Title: Bear Den Associate (Part-time/Temporary)

Employee Classification: Part-time/Temporary

Institution: Northeast State Community College

Department: Student Engagement and Success/IESS

Salary: $21.00 hourly rate, up to 29 hours per week

Job Summary

The Part-time Bear Den Associate serves as the first point of contact for students and supports student success by providing individualized assistance, responding to student needs, and guiding them to helpful resources on campus and in the community. This role contributes to the day-to-day operations of the Bear Den Student Success Help Center at the Blountville campus, ensuring students feel welcomed, supported, and connected. The Bear Den Associate collaborates with student-facing offices such as Admissions, Advising, Financial Aid, and Counseling to promote retention and success. Additionally, the position will provide academic advising. The position reports to the Bear Den Coordinator.

Job Duties

• Deliver exceptional customer service while managing a variety of tasks to support student retention.

• Provide general assistance with student inquiries related to offices such as Admissions, Advising, Financial Aid, Counseling, Scholarships, TRiO, and Student Life.

• Resolve mid-level questions within an approved scope, supported by periodic training, and escalate clearly when needed.

• Foster collaboration with student-facing offices, including but not limited to the following: Accessibilities, Admissions and Records, Advising, Counseling, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Student Life, and TRiO.

• Establish and maintain partnerships with community resources to serve student needs.

• Support students in their adjustment to campus life.

• Participate in and assist with on-and off-campus events relating to the Bear Den Student Success Help Center.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of institutional policies, procedures, and academic deadlines.

• Provide accurate information and guidance regarding admissions, financial aid, registration, student records, and tuition payment processes.

• Introduce students to campus support services.

• Provide academic advising for students.

• Support retention and student success efforts through proactive outreach and customer service.

• Provide individualized support by working one-on-one with students.

• Complete other assignments as directed by supervision. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
• 1 year of experience working with students

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience with Banner Student Information System
• Conversational ability or fluency in a second language

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Technology Skills: MS Office suite; videoconferencing software; digital records management systems; general operating systems and data information systems
• Knowledge of campus programs & services
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Knowledge of TBR and institutional policies
• Ability to work independently and under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective skills in interpersonal relations, including tact and diplomacy.

For assistance regarding the job ad, application process, or application status, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 423-354-5183 or HRstaffing@northeaststate.edu.

Special Instructions to Applicants: To be considered for a position at Northeast State, you must create an online application. A resume and unofficial transcripts are required; a cover letter is optional. You will also be required to provide the contact information for a minimum of three (3) professional references. References WILL be contacted if you are selected for an interview. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using only what is recorded on your application. Please note that attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form. Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience.