DSS Coach - Academic Success Center - UTK

The DSS Coach provides proactive and intentional academic support for UTK students to not only succeed in their academic endeavors but thrive. Coaches will build meaningful relationships with an assigned number of students and assist them in better understanding their strengths so that they can meet their unique goals and enhance their well-being.  Through the use of data and referrals from faculty and staff, coaches promote persistence by identifying and providing strategic outreach to students who may need short-term or long-term intrusive academic support. Coaching appointments focus on helping each student holistically understand their strengths and identify ways those strengths can support their academic goals and well-being.  Coaches may provide support through various strategies: time management, learning strategies, goal-setting, and targeted referrals to campus resources, including resources which deepen, enhance, and maximize the student's UT experience. Coaching sessions may take place both in a structured, office environment and also in less-structured locations across campus, meeting students in high-traffic, convenient locations. In addition to engaging with students and maintaining their caseload, the DSS coach will support their assigned unit through developing knowledge of the needs of their specific population of students and the specific resources available through their office. Coaches will also support their unit by maintaining accurate records of appointments, implementing programming, and designing resources.

Coaching (80%)

• Provide individualized, group, and/or classroom coaching to students to support their academic, career, and/or personal development.

• Use strengths-based approaches to coach students in setting and achieving goals related to academic success, career exploration, and/or personal growth.

• Develop divisional coaching competencies as well as expertise in your assigned unit’s area of focus.

• Utilize a strengths-based approach to empower students, foster self-efficacy, and support well-being.

• Manage caseload of students assigned and conduct check-ins as needed to provide ongoing support.

• Collaborate with faculty and staff to identify students in need of additional coaching support.

• Maintain accurate records of coaching sessions and student progress using university-approved systems.

Departmental Outreach and Engagement (20%)

• Participate in departmental initiatives, including attending professional development opportunities or strategic planning exercises, and maintaining accurate records for program assessment.
• Deliver workshops and design student-facing resources for student success.
• Serve on committees or task forces as assigned to support university-wide student success initiatives.
• Engage in outreach efforts and student events to promote coaching services and recruit students to participate.
• Assist office leadership as needed with administrative tasks such as reporting or data analysis through collection of data and timely, consistent appointment notes.

Required Qualifications

• Education: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree

• Experience:

  • 1 year experience mentoring, coaching, or advising undergraduate or high school students. This may include time as a student leader or graduate assistant.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Ability to work collaboratively.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education:

  • Master’s Degree

• Experience:

  • 1-2 years experience mentoring, coaching, or advising undergraduate students as a full-time higher education professional.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Familiarity with student development theories and coaching methodologies.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: MR8

• Anticipated hiring range: Minimum $49,000

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions 

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted.

• Resume

• Cover Letter