Senior Student Support Associate
Stony Brook University · US-NY-Stony Brook
Who We Are
We, the Division of Student Affairs, are a student-focused organization that aims to empower student success and support personal development. We act daily to create, enhance, and sustain a culture of respect and inclusion in the workplace, focusing on equity and justice in its many forms, including racial, social, and environmental justice. We intentionally and relentlessly pursue excellence through introspection, vulnerability, empathy, compassion, learning, and courage. We value our internal and external partnerships as vital drivers of the ambitious goals we pursue. We celebrate and take pride in the following\:
- Named one of the “Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs” by Diverse Magazine.
- Serving a highly diverse student body (click here for more information).
- Leading the way as the #1 ranked institution in the AAU and #3 of all colleges and universities nationally in fostering our students' social mobility.
- Awarded multiple distinctions including philanthropic awards and research grants in experiential learning and career development, voter engagement, student engagement, health and wellness practices, and quality of residential life.
Click here for more about Student Affairs.
Required Qualifications\: (as evidenced by an attached resume)\:
Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher). Three (3) years of progressively responsible full-time experience in student support, student affairs, case management, crisis intervention, behavioral intervention, counseling support services, social services, or a related field. Experience assessing complex situations, identifying appropriate next steps, and connecting individuals with relevant resources and support. Experience responding to urgent situations while exercising a high degree of independent judgment. Experience working with a diverse student population.
Preferred Qualifications\:
Master's degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in higher education administration, counseling, social work, psychology, public health, healthcare administration, student affairs, or a related field. Additional years (4+) of progressively responsible full-time experience in student support, student affairs, case management, crisis intervention, behavioral intervention, counseling support services, social services, or a related field. Experience supporting individuals following hospitalization, psychiatric hospitalization, medical withdrawal, leave of absence, or other significant disruptions. Experience working with interdisciplinary teams.
Brief Description of Duties\:
The Senior Student Support Associate plays a crucial role as a team member on the Student Support Team and Family Services and Support. This position is a non-clinical student support role. The successful candidate will possess advanced knowledge and experience in crisis response, student support, behavioral intervention, and case management. This position does not provide psychotherapy, mental health treatment, or clinical counseling services. The incumbent is responsible for engaging, supporting, and empowering undergraduate and graduate students in order to help maximize their Stony Brook experience and prepare them for success both on and off the campus. Therefore, the selected candidate must demonstrate a very high level of care, discretion, and support for the safety and well-being of each student in our community. It will also be necessary for the selected candidate to have experience working with a diverse student population.
The selected candidate will also have excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, exercising strong organizational and time-management skills with an exceptional attention to detail. Essential for this role is the adeptness to work independently as well as part of a team with a collaborative approach to problem solving. Given the high level of multiple, independent and oftentimes urgent decisions that will be required of this position, having strategic and analytical thinking skills with an ability to solve problems and make effective decisions is imperative for this role.
The incumbent plays a crucial role as a team member within Student Health, Wellness & Prevention Services. In this capacity, they collaborate with other team members to collectively contribute to the overall functioning and effectiveness of the services provided. This involves actively participating in team meetings, sharing insights, and engaging in collaborative decision-making processes. This involves actively participating in team meetings, sharing insights, and engaging in collaborative decision-making processes. The Student Support Associate will manage projects and initiatives that support student success, help students successfully navigate unforeseen challenging circumstances, and collaborate with many constituents across the campus community in support of these efforts. This role will also assist with data and assessment activities that evaluate the quality of Student Support Team services to students.
Student Navigation & Advocacy\:
Serve as a primary student navigator for complex situations and provide ongoing coaching and support. Leads the coordination of individualized support for students navigating critical university processes, including medical withdrawals, hospitalization follow-ups, family loss, and other circumstances that may impact their academic progress and overall well-being. Establishes and facilitates collaborative partnerships across vital campus resources, facilitating referrals to key areas including Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Survivor Advocate, the Consult Assess Respond Educate (CARE) Team, University Police, Student Health Services, Financial Aid, and Global Affairs, as well as other relevant campus partners. Proactively addresses students’ basic needs by connecting them with essential resources, including food security (e.g., campus food pantries), stable housing, and emergency financial assistance. Exercise sound judgement and discretion in assessing and resolving complex concerns raised by students, parents, faculty, and staff to identify practical, compassionate solutions that support long-term student success. Ensures that all documentation and communication with faculty, families, and campus partners strictly adhere to FERPA regulations.
Academic Coordination & Interruption Support\:
Provide leadership and guidance to students experiencing academic disruptions by providing expert guidance on university policies and procedural requirements. This includes assisting students with formal academic interruption requests and the coordination of academics when appropriate to the student's specific circumstances. Lead the comprehensive management of leave of absence processes and oversee the strategic planning for a student's successful return to campus. Through partnership with academic advising units and faculty, the associate ensures academic continuity or a structured pause that prioritizes the student's well-being while maintaining the integrity of their educational trajectory.
Crisis Response\:
Provide oversight and immediate response throughout crisis situations within the established university framework, utilizing high-level discretion and judgment. Responsible for identifying when to escalate incidents to senior leadership and/or colleagues, by serving as a direct link to vital campus resources. This position leads the coordinated response with SST colleagues to provide immediate support to affected individuals and ensures appropriate follow-up to address needs and resolve the situation.
Staff Supervision & Strategic Initiatives\:
Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all phases of hiring, training, and supervising student staff to maximize their professional growth and ensure high-quality service delivery at the front line. Coordinates departmental events and outreach initiatives that foster a caring, supportive, and d