Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Student Counselor II
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Advising and Counseling
Department	NJ Step
Overview	The New Jersey Scholarship and Transformative Education in Prisons (NJ-STEP) initiative is an association of higher education institutions in New Jersey that works in partnership with the State of New Jersey Department of Corrections and New Jersey State Parole Board , (a) to provide higher education courses toward a college degree for students while they are incarcerated, and (b) to assist in their transition to college life upon release from prison.
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 East Jersey State Prison in Rahway, 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. Responsibilities include and are 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 the continuation of grant funding.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift
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, 2023. 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	51359.000
Annual Mid Range Salary	63909.500
Annual Maximum Salary	76460.000
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 . Rutgers also offers a benefit program to eligible full-time postdoctoral fellow students. For details, please go to https://finance.rutgers.edu/healthcare-risk/insurance/postdoctoral-health-insurance.
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience Requires two years of relevant experience in an administrative 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, 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 Details

Posting Number	23ST0694
Posting Open Date	03/18/2023
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-Newark
Home Location Campus	Rutgers University-Newark
City	Newark
State
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 60.1.35 Immunization Policy for Rutgers Employees and Prospective Employees , Rutgers University requires all prospective employees to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated and have received a booster (where eligible) against COVID-19 prior to commencement of employment, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Employees who are not eligible for a booster at the time of an offer of employment must provide proof they have received a booster upon eligibility and upload proof of same. Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement