Placement Officer – Student Advisor

The Placement Officer/Student Advisor supports student success by providing academic and program guidance for current, potential, and at-risk students, referring students to appropriate college resources and recommending alternate learning strategies, as well as having the responsibility for the placement of students enrolled in programs within their portfolio. 

PROVIDES PLACEMENT SUPPORT BY: 

• Liaising with agencies to secure and arrange placements for students enrolled in their portfolios.
• Maintain current partnerships and develop new partnerships with various agencies to support student placement needs.
• Resolving placement issues i.e. student transportation, inappropriate or lack of placement opportunities.
• Coordinating class field placement seminars for each program.
• Monitoring compliance with various agency and college policies, (i.e. immunization, fit testing, Public Health Act, documentation, contractual agreements, WSIB) as related to placement.
• Assigning students to placement in collaboration with the faculty member and/or program coordinator.
• Monitoring the placement experience/outcomes and making recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Liaises with Risk Management to review Affiliation Agreements and track agreements. 

PROVIDES ACADEMIC GUIDANCE BY:

• 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 parents/external agencies to explain student’s academic status, academic policy, student rights and responsibilities, and academic options.
• Using transaction sheets to thoroughly document all student interaction – maintaining 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.
• 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 communicating processes with both Registration and Admission related inquiries.
• Informing program students of continuing education post-secondary equivalent courses. 

PROVIDES ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES BY: 

• Registering students using Banner.
• Confirm student eligibility for field placement.
• Assisting with the review of graduation status, as required.
• Processing advanced standing applications and return to full-time studies applications, if applicable.
• Running reports for review and action by the Associate Dean.
• Creating, maintaining and expanding a database of placement agencies to support the needs of the programs.
• Sending out student communication regarding upcoming deadlines.
• Assisting with Program Guides and Placement Manuals.
• Assisting with special projects such as collecting and summarizing data.
• Providing office support. 

PARTICIPATES IN SCHOOL-RELATED EVENTS/MEETINGS BY: 

• Assisting with student recruiting by participating in Open House events, Focus on Durham, Student Orientation, Program Information Sessions and Student Services Events.
• 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. 

Other related duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Minimum of a two-year diploma with a strong emphasis on human relations and interpersonal communications skills.
2. Minimum three years of recent (in the past five years) experience in an academic office environment with a focus on student interaction and service.
3. Proven networking skills along with extensive working knowledge of School of Science and Engineering Technology programs, and related policies and placement needs is essential.
4. Must be proficient in Excel and have excellent general computing skills.
5. Must have the ability to multi-task and be circumspect with confidential information.
6. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with team members and independently
7. Evidence of adaptability, flexibility, and innovative problem-solving skills.
8. Familiarity with DC Connect and Banner.
9. Must be self-directed, motivated and have excellent written and verbal communication skills.  

Durham College policy requires employees to be available for on-campus work.  In addition, there is currently a requirement to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attend our campuses.