Student Advising Specialist

**Position Job Title**: Student Advising Specialist

**Location**:University Canada West (UCW) - Vancouver

**Reports To**:Manager, Student Advising and Support Services

**About University Canada West**:
University Canada West is an innovative business and technology-oriented, dynamic, and growing institution that was founded in 2005. Based in Downtown Vancouver, the university is defined by its close connections to the business community and a commitment to outstanding student services.

Here, at UCW, we connect recognized, well-established specialists and ambitious young professionals, so they learn from each other and thrive in our diverse environment. Together, we strive to create and maintain working environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

We are privileged to do this work on the unceded, traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We thank them for having cared for this land since time immemorial, honour their graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here, and iterate our dedication to valuing the ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples and communities.

**Primary Purpose**

This position serves as the first point of contact for student support services at both UCW campuses, supporting the efficient and effective operation of the Student Affairs & Services Department. The Student Advising Specialist provides guidance to students on multiple matters, such as UCW services, housing, insurance, taxes, and other matters related to student success. In addition, the Student Advising Specialist works closely with the Student Advising and Support Services team (International Student Advising, Outreach, Student Rights and Responsibilities) and supports advisors as needed.

The Student Advising Specialist is responsible for referring students to different departments and services on campus as needed. As an advocate for student affairs and provider of student services that will support student success, the Student Advising Specialist is responsible for maintaining high quality student support and excellent support services that encourages students to take ownership in resolving their queries as well as focusing on student empowerment.

The Student Support Specialist works collaboratively with other members of the Student Affairs and Services team and other University Departments. This position deals with confidential and sensitive information, and interactions with students may be stressful at times. This position is required to know how to handle and deal with student in distress, students with accommodations, students who are experiencing serious conflict, or other emergencies.

**Specific Responsibilities**
- Responsible for in-person support at UCW Vancouver House and West Pender campus on a rotational basis.
- Provide guidance, support, and advice on a range of issues, including, but not limited to university policies and procedures and other information as required to students.
- Provides advising services professionally and with empathy, anticipates student needs, proactively responds to student requests, provides recommendations extending beyond a student’s presenting request and finds opportunities to coach students toward independence and self-direction.
- Patiently and empathetically seeks to understand student needs to provide accurate and applicable supports.
- Provide excellent first-point-contact student support with empathy, respect, and care.
- Responds to on-campus escalated crises and emergencies on behalf of Student Affairs as a first point of contact.
- Provide accurate student referrals towards campus resources, encourages students take ownership of their concerns and challenges and helps identify proper referrals.
- Recognizes boundaries of support and escalates cases as needed. Escalates complex cases and situations to the Manager, Student Advising and Support Services or other team members as applicable.
- Support the operations of the International Student Advising team (RCIC), the Outreach team, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities Team.
- May be requested to support the Student Rights & Responsibility Advisor in complex investigations of student misconduct, complaints, or other student cases as needed.

**Secondary Responsibilities**
- Attend meetings and work in collaboration with student programs and/or committees on student related activities and events on and off campus
- Facilitate, promote, and communicate with staff and external services regarding UCW related programs, meetings, and events.
- Represent the Student Affairs department at other events such as recruitment events, university events as needed.
- Assist in other duties as required.
- Evening and weekend work may be required

**Position Requirements**

To be successful in the Student Advising Specialist position, an individual must possess, and be committed to developing, maintaining, a