Position Overview:
The Director of Student Services is responsible for overseeing and coordinating programs and initiatives aimed at supporting the holistic development and well-being of students within the educational institution. This role requires strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. This role also involves facilitating training sessions and mentoring trainees as they prepare for certification and employment as peer support specialists.
Key Responsibilities:
Student Support Programs:
- Oversee the development and delivery of comprehensive student support programs, including academic advising, counseling services, career guidance, and student advocacy.
- Collaborate with relevant departments to ensure seamless integration of support services across academic and co-curricular activities.
Crisis Intervention and Mental Health Support:
- Provide leadership in crisis intervention and response protocols to address emergencies and critical incidents affecting students.
- Work closely with counseling professionals and mental health resources to promote student well-being and resilience.
Student Engagement and Retention:
- Implement initiatives to enhance student engagement, involvement, and retention rates.
- Analyze data on student satisfaction and success metrics to inform continuous improvement efforts.
Community Partnerships:
- Cultivate and maintain partnerships with community organizations, agencies, and resources to expand support services available to students.
- Collaborate with external stakeholders to address systemic barriers and promote equity and inclusion.
Compliance and Reporting:
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and accreditation standards related to student services.
- Prepare reports and documentation as required for institutional accreditation, funding agencies, and other stakeholders.
Supervision and Professional Development:
- Provide leadership and supervision to staff within the student services department.
- Support the professional development and training of staff to enhance their effectiveness and capacity to serve students.
- Stay informed about current trends, research, and best practices in peer support services through continuing education and professional development activities.
- Participate in workshops, conferences, and networking events to enhance knowledge and skills related to peer support specialist training.
Facilitation of Training Sessions:
- Deliver engaging and interactive training sessions to educate participants on the role and responsibilities of peer support specialists.
- Facilitate skill-building activities and role-playing exercises to help trainees develop essential competencies, such as active listening, empathy, communication, and problem-solving.
Qualifications:
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW) required. MSW preferred
- Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in student services or related area, with demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
- Strong understanding of student development theories, counseling principles and best practices.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and build strong relationships within the community.
- Experience in curriculum development, training facilitation, and adult education preferred.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy, active listening, and cultural competence.
- Commitment to the principles of peer support, recovery-oriented practices, and trauma-informed care. Certification as a Peer Support Specialist preferred.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Life insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
Schedule:
Ability to Commute:
- Cleveland, OH 44115 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person