The Academic and Professional Development Advisor in the College of Social Work Student Success Center will provide comprehensive academic advising and support holistic student success for undergraduate students pursuing or interested in Social Work degrees. Advising and student success responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting students with course selection to meet academic requirements; supporting career development through licensure and career development programs within the college; managing systems; maintaining accurate student files, conducting student data analysis; and promoting holistic student success.

In collaboration with the Director of Student Success, this individual will coordinate services related to new student and transfer orientation, advising sessions, and student success programming, while working closely with CSW faculty and staff to promote understanding of student populations. The position will foster students’ creative, intellectual, and personal development in support of academic success and will interpret and advise students on University and College of Social Work policies and procedures.

The Academic and Professional Development Advisor will serve as a critical team member of the College of Social Work Student Success Center. Due to the nature of this role and its responsibilities, a terminal degree in Social Work (MSW/MSSW) and two years of post-graduation experience are required.

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • Master’s Degree
• Experience:
  • 2 years of post MSW experience
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Computer literacy and strong skills with computer applications such as MS Office and Zoom.
  • Capability to learn various database and student information programs to manage applicants and student files.
  • Excellent communication and writing skills.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to handle simultaneous projects, and the ability to respond quickly and accurately to inquiries and requests.
  • Mediation empathy and ability to express self verbally.
  • Commitment to the diversity and inclusive goals of the university; student record keeping; Ability to relate effectively to students, faculty, support staff, alumni and parents.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Familiarity with the social work profession.
  • Ability to work with adult learners .
  • Ability to articulate the depth and breadth of the social work profession as well as articulate the ethics of the profession.
  • Evidence of management, leadership, and organizational ability, including multi-tasking.
  • Must accept supervision and guidance.

Work Location

• Knoxville, TN (Hybrid)

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR08
• Hybrid Schedule with occasional evenings
• Salary range: 53-55K
• Exempt
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For best consideration applicants should submit the following materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter expressing interest in the role
• 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division

The College of Social Work is committed to advancing the mission of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as the state’s flagship land-grant university: to provide a quality public education for the citizens of Tennessee and beyond through exemplary teaching, research, and service. The college provides a professional social work education program that prepares bachelor’s and master's-level students for social work practice and doctoral-level graduate students for social work research and academia.

Advising and Professional Student Development

• Advise caseload of 200-300 Social Work students across BSSW and MSSW programs.

• Collect, organize, and analyze information about individuals through records, interviews, and professional sources, to appraise their interests, aptitudes, abilities, and personality characteristics for educational planning.

• In coordination with College of Social Work field team support students through the experiential field experience which is the signature pedagogy of the social work profession.

• Ensure and facilitate accurate registration information and process for assigned student caseload, including data-input and tracking

• Conducts scheduled BSSW and MSSW summer orientation sessions and at other times as scheduled by New Student and Family Programs unit and CSW Program Directors

• Manage all communication regarding advising appointments and campaigns via CRM

• Manage and maintain digital files on students in assigned case load from matriculation through graduation

• Work in collaboration with the CSW SCC Director to advise on UT policy and the impacts on student outcomes to UT CSW Program Directors and faculty

• Interpret and advise students on the academic policies and procedures of the College of Social Work.

• Mentor students on professionalism and professional Social Work behavior

• Track and support students with academic concerns

• Remain knowledgeable on university student services and connect social work students to appropriate services

Recruitment/Admissions/Engagement

• Assist (and serve as back up for) the Director of Student Success in the College of Social Work for prospective visits (both virtual and in-person)

• Review student transcripts and application materials for program eligibility that are identified by College Recruiters across MSSW and BSSW programs

• Participate and attend on-campus, local and regional recruitment (potential students), and engagement (incoming and current students) events throughout the academic year

• Communicate events and assist in the planning for student engagement events across MSSW and BSSW programs in conjunction with Program Directors and CSW SSC center

Career Mentoring

• In collaboration with the CSW Director of Student Success develop targeted social work career preparation programming to occur in fall and spring semesters in BSSW and MSSW programs

• Mentor students around social work licensure processes and timelines

• Foster student intellectual and personal development toward academic success and lifelong learning; including understanding of Social Work profession and curriculum

• Maintain up to date resources for students in regards to resumes, career resources (including CCDAE contacts/links), social work job trends, and other relevant information

Canvas Management/Committees

• Manage student canvas sites as determined by the population of assigned advising load

• Serve on campus and/or college wide committees

• Other duties as assigned