Academic Advisor

**Classification & Regular Hours**:
Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade: 14

**About Western**:
**About Us**:
The Social Science Academic Counselling unit is committed to providing superior academic advice and support to undergraduate students - promoting Western’s commitment to providing the best student experience. Our atmosphere is welcoming, supportive and inclusive to encourage real dialogue and strong connections with students to guide their transition to university life and empower them to achieve their academic goals.

**Responsibilities**:
The Academic Advisor is the connection point between the undergraduate students and their Faculty (Social Science) for all academic concerns (e.g. progression, graduation, accommodation for missed course work). The Advisor’s role is to provide accurate and competent academic advice based on University and Faculty policies and procedures, in order to help students in immediate situations, or through proactive counselling procedures outlined in the Academic Advisor Portfolio.

Advisors are responsible for managing and implementing their respective ACP to proactively seek opportunities for engagement with the students based on early warning statistical reports, Registrar’s reports, and guidance from the Manager, reporting back to the Manager on strategies for improvement, and evidence based success. The Academic Advisor also advocates for students by communicating, clarifying, and enforcing Faculty and University policies with the faculty and staff.

**Qualifications**:

- Education:
- Undergraduate degree in Psychology, Social Work, Social Science or a related field
- Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Social Science or a related field is preferred
- Experience:
- 3 years of academic advising and interviewing experience in a post-secondary environment
- Experience interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with diverse personalities
- Previous experience in a student advising role within a university environment is preferred
- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Understanding of theory, approaches, strategies, and best practices relevant to academic advising in higher education
- Demonstrated ability to create rapport and build trusting advising relationships to meet the needs of diverse student populations
- Well-developed public speaking/communication, effective listening, and interviewing skills across a diverse spectrum of stakeholders (e.g., staff, faculty, students, parents, future students)
- Emotional intelligence, including self-knowledge, self-management, and empathy, as Advisor will often be the first contact for students who are in psychological distress; ability to remain impartial, and withhold judgment when assessing challenging student cases
- Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
- Positive, outgoing attitude with genuine customer service orientation
- Strong attention to detail and proofreading abilities with an excellent command of the English language
- Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the University’s events and activities
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines and adapt to growth and change
- A strong record of teamwork with the motivation and ability to work independently with little supervision
- Knowledge of and ability to manage social media platforms, communication and engagement strategies for student populations
- Proven ability and natural inclination to interact with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner

**Western Values Diversity**:
**Please Note**:
Effective September 7, 2021, all employees and visitors to campus are required to comply with Western's COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.