GENERAL SUMMARY: The Special Programs Advisor at Park Hills manages academic advising, student records, and program support for students in the Prison Education Program (PEP) (50%) and Veteran Affairs initiatives (50%). This position serves as a liaison between Central Methodist University, incarcerated students, and veteran populations. Primary responsibilities include providing comprehensive academic advising, managing student records and certifications, supporting student success through academic tracking, and maintaining regulatory compliance with the Missouri Department of Corrections (MODOC) and Veterans Affairs.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. I) Academic Advising & Services (45%)

• Provide high-quality academic advising and customer service to PEP and veteran students; ensure advising aligns with student goals and program requirements.
• Help students select courses and develop individualized academic success plans.
• Develop and maintain communication with incarcerated students; provide online and in-person advising (during facility visits) and address specific barriers to academic success and reentry.
• Respond promptly and professionally to veteran student inquiries via email, phone, and in-person, providing guidance on educational benefits and university processes.
• Coordinate with campus departments to secure accommodations and academic access for students.

1. II) Student Academic Support & Monitoring (45%)

• Track and monitor academic records (grades, course completion, degree requirements) using degree audits and student information systems; identify and resolve discrepancies or delays.
• Regularly assess student progression toward degree completion and provide early intervention and support for at-risk students.
• PEP Operations: Conduct occasional on-site visits to assigned MODOC facilities to manage registration processes and supervise study hall activities, fostering academic engagement within the correctional environment. Must meet MODOC requirements for entry into correctional facilities.
• VA Operations: Serve as a School Certifying Official (SCO) to maintain accurate and confidential veteran student records and complete required VA certifications in compliance with federal regulations. Must complete required SCO training hours annually and attend monthly VA webinars/trainings to remain current with policy and process changes.
• Support office organization, including paper and electronic filing, and manage general office correspondence and supply needs.

1. V) Collegial Leadership (10%)

• Provide collegial leadership in a customer service–oriented environment and contribute to regional campus goals and the mission of the College of Graduate and Extended Studies and Central Methodist University.
• Serve as an effective, collegial member of the Extended Studies staff by contributing to planning and monitoring regional campus initiatives and supporting the work of other staff within CGES and CMU.
• Maintain ongoing relationships to assess student satisfaction and assist with commencement and other student-facing activities as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Higher education experience preferred, but not required; experience with academic advising and student support services preferred.
• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and organizational communication skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively, handle multiple projects and deadlines, and work in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), web conferencing systems, and enrollment management/student information systems; willingness to learn new software.
• Must meet MODOC requirements for entry into correctional facilities, including compliance with all MODOC security procedures (full-body scanner, walk-through metal detector, handheld detectors, X-ray baggage scanners, and other security protocols as required).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently required to sit for extended periods of time
• Frequently required to stand for extended periods of time
• May work in buildings without elevator access, requiring routine use of stairways to move between floors
• May work in areas of a facility without air conditioning
• Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, and move a minimum of 20 pounds
• Able to operate a computer and standard office equipment to perform essential job functions
• Weekly travel to assigned prisons, on occasion, requiring a personal vehicle (mileage will be reimbursed monthly)

OTHER INFORMATION AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Must be able to work remotely without supervision, on occasion.
• Must be available for occasional evening or weekend events

CMU Employees provide collegial, collaborative contributions to their areas and the University as a whole.  They should stimulate a harmonious, productive and inviting work environment that is customer service oriented.  Each must maintain a commitment to the mission and purposes of CMU.   Central Methodist University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it.  CMU management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

 Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Click below to apply and contact our Human Resource's department if you have further questions or concerns HR@centralmethodist.edu or 660-248-6899.

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The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it.  CMU management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.