Academic Advisor (Education Support Specialist III)

Academic Advisor (Education Support Specialist III)

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Upload cover letter (this is optional, but recommended) and resume (this is optional, but recommended) and unofficial transcripts (this is optional for all positions except faculty, clinical instructors and tutors). Reference checks, background screenings, and eVerify are required for all Laurel Ridge positions. Satisfactory reference, background screenings are a condition of employment.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth's Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155

Posting Details

 Posting Summary 

Working Title  | Academic Advisor (Education Support Specialist III)
Role Title  | Education Support Spec III
Role Code  | 29144-SW
FLSA  | Exempt
Pay Band  | 04
Position Number  | 29800175
Agency  | Laurel Ridge Community College
Division  | Laurel Ridge Community College (Div)
Work Location  | Frederick - 069
Hiring Range  | The hiring range for this position is $44,192.00-$57,933.00. Salary will be commensurate with competencies and experience
Emergency/Essential Personnel  | No
EEO Category  | F-Admin Supp
Full Time or Part Time  | Full Time
Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs-  | Yes
Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference?  |
Work Schedule  | This position will typically work weekday – day shift, however, will be required to work one evening per week, and support other evening and weekend events periodically.

Typical hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm, Friday 8am-12pm or 12pm-4:00pm; or, Mon-Fri 8am-4pm. One evening shift per week 10am-7pm. After initial training period, which is fully in person, advisor may be eligible to work 1 day per week remote.
Sensitive Position  | No

Job Description 
The Academic Advisor provides holistic support and serves as the primary academic advisor and college contact for a specified caseload of students. The Advisor evaluates student records and assesses and determines students’ readiness and course placement for college level English and mathematics. Using knowledge of specialized academic program areas and college/university curricula in general, the advisor utilizes critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills to offer counsel and guidance to students regarding academic program and career field options that may suit their aptitudes, skills, and interests. Holistic support includes, but is not limited to, following up on academic alerts and other concerns of faculty, articulating knowledge of Federal and State regulations to interpret financial aid programs and policies, assisting to resolve financial aid eligibility discrepancies, developing plans and strategies for students to meet academic progress benchmarks, and assessing students’ needs for academic and other support services available at the college and in the greater community. The advisor will collaborate with faculty and staff to develop and implement appropriate support and recommendations for students and will develop, and deliver programming in support of student services, career planning, and student engagement activities and events.

This position will report to the Director of Advising Services.

Compensation and Benefits
The hiring range for this position is $44,192.00-$57,933.00. Salary will be commensurate with competencies and experience. The position is classified staff and as such is eligible for the benefits package offered by the Commonwealth of Virginia for state agencies. For more information, please visit www.dhrm.virginia.gov.

Telework According to DHRM policy 1.61 Teleworking, effective July 5, 2022, Virginia state employees will return to the workplace. Consistent with pre-pandemic policies, telework may be an option for certain eligible positions. Eligible positions are determined by the type of work and job requirements of the position, as defined by heads of agencies.

Click here to learn about Laurel Ridge Community College. Laurel Ridge Community College is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment, and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Laurel Ridge will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in order to provide access to the application, interviewing, and selection process. Please email eeo@laurelridge.edu for further information.Sponsorship of an employee’s work authorization takes time and requires an ongoing financial investment. Therefore, Laurel Ridge Community College does not have funding to sponsor potential employees in the US on a work visa. We consistently follow this funding model to ensure our practices are not discriminatory. Exceptions would require approval from the college president.

Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. While honoring bona fide occupational exceptions as needed, the college shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including lactation, age, status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. The college also promotes a safe working environment and prohibits sexual misconduct, including sexual violence and harassment. Know your rights!

Special Assignments  | May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

KSA's/Required Qualifications  | Strong written, oral and interpersonal skills. Strong organizational skills: ability to manage multiple tasks, use critical thinking and problem solving skills. Proven work record of professionalism in providing customer service. Proven subject matter knowledge, which may be evidenced by training, experience, and/or credentials

Additional Considerations  | Demonstrated experience advising in a college or university setting preferred. Demonstrated work experience in a community college setting preferred. Demonstrated experience working with a diverse population including age groups from late teens through late adulthood preferred Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Student Information System software, and/or Learning Management software preferred.

Operation of a State Vehicle  | Yes
Supervises Employees  | Yes
Required Travel  | Travel as per any required duties of the position, such as to sites/campuses and any training. Ability to cover assignments throughout the college service region as necessary for the job is required.

 Posting Detail Information 

Posting Number  | CLS_3964P
Recruitment Type  | General Public - G
Number of Vacancies  | 1
Position End Date (if temporary)  |
Job Open Date  | 08/21/2025
Job Close Date  | 09/04/2025
Open Until Filled  |
Agency Website  | https://laurelridge.edu/
Contact Name  | Kris Iden
Email  | kiden@laurelridge.edu
Phone Number  |
Special Instructions to Applicants  | Upload cover letter (this is optional, but recommended) and resume (this is optional, but recommended) and unofficial transcripts (this is optional for all positions except faculty, clinical instructors and tutors). Reference checks, background screenings, and eVerify are required for all Laurel Ridge positions. Satisfactory reference, background screenings are a condition of employment.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155

Additional Information  |
Background Check Statement Disclaimer  | The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link:  http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/

EEO Statement  | The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.

ADA Statement  | The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.

E-Verify Statement  | VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
Quicklink for Posting  | https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/88153

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