Academic Advisor – Master’s of Science in Counseling Program

The Academic Advisor serves as a primary point of contact for graduate students enrolled in the Master’s in Counseling program and
reports directly to the Program Director. This position provides comprehensive academic advising, supports students through program
milestones and fieldwork requirements, monitors enrollment and progression patterns, and contributes to student retention and success
initiatives. The Academic Advisor works collaboratively with faculty, program leadership, and university partners to cultivate an
encouraging, student-centered environment consistent with professional counseling standards and the institution’s mission.

1.
Academic Advising & Student Support

• Provide individualized, developmentally appropriate academic advising to counseling
  students
  from matriculation through graduation.
• Assist students in course planning, registration, understanding program
  requirements, and
  navigating academic policies.
• Conduct proactive outreach to students experiencing academic, personal, or
  logistical challenges and
  facilitate referrals to appropriate support services.
• Maintain regular communication with advisees through
  email, video
  conferencing, and scheduled advising sessions.

2. Fieldwork Preparation & Compliance Support

• Support students in
  understanding fieldwork prerequisites, timelines, and documentation requirements.
• Assist with tracking
  completion of background
  checks, liability insurance, prerequisite coursework, and other programmatic requirements.
• Provide guidance
  on preparing
  applications to clinical sites, drafting resumes, and communicating professionally with site supervisors.
• Coordinate
  with the
  Director of Training and Internship to ensure student placements meet accreditation and program requirements.
• Maintain
  accurate
  developmental records of students’ progress toward practicum and internship eligibility.

3. Enrollment Management
& Data Tracking

• Monitor student movement through the program, including start dates, leaves of absence, pacing, clinical
  course eligibility, and
  graduation timelines.
• Utilize student information systems to track registrations, course loads, retention
  indicators, and
  progression trends.
• Generate regular reports for program leadership regarding enrollment patterns, risk indicators,
  and retention
  metrics.
• Identify students at risk for attrition and collaborate with faculty and support teams to implement
  intervention
  strategies.
• Assist with section planning and scheduling to accommodate student movement through the program.

4. Retention &
Student Success Initiatives

• Implement proactive advising strategies that promote persistence and academic
  success, including early
  alerts and individualized success planning.
• Contribute to orientation programming, student workshops, and
  professional development
  events.
• Maintain strong, supportive relationships with students to foster belonging, motivation, and
  engagement in the program.
• Participate in assessment and continuous-improvement initiatives that support student retention and
  program quality.

5.
Collaboration & Administrative Support

• Partner with faculty, fieldwork staff, admissions
  personnel, and academic administration to
  support student progression.
• Participate in program meetings, data reviews, and
  accreditation-related activities as assigned.
• Assist with updating advising materials, student handbooks, and fieldwork resources to
  ensure clarity and consistency.
• Support
  initiatives that strengthen the culture of student care and uphold the professional values
  of the counseling field.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Experience: 1-2 years
  of experience working in a college/university environment (registrar,
  admissions, financial aid, academic department office, student
  services)
• Demonstrated knowledge of Academic Advising, Student
  Retention, Data Tracking, and other related skills.
• Education: Master’s degree in Counseling, Higher Education, Student Affairs,
  Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Membership: None.
• Professional Knowledge:
• Knowledge of graduate
  counseling programs, including professional
  expectations and training requirements.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with
  the ability to support diverse student
  populations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, track detailed information, and work
  effectively in a fast-paced environment.


• Professional Skills:
• Student-centered advising philosophy
• Strong organizational and data-tracking skills
  with a high proficiency with technology and use of tools
• Professional
  communication and conflict-resolution abilities
• Ability to build rapport and maintain appropriate boundaries
• Focus on
  retention, ensuring proper scheduling, and meeting
  student needs




Preferred:

• Experience working within a
  CACREP-accredited counseling program.
• Demonstrated experience in academic advising, student support services, or program
  coordination in a higher-education environment.
• Familiarity with practicum and internship processes in mental health or school
  counseling settings.
• Proficiency with student
  information systems and retention management tools.
• Experience providing
  advising or guidance to graduate or adult learners.
• Background in counseling, case management, or student success initiatives.



CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES: None.




PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, on occasion.

ESSENTIAL JOB
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES




Duties and Responsibilities (% Effort)

• Academic Advising & Student Support (25%)
• Fieldwork Preparation
  & Compliance Support (25%)
• Enrollment Management & Data Tracking (15%)
• Retention & Student Success
  Initiatives
  (15%)
• Collaboration & Administrative Support (10%)
• Other Duties as Required or Assigned (5%)



Total effort
(100%)




Based on the Catholic identity and mission of Divine Mercy University, we only employ persons who demonstrate openness and
respect for the Roman Catholic Church and its institutions and who have a sincere interest in advancing DMU’s mission within the Church.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: Committed to the teaching of Vatican Council II that every type of discrimination, whether social or
cultural, whether based on sex, race, color, social condition, language or religion, is to be overcome and eradicated as contrary to God’s
intent (Gaudium et Spes, 29), DMU encourages applications from people of all ages, races, ethnicities, nationalities, women, men, veterans
and those with disabilities.

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