Student Success Specialist

Centenary University Mission & Priorities

Centenary University launches students into a successful career and life. Centenary advances three strategic priorities: Student Success, University Vitality, and World Engagement.

Position Summary

The Student Success Specialist provides direct student support, case management, advocacy, and accommodation coordination for students with disabilities. This position supports the implementation of the Access+ (formerly Project ABLE) and STEP Ahead programs while promoting equitable access, academic success, student persistence, and self-advocacy.

Core Responsibilities and Expected Outcomes 

1) Maintain a caseload of Access+ (formerly Project ABLE) and STEP Ahead students 

• Deliver direct instruction in learning strategies, study skills, executive functioning, self-advocacy, and adaptive technology during scheduled student meetings.
• Assist students in locating and utilizing campus resources and support services.
• Communicate appropriately with faculty, staff, and families regarding student needs, accommodations, and support strategies while maintaining confidentiality standards.
• Support students in requesting, understanding, and utilizing approved accommodations, including accommodations coordinated through Accessibility Services.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes and student records.

Outcome:

• Students demonstrate increased utilization of accommodations, campus resources, and academic support strategies.
• Students on assigned caseload maintain satisfactory academic progress and persistence toward degree completion.
• Students demonstrate improved self-advocacy and independence over time.

2) Assist in the accommodation process for students with disabilities:

• Support testing accommodations by monitoring requests, communicating with faculty, scheduling examinations, and ensuring appropriate testing conditions.
• Proctor, scribe, and read examinations aloud as approved accommodations require.
• Review disability documentation to support accommodation determinations in collaboration with Senior Student Success Specialist and the Director of Accessibility Services.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with institutional policies and applicable disability laws and regulations.
• Respond to student and faculty accommodation inquiries in a timely manner.

Outcome:

• Students receive accommodations in a timely, accurate, and legally compliant manner.
• Faculty and students demonstrate understanding of accommodation processes and responsibilities.

3) Assist with recruitment for Access+ and STEP Ahead 

• Represent Accessibility Services at open houses, college fairs, school visits, and campus events.
• Assist Admissions staff in discussing disability support services and program opportunities with prospective students and families.
• Communicate program benefits, support structures, and student success outcomes effectively.
• Support outreach initiatives designed to increase enrollment in Access+ and STEP Ahead.

Outcome:

• Recruitment efforts contribute to sustained or increased enrollment in Access+ and STEP Ahead.

4) Assist with the planning and implementation of Access+ and STEP Ahead 

• Participate in program planning, assessment, and implementation activities.
• Maintain accurate student records and database information, including reports related to attendance, academic progress, and retention.
• Develop and facilitate workshops, training, and educational programming for students and campus partners.
• Teach courses or workshops during working hours as assigned by the Director of Accessibility Services.
• Manage assigned reports, alerts, and student care areas within the Pharos early alert retention system.
• Collaborate with campus partners to support student success initiatives.

Outcome:

• Programs operate efficiently and support student persistence, engagement, and academic success.
• Students and campus partners receive timely and relevant educational programming and support.
• Early alert interventions contribute to improved student outcomes.

5) Serve as a member of the Accessibility Services and Academics, Careers, and Experiences teams 

• Participate actively in departmental meetings and initiatives.
• Engage in ongoing professional development related to disability services, accessibility, student support, and higher education best practices.
• Provide individual and group training to faculty and staff regarding disability-related topics and inclusive practices.
• Contribute to departmental projects, assessment initiatives, and strategic priorities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Dean of Student Success and Director of Accessibility Services.

Outcome:

• The department maintains collaborative and student-centered operations.
• Faculty and staff demonstrate increased awareness of accessibility and inclusive practices.
• Staff member maintains current knowledge of disability services practices and regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities in an educational setting preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Knowledge of disability services, accommodation processes, and applicable accessibility laws and regulations.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and maintain accurate documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, adaptive technology, database systems, and scheduling platforms.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success, equity, and inclusive practices.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Director of Accessibility Services
• Direct Reports: None

Expected Performance Indicators (Illustrative)

• Maintain regular documented meetings with assigned students each semester.
• Maintain timely and accurate case documentation within departmental standards.
• Positive student satisfaction and support feedback.
• Participation in assigned recruitment and outreach events.
• Timely follow-up with prospective students and families as appropriate.
• Positive prospective student and family engagement during recruitment activities.
• Contribution to enrollment and retention goals for Access+ and STEP Ahead programs.
• Timely completion of reports, documentation, and database updates.
• Successful delivery of assigned workshops, training, and courses.
• Consistent participation in meetings and departmental initiatives.
• Completion of professional development and training activities annually.