Placement Officer/Student Advisor

Part-time Support

About Durham College:

Durham College (DC) is leading the way as a post-secondary institution, offering an innovative and transformative student experience and hands-on learning opportunities. With this focus top of mind for our students and our employees, DC is proud to be one of the fastest-growing colleges in the province and annually ranked as one of the GTA’s Top 100 employers. 

The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, justice, media, art and design.

With a focus on experiential learning, DC graduates are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need. More than 104,000 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world. 

Serving the Durham Region and Northumberland County communities for over 50 years, with campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, the college offers over 12,500 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 full-time post-secondary programs – including four honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. Led by over 1,860 full- and part-time staff, DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region. 

DUTIES:

The Student Advisor/Placement Officer is the first point of contact for all academic related functions for the is imperative that college and ministry guidelines/regulations are followed at all points of advising students throughout the duration of their academic plan through to field placement (if applicable) to graduation.

This role provides academic and leadership to students with a wide-range of needs, helping them access appropriate college resources and a variety of learning strategies, and find success with field support and other actions mean the Incumbent has a direct impact on student success, and as such, they must understand the importance of professionalism, confidentiality and strong communication.

The Incumbent is responsible for being knowledgeable of their program of studies, prerequisites and corequisites and pathways available to students. 

DUTIES: 

Provides Academic Guidance by:

•Assisting students in the development of an educational plan including choosing a program of study and/or clarifying educational goals.

•Supporting students by developing academic plans and meeting with non-standard students

•Referring students to college resources, e.g., study skills workshops, health and wellness, peer tutoring

•Providing information for students transferring to other programs

•With student consent, meeting with advocates/external agencies to explain student’s academic status, academic policy, student rights and responsibilities, academic options.

•Thoroughly document all student interaction – maintaining Banner and other records of information provided to students, date(s) and means of contact, i.e. email, voicemail, appointment as well recommended referrals, strategies, academic options.

•Advocating for students in student success related matters, for example, with the dean/associate dean in exceptional matters or with the professor and/or program team.

•Informing students regarding the application and interpretation of college policies as required.

•Ensuring timely and accurate information is provided upon request and communicated in an efficient, professional, and customer focused manner

•Assisting in verifying and updating some portions of student records

•Informing students of academic choices, such as part-time versus full time options and communicates processes with both Registration and Admission related inquiries. Informing students of courses offered in Continuing Education that are equivalent to our post-secondary courses when and where applicable.

Provides Field Placement Support by:

•Liaising with agencies to secure and arrange placements for students enrolled in all field placement programs.

•Maintain current partnerships and develop new partnerships with various service agencies to support student placement needs.

•Advising on placement issues i.e. student transportation, inappropriate or lack of placement opportunities.

•Coordinating class field placement seminars for each program, if applicable.

•Monitoring compliance with various agency and college policies, (i.e. immunization, Public Health Act, documentation, contractual agreements, WSIB) as related to placement. Liaises with Risk Management to review

 Affiliation Agreements and track agreements.

•Assigning students to placement in collaboration with the program contact.

•Monitoring the placement experience, paperwork, outcomes and make recommendations for continuous improvement. 

Provides Administrative Services by:

•Registering students using Banner

•Confirming student eligibility for field placement

•Assisting with the review of graduation status, as required

•Processing credit transfer applications and return to full time studies applications, if applicable

•Running reports for review and action by the Dean and/or Associate Dean.

•Creating, maintaining and expanding a database of placement agencies to support the needs of the programs.

•Sending out student and/or faculty communications regarding required student support and upcoming deadlines as needed.

•Assisting with Program Guides and Placement Manuals as needed.

•Assisting with special projects such as collecting and summarizing data.

•Develops and maintains operating procedures that minimize the likelihood and impact of errors.

•Providing office support and LiveChat as required.

•Other related duties as assigned.

Participates in school related events/meetings by:

•Participating in student recruitment or retention events, including but not limited to Open House, Orientation events, CIP etc.

•Attending divisional, program, and other school meetings, as appropriate

•Attending regular group meetings and inviting various college representatives to discuss policies/procedures/practices to ensure currency

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.A minimum of a three-year diploma/degree with a strong emphasis on human relations and interpersonal communications skills.

2.A minimum of two years experience in an academic office environment with a focus on student interaction and service.

3.Knowledge of post secondary programs, apprenticeship and policies is essential.

4.Knowledge of external government agencies or employers (such as Ministry of Labour, TSSA or trade unions).

5.Understanding the importance of student services available for supporting student diversity.

6.Proven networking skills along with extensive, and related policies and placement needs is essential.

7.Knowledge of Banner (SIS), Cognos, DC Connect, Banner web reports, MS Office.

Required Skills

Hourly rate: $36.10
Part-time support opportunity (classification): Temporary Part-Time (May 2024 – July 2024)
Hours: 24 hours per week (Monday to Friday); Shifts between 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Required Experience