JOIN THE NACEL OPEN DOOR TEAM
Student and Host Family Advisor
Since 1957, Nacel Open Door (NOD) has been one of the world’s leading student exchange programs, promoting life-changing experiences for our students, host families and communities alike. As one of the founding members of CSIET, quality exchange programs remain a cornerstone of our organization. With a full range of programs —long term and short term, public and private, individual and group, in the U.S. and abroad—NOD’s experienced team of professionals help people explore the world.
- Our Vision: Nacel Open Door strives to open minds, broaden perspectives and create lifelong international connections.
- Our Mission: Nacel Open Door is dedicated to providing educational opportunities that promote intercultural understanding.
The Student and Host Family Advisor is an integral part of the Academic Year Program team providing outstanding support to ensure student well-being. This position will assist students and families through case management, assessment, cross-cultural mediation, and advising. The position is full-time and reports to the President.
Major Responsibilities:
- Assist international students and host families in achieving school and cultural adjustment by providing appropriate, culturally sensitive advising services, resource referrals, education, and student assessments.
- Monitor student monthly contact reports for significant behavioral, emotional, academic, or mental health issues. Schedule follow up in a timely manner.
- Apply a case management system for assessing students, creating intervention plans, and scheduling sessions between host families, students, and Local Representatives. Develop and organize a problem-solution plan for each student case, with measurable goals and clear expectations.
- Evaluate, facilitate, and monitor student progress in relationship to established goals, service plans, and objectives. Work with Local Representatives, Coordinators, schools, students, and host families to adjust plans as necessary and remove barriers to success.
- Consistently communicate with all affected stakeholders involved in each case, keeping them informed and updated on case progress.
- Make referrals to appropriate professionals as necessary.
- Maintain complete case documentation and records per the standards of Nacel Open Door policies and foreign partner expectations.
- Write or oversee the writing of probation and warning letters and notices.
- Be available for “on call” cases, which could include violence, death, suicidal thoughts or threat, or other emergencies.
- Maintain the Advising Manual in accordance with evidence-based practices.
- Develop and facilitate trainings on crisis management, cross-cultural communication, and appropriate mediation strategies for Local Representatives, students, and host families.
- Attend meetings and contribute to team conference calls as needed.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with Local Representatives, Foreign Partners, Coordinators, and Nacel Open Door staff.
Qualifications:
- A Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or another related field is required. A Master's Degree or Counseling Certification is preferred.
- Direct experience working with other cultures. A clear understanding of cultural values, particularly as they relate to teenagers and education.
- The ability to understand and communicate cultural differences to both American and international stakeholders.
- Expertise in dealing with teens and cross-cultural crisis situations.
- Excellent telephone and written communication skills.
- Excellent time management and self-motivation.
- Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to develop and implement advising plans.
- Computer competence, including: Microsoft Office Suite, FileMaker Pro, and Outlook email.
- A good attitude and a sense of humor.
Ready to Apply?
Send a cover letter, including salary expectation, and resume to Shannon Thompson.