Recruitment/Posting Title Student Counselor II
Job Category Staff & Executive - Advising and Counseling
Department NJ Step
Overview
The New Jersey Scholarship and Transformative Education (NJ STEP) Consortium is an association of higher educational institutions that work in partnership with NJ Department of Corrections and State Parole to provide comprehensive college degree programming for students while incarcerated and to assist in their transition to college life and further degree work upon release. Under the office of the Chancellor, NJ-STEP serves a statewide population of people enrolled in college while in prison, on parole and post incarceration. NJ-STEP operates; at each Rutgers campus, in 5 separate prisons, and a variety of residential reentry programs and partner college campuses across the state. For further information, please visit http://njstep.newark.rutgers.edu/
Posting Summary
Rutgers University- Newark (RU-N), an urban public research university and anchor institution, located in Newark, New Jersey, a city of promise is seeking a Student Counselor II. Reporting to the NJ-STEP Dean of Academic Services at Northern State Prison in Newark, NJ, this position provides incarcerated STEP students with the necessary academic advising and coordination for the STEP college admissions/transitions process across the State of NJ.
This position is responsible for and not limited to the following:
- Interview and advise students regarding information, procedures, and academic requirements STEP Counselors assist students in exploring academic interests, evaluating abilities, and setting goals
- Prepare registration materials and register students in their assigned correctional facilities
- Serve as the liaisons between faculty, staff, and students involved in the degree programming inside prison facilities. STEP Counselors also work with and assist students through pre-release procedures and transition back into the community
- Work collaboratively with staff within DOC facilities and at community colleges
- Develop partnerships and processes that enable NJ-STEP students while in prison and/or transitioning into the community to continue and complete college degree work
- Link transitioning students to college admissions and financial aid processes while incarcerated and seek to formally integrate relevant academic support services for program participants across multiple campuses pre and post-release
- Assume an appropriate caseload of incarcerated and transitioning NJ STEP students
- Assess student needs and arranges the provision of personal, academic, career, financial aid, financial literacy, and study skills, utilizing appropriate research literature and recognized best practices
- Assist in navigating prisons, assessment centers, halfway houses, and community colleges for degree completion
- Assist in administering all NJ-STEP processes as needed
- Attend appropriate program meetings and events on behalf of the NJ-STEP program
- Track all service delivery through a comprehensive database and generates formative reports as needed
- Report program updates, needs, student issues, and concerns
- Requires a solid understanding of, and investment in, the mission of NJ-STEP, which assists currently and formerly incarcerated students in earning college degrees
- Occasionally travels to the Newark Campus
This position is contingent upon continuation of grant funding
Position Status Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift Day
Work Arrangement
Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The flexible work arrangements outlined in Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 are part of a pilot program that is effective September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024. Therefore, there is no guarantee that this flexible work arrangement will continue beyond that date. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or cancellation and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System. Additional information may be found at https://futureofwork.rutgers.edu.
FLSA Exempt
Grade 04
Position Salary
Annual Minimum Salary 55416.000
Annual Mid Range Salary 68958.000
Annual Maximum Salary 82500.000
Standard Hours 37.50
Union Description URA-AFT Administrative
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Benefits
Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility ABP
Minimum Education and Experience
- Requires a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- Requires up to two years relevant experience in an administrative, facilitating or advising function, good communication and interpersonal skills, and computer literacy.
Certifications/Licenses
- Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Must have excellent communication, writing skills, and organizational skills;
- Experience with academic advising, peer supports, mentoring, program coordination, career counseling, and/or learning assistance required;
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with opportunity programs, New Jersey State Department of Corrections, prisons, incarcerated populations or reentry populations preferred;
- Preference may be given to candidates whose background is similar to the target population, or individuals with other experience or direct knowledge of incarceration and reentry processes.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- May be required to lift up to 15 pounds to be carried up to 100 feet;
- Must be comfortable working in Correctional Environments;
- Must be able to obtain clearance to enter New Jersey Department of Corrections facilities within 45 days of hire.
Special Conditions
Posting Number 24ST0890
Posting Open Date 04/26/2024
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers University-Newark
Home Location Campus Rutgers University-Newark
City Newark
State NJ
Location Details
Read Full Description