PLAR Advisor

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist students to develop Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) plans that link academic standing to education or career goals, while assessing academic and work history, factoring in learning from work and/or life experience, multicultural experience and financial resources.
2. Instructs students in PLAR application procedures, critical timelines, assessment criteria and processes, and preparation of PLAR petitions.
3. Researches, verifies and applies detailed knowledge of educational programs, services, transfer credit and Credit Bank agreements established by TRU and other post-secondary institutions, both provincially and nationally.
4. In consultation with TRU-OL academic directors, program coordinators and program advisors, maintains detailed and comprehensive knowledge of TRU-OL course and program offerings for the purposes of advising individuals and organizations seeking academic credit for informal and non-formal learning.
5. Establishes and maintains liaison and referral services with educational institutions, professional and community organizations, and other TRU and TRU-OL departments.  
6. Facilitates academic credit assessment processes, including communication with content experts with regard to specific PLAR and Credit Bank applications. 
7. Communicates assessment decisions to students and organizations and to the student record system. 
8. Initiate, develop and implement technology-based projects to support Academic Advising.
9. Maintain high level of institutional accountability to ensure that information disseminated to students is relevant and accurate.
10. Reviews and monitors student progress; perform re-evaluation.  
11. Runs reports to determine student performance levels, and determine required reserved seats.
12. Advocate and liaise on behalf of students; make referrals where appropriate.
13. Create, review, update and edit PLAR publications and web-based resources.
14. Facilitates group workshops to educate TRU and TRU – OL Advising staff about PLAR.
15. Develops, promotes and presents orientations and workshops for PLAR applicants, both in person and through web-based technology. 
16. Participates with the Director, PLAR in researching and preparing reports and presentations on the PLAR program at TRU at provincial, national and/or international meetings and conferences.

REPORTS TO
Director, PLAR

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

• Grade 12 plus a four (4) year University degree in any discipline is required, including two undergraduate 3 credit courses or one graduate level 3 credit course in adult education, workplace learning and/or career counseling/development

EXPERIENCE:

• Four (4) years’ related experience in program delivery and/or student advising at a post-secondary institution with previous experience in individual educational planning at the post-secondary level, including:
  • One year related experience in:
    • PLAR 
    • Credit Bank Processes 

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE OR ABILITIES RELATED TO THE JOB

• Strong understanding of adult learning and career development and its relation to the PLAR process
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, including presentation skills
• Possess excellent human relation skills such as effective listening, teamwork, courtesy, understanding, empathy and respect for the dignity of others
• Excellent analytic and research skills, including proficiency in searching academic research databases and literature 
• Exhibit strong organizational, problem solving and planning skills that reflect accuracy, responsibility and accountability
• Ability to adjust to change quickly and effectively
• Ability to work independently with little direction and the willingness to initiate projects which benefit student educational goals, retention strategies, and departmental objectives
• Capacity to be flexible and adapt to new technology and workplace change
• Possess strong interviewing, listening, and interpreting skills in order to understand students’ goals and potential hindrances
• Awareness of different cultures and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity
• Knowledge of applicable policies, rules, regulations, and procedures that typically govern post-secondary institutions
• Excellent abilities in maintaining detailed and accurate academic records
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in modifying procedures to respond to new situations
• Excellent computer skills including MS Word and Excel; familiarization with Relational Databases; and high proficiency with student record system software

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Sitting at a desk and computer for long periods of time; general office conditions
• Travel required
• Ability to lifts weights up to 5kg
   

The salary for the above position is determined by the Collective Agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 4879, as it presently exists.

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