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Posted: 17-Feb-26
Location: Denver, Colorado
Internal Number: JR105016
Department
Social WorkAbout the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorados extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for todays college students.
Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values:Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
About the Department of Social Work
The Department of Social Workis a growing academic unit consisting of undergraduate and graduate education and includes the Master of Social Work Program, Bachelor of Science in Social Work Program, grants and contract services, the Office of Field Education, and the Office of Social Work Student Services, Operations and Finance (OSWSS-OF).
The mission ofMSU Denver's Department of Social Workis toprepare social workers to engage in skillful, ethical, justice-oriented, and effective practice in their communities.
Weaccomplishthis by:
- Educating and training students to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, including those who are members of historically excluded populations.
- Building community centered and strategic partnerships with organizations, co-creating relationship-centeredlearningand working environments to foster growth and collaboration.
- Utilizing the NASW Code of Ethics to inform teaching and practice, while adapting to changes in the field and world, drawing from a vast knowledge base informed by multiple perspectives.
Position Summary
The Department of Social Work at MSU Denver offers CSWE accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs that are available on-campus and fully online. We are seeking an undergraduate academic advising specialist in the Department of Social Work to serve as the primary academic advisor for all undergraduate social work students, online and on-campus, as well as prospective undergraduates. The caseload is approximately 500:1, and the advisor conducts their work with special attention to fully online students and on-campus students.
The academic advising specialist works with students to define educational and career goals, track degree progress, and ensure strong retention and graduation rates. The advising specialist also works with prospective students through new student orientation, and onboarding students to the Department of Social Work, to include transfer credit reviews. This position also facilitates the admission to major process for pre-social work students into the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program, which requires running reports and analyzing data to design outreach campaigns. Further, the advising specialist may be asked to participate in recruitment events as needed.
The academic advising specialist serves as a member of the Office of Social Work Student Services (OSWSS) in the Department of Social Work, and reports to the Director of OSWSS. This position works closely with the BSSW program faculty and attends faculty meetings.
Responsibilities
Provide Advising Services to a Diverse Student Body - 50%
- Conduct advising sessions with students, assist with course selection, scheduling and registration using advising-based technology.
- Utilize knowledge of curriculum to help students with long-term degree planning.
- Prepare and maintain advising documentation in the current student success/customer management system.
- Refer students to appropriate University resources, and advocate for student support and ensure follow through.
- Provide basic information related to career planning, financial literacy, admissions and other applicable information related to student needs.
- Teach students about electronic advising and registration tools and how to best utilize them for success (e.g. Degree Progress Reports, Student Hub, Student Success Collaborative suite, etc).
- Lead and/or participate in new student orientations and registration events, and design follow up campaigns designed to prevent melt.
- Attend introductory social work classes to share information about admission to the BSSW program.
Monitor Progress and Retention of Assigned Students and Collaborate with Advising Leadership to Develop Retention Strategies - 40%
- Promote student success by building upon their lived experiences and the assets they bring to college.
- Advocate for student needs and actively work to foster belonging and engagement for all social work students.
- Utilize advising-based systems to track and engage assigned students who are at-risk of not being retained (Early Alert).
- Design and/or implement, and participate in appropriate student-centered outreach with a lens toward diversity and inclusivity.
- Design and/or implement, and participate in retention initiatives with faculty and staff.
- Access, understand, and utilize data related to successfully design retention strategies.
- Meet regularly with the BSSW Program Director to problem solve student issues, approve transfer credit, and approve requirement petitions.
- Maintain the Pre-Social Work and BSSW Program Canvas orientations which serve to successfully onboard students to the program.
- Work together with members of OSWSS to build student engagement events.
Professional Development Leadership - 5%
- Remain up to date on advising techniques and approaches.
- Assist in development of advisor professional development opportunities
- Become a resource to other advisors and/or faculty regarding curriculum in assigned areas
- Assist other advisors and/or faculty in appropriate use of technology resources
- Develop and maintain professional learning networks with internal and external stakeholders, becoming a resource to others and assist in problem solving to support student success
Other Duties as Assigned - 5%
Required Qualifications
- Bachelors degree
- Minimum of 2 years of professional experience as an academic advisor, or similar role in student success
- Experience using computer-based student information system(s) (e.g. Ellucian Banner, PeopleSoft, CampusVue, etc.)
- Experience developing and/or leading trainings, workshops or presentations
- Demonstrated experience with advising techniques or approaches at an accredited institution
- Demonstrated ability to relate effectively to a diverse university community (students, faculty, staff, alumni and parents)
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and detail-orientation
Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meetallrequired qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters degree in either Higher Education, College Personnel, Counseling, or an academic discipline
- Demonstrated experience in accessing, understanding, and designing outreach using student data
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency desirable
- Experience working with and/or being sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse urban population
We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in finding the candidate who will best contribute to our Department and the University.
Schedule Information
Full time, 40 hours per week
Exempt
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Evenings and Weekend Work: Flexibility to occasionally work in the evenings as needed
Schedule: Hybrid schedule with 2-3 days per week in person, on campus
Travel: Rarely
Salary for Announcement
Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The anticipated hiring range that the university reasonably expects to pay for this position is $53,000 - $61,000.
This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.
Instructions to Apply
Please apply by visiting our career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers, and searching for JR105016.
The following documents are required to be included with your application:
Resume
Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
Due to volume of applications received, incomplete applications may not be reviewed; please ensure you have uploaded all required documents.
Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.
Deadline
Applications accepted until position is filled; priority given to applications received through Monday, March 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM MST.
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Posting Representative
Sophia J MontanoPosting Representative Email
smontan7@msudenver.eduBenefits
The Universitys benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denversbenefits websiteto learn more.
For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator attotalrewards@msudenver.edu.
Background Checks
Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.
Diversity Statement
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.
We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.