Student Caseworker (Title III Grant Funded)

The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) is seeking a motivated, student centered, detail-oriented Student Caseworker to provide support to high-risk students, increasing retention rates. The Caseworker will assist students in identifying and accessing external resources, including financial aid, scholarships, housing and food assistance, medical and behavioral health care, and other community services. Working closely with students to assess their needs, the Caseworker will connect them with appropriate resources to help achieve their academic and personal goals. This position reports to the Associate Dean of Students.

About Title III

MIAD received its first Title III federal grant in September 2024, totaling $2.25 million over five years, with an additional $350,000 invested by MIAD into an endowed fund for faculty and staff training. The grant aims to increase enrollment, stabilize first-to-second year retention rates, and enhance six-year graduation rates, particularly among high-risk students (first-generation, students of color, low-income, commuters, and students with documented disabilities).

This grant will fund:

1. Professional development training for faculty and staff, focusing on student readiness and topics geared toward student success in the classroom, such as neurodivergence, accommodations and mental health.
2. Refurbishment of existing campus space into a Student Success Center, integrating Academic and Individual Success Services.
3. Addition of a Caseworker to provide mentorship and access to external resources for students.
4. Addition of an Experiential Learning Manager to expand and coordinate learning opportunities.
5. Addition of a Title III Project Manager & Institutional Research Associate to centralize Title III-related activities and institutional data.

MIAD is committed to ensuring the long-term success of these initiatives, even after grant funding expires. This Caseworker role is seen as critical to the retention and success of high-risk students.

Responsibilities include, but not are limited to:

1. Provide individualized assistance to students in identifying and accessing external resources, including financial aid, scholarships, housing and food assistance, medical and behavioral health care, as well as other community services.
2. Conduct comprehensive assessments of students’ needs, including financial, academic, and personal concerns, and develop appropriate action plans to address those needs.
3. Act as a liaison between students and external resource providers, coordinating with these providers to ensure that students receive the necessary support and assistance.
4. Work closely with campus partners, including the financial aid office, academic advisors, and student services professionals, to ensure that students receive comprehensive support.
5. Assist in developing and implementing outreach and communication strategies to inform students about external resources and encourage them to utilize available resources.
6. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student interactions, progress, and outcomes, using appropriate data management tools.
7. Attend relevant training and professional development opportunities to remain current on external resources and best practices in case management.
8. Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Dean of Students.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, counseling, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Prefer at least two (2) years of experience in case management or social work. Experience within higher education setting a plus.
• Strong knowledge of external resources available to students, including financial aid, scholarships, and community services.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with students and external resource providers.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across departments and disciplines.
• Knowledge of and commitment to best practices in student support and success.
• Ability to utilize a personal computer and familiarity with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel and database software.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• The ability to understand and address the individual needs of each student, including:
  • Active listening and empathy: A genuine ability to listen attentively to students’ perspectives, concerns, and experiences, demonstrating empathy and understanding their unique situations.
  • Create an Individualized plan: Tailor interventions and support strategies to each student’s specific needs and goals, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective.
  • Collaboration and partnership: Building strong relationships with students, their personal support system, professors, and other MIAD staff to work together towards positive outcomes.
  • Cultural competency: Understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences to effectively support students from different communities.
  • Flexibility and adaptability: Adjusting strategies and approaches based on changing
  • student needs and circumstances.
  • Positive and supportive attitude: Maintaining a positive outlook, offering encouragement, and fostering a safe and trusting environment for students to share their challenges.
  • Continuous learning and reflection: Staying updated on best practices, reflecting on their own effectiveness, and seeking professional development opportunities to improve their work with students.
• Proficiency in handling confidential information responsibly.
• This position requires regular on-site presence.