Academic Advisor

at  Vancouver Community College

WHO WE ARE

We acknowledge that Vancouver Community College (VCC) is located on the traditional unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of this land from time immemorial.
For over 55 years, VCC has been a leader in innovative, experiential post-secondary learning. We’re one of B.C’s top employers and we are proud to inspire students to discover their passions, gain essential skills, and learn what it takes to succeed in a competitive workforce.
At VCC, we respect and celebrate our differences, and are committed to the work of decolonization, accessibility, and inclusivity for all. Be a part of creating an inclusive community that provides equitable opportunities for Indigenous and diverse representation, participation, and success for everyone.
We value lived experience and encourage applications from members of all groups experiencing barriers to equity. Come join the VCC community as we shape the future together.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for providing timely, consistent and up to date information and guidance to prospective and current students regarding college programs/courses in face to face, phone, online and drop in appointment settings. Provides educational & assessment planning, placement and transition services to prospective and current students.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ related experience or an equivalent combination of training and/or experience may be substituted for the required qualifications.

Skills and Abilities

• Proven interpersonal skills with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, faculty and the general public.
• Strong customer service and conflict resolution skills and the ability to handle potentially difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Awareness and proficiency with effective intercultural communications.
• Effective organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage several time-sensitive tasks at any given time. Works effectively in a stressful and demanding environment.
• Excellent oral, written and public communication skills in addition to well-developed interviewing and active listening skills.
• Considerable knowledge of the College’s educational offerings and of the various criteria used in determining suitability for admission to College programs and courses.
• Knowledge of the various types of sponsorships and financial assistance options available to students.
• Considerable knowledge of the BC Transfer System.
• Sound knowledge of the programs, courses, and entrance requirements of other BC colleges and institutions as well as familiarity with a variety of assessment tools currently used by post-secondary institutions in BC.
• Understanding of foreign credentials and their evaluation in relation to Canadian equivalencies.
• Responsible and able to look after the best interests of the students and the College.
• Computer experience and proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Student Information Systems (Banner preferred).
• Sound judgement and excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills.

• Provides accurate information and guidance to prospective and current students on educational planning, eligibility, assessment determination and program/course placements.
• Screens advising inquiries and interviews or refers the student to the appropriate department heads, faculty, counsellors and other departments.
• Provides referrals to financial aids and internal/external resources as appropriate.
• Assists students with interpretation of assessment results and recommends a corresponding program/course selection.
• Liaises and works collaboratively with other departments within the College, such as Marketing for student recruitment.
• Leads and co-leads information sessions, open houses, other activities on or off campus in collaboration with program areas and develops materials as required.
• Assists with developing, compiling and updating departmental and related program/course information on web and print materials.
• Maintains department databases and student files. Prepares reports/records as required.
• Monitors and identifies operational challenges and new developments in the sector, and takes the initiative to inform the Academic Advising and Assessment Services department and forms recommendations to improve and modernize services.
• Keeps up-to-date with BC’s K-12 and post-secondary educational system and relevant areas of advising and assessment services.
• Performs other related duties as required.