Apprenticeship Student Advisor

DepartmentSocial Work

About the University

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) enrolls over 16,000 students, where nearly 60% are first generation and over 55% are students of color. Located in downtown Denver, we are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado. As the third largest institution of higher education in Colorado and the only institution with an open access mission, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s college students. The University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals students. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that leads to undergraduate and graduate degrees, followed by career and life success. 

About the Department of Social Work

MSU Denver's Department of Social Work prides itself on a richly talented faculty comprised of teacher-scholars who are highly dedicated to support students in growing as social work scholars, practitioners, and leaders in the multitude of settings.

The Department of Social Work’s mission is to prepare social workers to engage in skillful, ethical, justice-oriented, and effective practice in their communities. We accomplish this 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-centered learning and 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 is seeking applicants for one full-time Apprenticeship Student Advisor position. The Apprenticeship Student Advisor for the grant funded apprenticeship pathway pilot program works in the Department of Social Work at MSU Denver, is a member of the Office of Social Work Student Services, and reports directly to the Associate Director of Social Work Student Services. Priority will be given to applicants with demonstrated commitment to MSU Denver’s priority of serving underrepresented communities. We seek candidates who can provide leadership in teaching, research, and service related to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI).  

The candidate selected for hire will be an advisor and coordinator for a grant funded pilot program: this position will serve as a key member of the development team and provide advising support to faculty and students within an apprenticeship pathway; this position will also cross train other members of the student services team on the apprenticeship pathway requirements, consult on degree course requirements so they simultaneously meet apprenticeship requirements, interface with university systems, and attend trainings regarding apprenticeship model development as needed; further, this position will serve as an advisor to a caseload of students in the MSW Program to cross train and support other members of the advising team.

The position is funded by a two-year grant and extension beyond this first year is contingent upon success in the first year. The continuation of the position at the end of the 2-year funding is dependent upon the success of the apprenticeship program. 

Responsibilities 

Social Work Apprenticeship Pathway Advising & Program Coordination - 50%

Apprenticeship Student Advising

• Develops a deep understanding of the apprenticeship pathway requirements related to the requirements for the MSW Program, and of students who are registered for a state and federally funded apprenticeship program pathway. 
• Provides primary academic advising support to Apprenticeship pathway student cohorts, including but not limited to: conducting meaningful academic advising appointments that focus on the individual student’s needs; ensuring students understand the apprenticeship pathway as well as the specifics of the social work curriculum for the MSW program; adjusting advising practices and tools used for all MSW program students to specifically meet the needs and advising plans of Apprenticeship students; using academic advising tools such as SSC Navigate to proficiently track and report on advising appointments; providing appropriate referrals to campus, community, and departmental resources for student success; reviewing Apprenticeship pathway students regularly to ensure degree progress, and that Apprenticeship milestones are accomplished.
• Tracks and reports on the success of Apprenticeship pathway students and their retention in the program.
• Uses student information systems, advising technology, and other university systems.
• Builds relationships with the Office of Financial Aid at MSU Denver to ensure Apprenticeship pathway students have financial resources and support.
• Develops a strong understanding of financial aid processes and procedures as they pertain to Apprenticeship pathway students and ensures timely compliance with financial aid procedures for Apprenticeship pathway students.
• Works together with Social Work department leadership to advocate for specific system modifications that accommodate any requirements after MSU Denver achieves Registered Apprenticeship Approval from the State Apprenticeship Agency.
• Meets individually and in groups with prospective Apprenticeship pathway students to explain the program requirements and approved field experiences.
• Designs and leads information sessions about the apprenticeship pathway.
• Maintains a robust understanding of the apprenticeship pathway to expertly guide students through the program.
• Works in close collaboration with the Office of Field Education and the Clinical Field Faculty for the Apprenticeship Pathway to ensure students are successful in their Apprenticeship placement. 

Apprenticeship Pathway Coordination

• Works directly with the Social Work department Chair, Associate Chair, MSW Program Director, and Clinical Field Faculty for the Apprenticeship Pathway to create and build out the apprenticeship pathway at MSU Denver. 
• Attends all meetings and trainings with the grant consultants.
• Maintains a high level of expertise related to the apprenticeship pathway to inform growth and development of the pathway.
• Supports prospective and current students who have questions about what will be required from faculty and employer communications for students in the apprenticeship pathway.
• Works with the Program Manager and Assistant Director in the Office of Field Education to provide relevant support in identifying and onboarding prospective apprenticeship community partners.
• Work with Apprenticeship partners to facilitate billing and payment.
• Provides official reporting related to the apprenticeship program, as needed, to relevant constituents. 

MSW Program Advising & Student Support - 40%

• Maintains a high-level understanding of the MSW program structure, strengths, admissions, policy, and curriculum to adequately serve prospective and current MSW program students.
• Provides advising support to a caseload of MSW program students including, but not limited to, individual and group advising, campus resource referrals, and advocacy.
• Uses advising tools such as SSC Navigate and internal resources to support students and track advising interactions. 
• Serves as a member of the Office of Social Work Student Services (OSWSS) team.
• Serves as the department liaison from the apprenticeship pathway to the Student Services team, and ensures colleagues understand the apprenticeship pathway and how to guide students to it.

Professional Development & Leadership - 10%

• Remains up to date on advising techniques and approaches. 
• Attends and engages with relevant advising and/or career coaching conferences, trainings, or workshops.
• Develops a broader knowledge of apprenticeship models and career pathways.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Detail-oriented; able to consistently and accurately track and maintain data
• Exceptional organizational, planning, analytical and technical skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• Computer and technological proficiency with the ability to learn new systems, software, and tools

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrated experience in academic advising or career coaching or mentorship
• Experience using computer-based student information system(s) (e.g., Ellucian Banner, PeopleSoft, etc.), or similar
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations in a multicultural environment that is committed to equality, accessibility, and inclusivity in education

Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet all required qualifications. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in higher education, social work, or other related field
• Experience providing intentional, holistic advising to a diverse groups of students
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency
• Experience working with and/or being sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse urban population
• Knowledge of various student development and adult learner theories
• Demonstrated experience with apprenticeships or related workforce development programming

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, our College, and the University. 

Work Hours 

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Exempt
• Days of the Week: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Evenings and Weekend Work: Some evening and occasional weekend work dependent upon needs 
• Schedule: Remote work may be available one to three days per week dependent upon needs and events. Flexibility is required for on-campus work and visits to recruitment event locations. 
• Travel: This position necessitates reliable transportation within the Denver Metro area, including locations with limited transit service 

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 full salary range for this position is $41,200 - $61,800. The anticipated hiring range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $41,200 - $51,500. 

THIS IS A GRANT FUNDED POSITION WITH FUNDING THROUGH DEC 30, 2025.

Instructions to Apply

Please apply by visiting our career site https://msudenver.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/MSUDenver and searching for JR103324.

Candidates must electronically submit the following required documents when they apply:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire. 

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received by Wednesday, 1/22/2025 by 11:59pm.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting RepresentativeElizabeth Wellington

Posting Representative Email[email protected]Benefits

The University’s 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 access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to 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 at [email protected].

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.