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Academic Life Coach (3 positions) - Grant

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

The application must be completed including all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be attached, but not substituted for completing work history and education sections of the application.

USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Retirement Programs
  • Paid Tuition Program
  • Dependent Scholarships
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Annual Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
  • Professional Development Opportunities

Posting Details

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Posting Summary

Logo For Posting
Posting Number RTF00056PO23
USC Market Title Academic Advisor
Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156148
Business Title (Internal Title) Academic Life Coach (3 positions) - Grant
Campus Upstate
Work County Spartanburg
College/Division USC Upstate College/Division Level
Department UPS Student Success Center
Advertised Salary Range $49,396 - $51,000; Salary commensurate with education and experience.
Location of Vacancy USC Upstate Spartanburg, SC
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 37.5
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday; 8:30am – 5pm; Some evenings and weekends as needed are required.
Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)
Basis 12 months
Job Search Category Student Services
About USC

About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Inclusive Excellence Statement
At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.
Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below

The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the About Benefits section on the Applicant Portal at uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

South Carolina Retirement Yes
State Insurance Programs Yes
Annual Leave Yes
Sick Leave Yes
Position Description

Advertised Job Summary
Academic Life Coach (2 positions) – Grant
University of South Carolina Upstate
RTF00056PO23
Spartanburg, SC

Student Success Academic Life Coaches actively support undergraduate students with their transition to the university by providing individualized, holistic support, including advising, academic support, and life skills (career, health, and financial areas). Academic life coaches assess students’ needs, goals, interests, and prior experiences to guide students in making good decisions that lead to success at the University. This position will closely monitor a cohort of students with known risk factors such as conditional admits, probations, and readmitted suspension students and assigned by the Executive Director of the Student Success Center.
Required Education and Experience
Master’s degree required with a minimum of 2 years experience in higher education academic advising, academic support services, first-year experience programming, career counseling or related field. A successful background check is required.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous work experience with undergraduates in an institution of higher learning is strongly preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Ability to possess a thorough knowledge of University Policy and Procedures. Excellent verbal and written skills are required as are the abilities to perform detailed work, deal with interruptions, handle multiple concurrent tasks, and maintain a high level of confidentiality with special regard to student records and information. Information technology proficiency in database and spreadsheet software and Microsoft Office products. Ability to work and motivate traditional as well as nontraditional students. USC Upstate’s standard office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. However, this position will involve some evening, weekend, and/or conference travel.
Job Duties

Job Duty
Provide individual guidance and academic coaching/advising for students with known risk factors such as conditional admits, probation, and readmitted from suspension. Utilize best practices to help students define academic, personal, and career paths. Follow USC Upstate academic Life coaching policies and procedures. Properly document meetings with students and report other student success metrics.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 30
Job Duty
Maintain ongoing caseload and require biweekly student appointments. Assist each student in developing a success plan and realistic goals that will contribute to academic and personal achievement in college, develop relationships that foster developmental conversations, and motivate students to achieve their educational goals.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty
Assist students in course selection, including choosing a program of study and/or clarifying educational goals.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Maintain a working knowledge of University departments, resources, services, and procedures and foster relationships with colleagues and campus partners. Develop and utilize campus resources and collaborations to enhance program effectiveness. Refer students as needed to campus resources and actively assist students with contacting services.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Facilitate or co-facilitate academic skills/success-related workshops.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Teach a section of University 101.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Other duties as assigned.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 5
Position Attributes

Hazardous weather category Non-Essential
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. No
Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 3
Desired Start Date 01/08/2024
Position End Date 09/30/2028
Job Open Date 11/30/2023
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicant
The application must be completed including all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be attached, but not substituted for completing work history and education sections of the application.

USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Retirement Programs
  • Paid Tuition Program
  • Dependent Scholarships
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Annual Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
  • Professional Development Opportunities
Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/159398
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * This University of South Carolina Upstate position is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Do you wish to continue applying for this position?
    • Yes
    • No
  2. * Are you willing and able to submit to a pre-employment background check that may include, but it is not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history as a condition of hire?
    • Yes
    • No
  3. * Do you have at least a master’s degree required with a minimum of 2 years experience in higher education academic advising, academic support services, first-year experience programming, career counseling or related field?
    • Yes
    • No
  4. * The salary range for this position is $49,396 - $51,000 based on education and experience. Is this salary range acceptable to you?
    • Yes
    • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
Optional Documents
  1. List of References and Contact Information
  2. Other Supporting Documents