Advising and Retention Specialist

Job Description

Opportunity at a Glance
The Advising and Retention Specialist role is responsible for promoting student success and providing comprehensive student support through accurate and responsive advisement in the areas of academic advising, registration, financial aid, and healthcare compliance/practicum. Their counterpart, the Student Support Liaison, serves as a key point of contact for students and is accountable for student persistence by proactively engaging students and removing barriers to their success. The Advising and Retention Specialist functions as a role model for our Covista values and fosters a culture of Chamberlain CARE consistent with our mission, vision, and purpose. This role reports to the Supervisor or Manager of Advising and Retention Services.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with appropriate course registration and ensure students understand degree and practicum application requirements (as applicable per program).

• Advocates for students’ academic, financial, and healthcare compliance advising needs to support successful enrollment, engagement, and completion of educational goals by proactively monitoring progress using predictive analytics to identify at-risk scenarios, implementing strategies that promote academic success, and engaging with students to address barriers to persistence or graduation through timely resource referrals.

• Partner with the Student Support Liaison to provide coordinated support for students, ensuring seamless communication, timely issue resolution, and a consistent student experience.

• Advise students on university policies and procedures, self-service tools, program requirements, and related academic, financial aid, and healthcare compliance/practicum matters.

• Provides financial advising throughout the student lifecycle by continuously monitoring student accounts, offering guidance on financial eligibility, and exercising discretion to assess and adjust financial plans.

• Utilize appropriate systems and student data to confirm and track accurate enrollment, persistence, and graduation information for students in their assigned program/campus locations and/or by assisting multiple program/campus locations based on enrollment needs. Documents all interactions in the appropriate institutional systems.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of all Title IV and academic programs, policies and procedures including institutional policies, federal, and state regulations. Complies with applicable federal and state.

• Assist and engage students through a variety of communication. This may include virtual advising appointments, inbound/outbound calls, e-mail, SMS, and proactive outreach to students to deliver first contact resolution.

• Identify opportunities and implement process and technology solutions that enhance the student retention journey.

• Collaborates with other departments and functional areas to deliver an optimal student experience.

• Responds to student inquiries regarding healthcare compliance requirements, providing accurate information and guidance to ensure students understand and meet necessary standards.

• Supports the new student intake process by partnering with enrollment to answer incoming questions, review program costs, and present funding options. Develops and confirms accurate financial plans by setting clear timelines for completing application processes, ensuring students are financially prepared to start and persist in their education.

• Performs other duties as assigned

• Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications

• Working Hours:
  • Monday-Friday 10am-7pm CST
• Bachelor's Degree Required
• 2+ years of experience in customer service, academic advising, financial aid advising, higher education or related experience Preferred
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Ability to work a variety of office hours including evenings and weekends
• Demonstrates a high level of interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills, with superior written and verbal abilities
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions with minimal supervision and direction
• Must be a self-starter with the ability to prioritize effectively
• Exposure to software and tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, Power BI, PowerPoint, Copilot). Experience with Student Information Systems a plus
• Eligible to obtain and maintain systems access to the NSLDS system (must not be in default of Title IV Federal aid)
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, while effectively interacting with individuals at all levels of the organization

Additional Information

In support of the pay transparency laws enacted across the country, the expected salary range for this position is between $18.70 and $24.52. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; geographic location; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility. Our Talent Acquisition Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to learning more about your salary requirements. The position qualifies for the below benefits.

Covista offers a robust suite of benefits including:

• Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
• 401k Retirement Program + 6% employer match
• 15 Days of Paid Vacation Days each Calendar Year
• 12 Paid Holidays + 2 floating holidays
  
  For more information related to our benefits please visit:
  https://careers.covista.com/benefits
  
   

Equal Opportunity – Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation