Placement Officer/student Advisor, Faculty of

The Student Advisor/Placement Officer is the first point of contact for all academic related functions for the student. It is imperative that college and ministry guidelines/regulations are followed at all points of advising students throughout the duration of their academic plan through to field placement (if applicable) to graduation.

This role provides academic and leadership to students with a wide-range of needs, helping them access appropriate college resources and a variety of learning strategies, and find success with field placement. This support and other actions mean the Incumbent has a direct impact on student success, and as such, they must understand the importance of professionalism, confidentiality and strong communication.

The Incumbent is responsible for being knowledgeable of their program of studies, prerequisites and corequisites and pathways available to students.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Provides Academic Guidance by**:

- Assists students in the development of an educational plan including choosing a program of study and/or clarifying educational goals.
- Supporting students by developing academic plans and meeting with non-standard students
- Referring students to college resources, e.g., study skills workshops, health and wellness, peer tutoring
- Providing information for students transferring to other programs
- With student consent, meeting with advocates/external agencies to explain student’s academic status, academic policy, student rights and responsibilities, academic options.
- Advocating for students in student success related matters, for example, with the dean/associate dean in exceptional matters or with the professor and/or program team.
- Ensuring timely and accurate information is provided upon request and communicated in an efficient, professional, and customer focused manner
- Assisting in verifying and updating some portions of student records
- Informing students of academic choices, such as part-time versus full time options and communicates processes with both Registration and Admission related inquiries. Informing students of courses offered in Continuing Education that are equivalent to our post-secondary courses when and where applicable.

**Provides Field Placement Support by**:

- Liaising with agencies to secure and arrange placements for students enrolled in all field placement programs.
- Maintain current partnerships and develop new partnerships with various service agencies to support student placement needs.
- Advising on placement issues i.e. student transportation, inappropriate or lack of placement opportunities.
- Coordinating class field placement seminars for each program, if applicable.
- Monitoring compliance with various agency and college policies, (i.e. immunization, Public Health Act, documentation, contractual agreements, WSIB) as related to placement. Liaises with Risk Management to review Affiliation Agreements and track agreements.
- Assigning students to placement in collaboration with the program contact.
- Monitoring the placement experience, paperwork, outcomes and make recommendations for continuous improvement.

**Provides Administrative Services by**:

- Registering students using Banner
- Confirming student eligibility for field placement
- Assisting with the review of graduation status, as required
- Running reports for review and action by the Dean and/or Associate Dean.
- Creating, maintaining and expanding a database of placement agencies to support the needs of the programs.
- Sending out student and/or faculty communications regarding required student support and upcoming deadlines as needed.
- Assisting with Program Guides and Placement Manuals as needed.
- Assisting with special projects such as collecting and summarizing data.
- Develops and maintains operating procedures that minimize the likelihood and impact of errors.
- Providing office support and LiveChat as required.
- Other related duties as assigned.

**Participates in school related events/meetings by**:

- Participating in student recruitment or retention events, including but not limited to Open House, Orientation events, CIP etc.
- Attending divisional, program, and other school meetings, as appropriate
- Attending regular group meetings and inviting various college representatives to discuss policies/procedures/practices to ensure currency

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- A minimum of a three-year diploma/degree with a strong emphasis on human relations and interpersonal communications skills.
- A minimum of two years experience in an academic office environment with a focus on student interaction and service.
- Knowledge of post secondary programs, apprenticeship and policies is essential.
- Knowledge of external government agencies or employers (such as Ministry of Labour, TSSA or trade unions).
- Understanding the importance of student services available for supporting student diversity.
- Proven networking skills along with extensive, and relat