student information systems, and a commitment to data-informed decision-making.

Language Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills required. Ability to interpret academic policies and clearly communicate degree requirements and success strategies. Capable of presenting workshops and collaborating with students, staff, and faculty across departments.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to interpret academic data such as GPA calculations, credit hours, and basic statistical indicators for program assessment.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to think critically, analyze student needs, respond to early alerts, and develop meaningful interventions. Must be able to make independent decisions while working collaboratively within a team environment.

Other

Must demonstrate a passion for working with students and a commitment to student retention and success. Ability to maintain confidentiality, build relationships, and work inclusively across diverse populations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Some standing or walking may be necessary during workshops or events.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is typical of an office or student service center. The noise level is generally moderate. Occasional travel to regional centers or community events may be required.