STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES COUNSELOR

Departmental Objective
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is the oldest retention program at Old Dominion University and is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Since 1981, TRIO SSS has provided comprehensive academic and personal support to students who are first-generation college students, from limited-income families, and/or students with documented disabilities.

The mission of TRIO SSS is to promote student persistence, academic success, and graduation through individualized support services. These services include academic advising, counseling, mentoring, tutoring coordination, and assistance with navigating institutional and federal processes. The program is designed to ensure students are aware of and able to access campus resources while receiving targeted support aligned with federal TRIO grant objectives.

Job Summary
The Student Support Services Counselor coordinates and implements advising services and student support activities for eligible TRIO SSS participants as outlined in the approved grant application. This position provides direct academic and personal advising to students and supports their progress toward degree completion. The Counselor utilizes student databases and institutional systems to document student interactions, track academic progress, and ensure compliance with program requirements. The position requires effective written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through student outreach, workshop presentations, and collaboration with campus partners. The Counselor must demonstrate a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success, particularly for populations that have been historically underrepresented in higher education. The position works within established program structures and guidelines and supports the delivery of services rather than program administration or policy development.

Core Responsibilities

Individual Counseling and Academic Advising
Implement individual counseling and academic advising sessions with students multiple times during each semester. Ensure that each student participates in a review of their degree plan and academic progress. Support students in understanding academic requirements, course sequencing, and institutional expectations related to degree completion.

Workshops and Seminars
Develop and coordinate academic, financial aid, economic literacy, graduate school, and career-related seminars. Assist with planning and facilitating workshops that support student success and align with TRIO SSS program objectives.

Documentation and Student Records
Document academic performance summaries and student interactions in appropriate databases prior to and following advising sessions. Maintain accurate counseling and advising notes and track student progress toward graduation in compliance with program requirements.

Student Recruitment
Implement recruiting strategies to support meeting the program’s enrollment targets. Assist with outreach efforts to eligible students and provide information about TRIO SSS services and participation requirements.

Peer Mentoring and Tutoring Support

Assist with coordinating and implementing peer mentoring activities and tutorial services. Support student participation in tutoring and mentoring initiatives as part of their overall academic support

Compliance and Record Review
Perform self-audits of student records and program documentation to ensure compliance with federal regulations and TRIO SSS grant requirements. Assist in maintaining organized and accurate records for monitoring and reporting purposes.