SP/EOF Counselor- Professional Services Specialist 4

POSITION:          OSP/EOF COUNSELOR- PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SPECIALIST 4

SALARY:              P18: $55,142.18 - $88,214.84

DEPARTMENT:   OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND/ EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FUND

JOB SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the associate director of Opportunity Scholarship Program, the counselor collaborates with the OSP team to develop and implement student engagement & success experiences in alignment with the academic and holistic developmental needs of program scholars. The position provides holistic support services such as personal, academic, financial, and career counseling to OSP/EOF students from enrollment through graduation in direct support of the mission and goals of the Program and University. Reporting to the Associate Director, OSP/EOF.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manages a caseload of assigned students by providing ongoing comprehensive support services to ensure persistence to timely graduation. Support services include, but are not limited to, academic, personal, financial, and career counseling.

•      Provides academic advisement to facilitate major selection, course registration, degree maps, academic plans of action, and graduation clearance.
  Monitors student's academic progress to ensure satisfactory academic progress. Connects students to program and campus resources. Maintains open communication with OSP Coordinator of Academic Support and Assessment.
• Provides personal counseling as it relates to supporting students in successfully adjusting to transitions and balancing academic, work, and/or home responsibilities. Makes appropriate referrals to campus and community resources when necessary.
• Educates students to increase their knowledge and understanding of the financial aid process. Monitors students' adherence to institution, state, and federal financial aid deadlines by conducting ongoing outreach, regularly reviewing program and state rosters, and assisting students with filing the FAFSA. Maintains open communication with financial aid liaisons/counselors and OSP Student Grants Specialist.
• Provides career counseling and prepares students to successfully secure placements into cooperative education, internships, and preparatory special enrichment programs (e.g., EOF's Mathematics Immersion Program, Pre-legal, PULSE, Med PREP, etc.), resulting in increased opportunities for career and/or graduate school offers upon graduation.
• Serves as OSP liaison to assigned colleges/academic majors, reviews progress of students, and identifies interventions to increase persistence to graduation in respective majors.

1. Teaches assigned OSP section of Orientation to College, a credited course for first-time students.

III. Assists with the recruitment, screening, and interviewing process of program applicants (first-time freshmen, readmits, EOF transfers, and non-EOF transfers).

•      Attends on-campus recruitment events and high school/community college visits.
• Reviews applicants' eligibility and conducts interviews with prospective students.

1. Assists in the development, implementation, and coordination of the OSP Summer Academy and various student development programming throughout the year (e.g., workshops, social engagement, enrichment series, leadership development, etc.).

•      Assists in the recruitment, screening, training, and onboarding of student staff.
•      Serves as a supervisor and mentor to the hires.
• Develops and facilitates workshops/events aligned with program goals.

1. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with assigned colleges/departments to ensure students are maximizing utilization of campus resources.
2. Actively participates in team meetings to obtain and share information, discuss current administrative procedures, assess the effectiveness of the Program, and provide recommendations for improvement.

•      Creates and maintains confidential files (e.g., spreadsheets, electronic student records, etc.) to track student engagement and program outcomes. Compiles monthly reports and assists with program and state reports.

VII. Independently or in collaboration with team members, conducts and/or participates in special projects as assigned (e.g., EOF special projects grants, OSP student group advisor, marketing campaigns, alumni relations, fundraising, etc.).

VIII. Participates in professional development and student leadership opportunities

(e.g., seminars, conferences, etc.)

•      Maintains awareness of current and changing trends in higher education, opportunity programs, and counseling. Remains knowledgeable of regulatory issues specific to the University and Educational Opportunity Fund.
•     Chaperones students to leadership development opportunities, some of which require out of state travel.

1. Serves on various internal and external committees as a representative of the OSP-EOF department.
2. Remains flexible and adaptable in work schedules and assignments to meet departmental needs. Other assigned duties as needed.

 

EDUCATION: Master's degree required, preferably in education, social work, counseling, or related field.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum two (2) years of experience serving a diverse student population from backgrounds with limited access to academic and financial resources.

• Experience working in a higher education opportunity program and/or experience serving a diverse student population from backgrounds with limited access to academic and financial resources strongly preferred.
• Previous event planning and knowledge of financial aid experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• An understanding of and commitment to the role of opportunity programs, preferably in an urban multicultural setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, social justice, and student success.
• Asset-based approach to supporting students, families, and communities.
• Effective communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, organizational, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Strong attention to detail and ability to effectively prioritize deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience with developing creative initiatives to meet the needs of students, families, and communities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced ever-changing environment, with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated experience developing strong working relationships with both internal and external partners.
• Proficient computer skills (e.g., MS Office Suite; Outlook Email & Calendars; Zoom; Qualtrics; Adobe; Canva) and familiarity with internet-based software programs and student information systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Civitas).

New Jersey City University is an equal opportunity institution encouraging a diverse pool of applicants.

New Jersey City University is a Tobacco and Smoke Free Campus.  For the health of our employees, students and visitors, smoking, vaping, and tobacco use is not permitted on campus.  This includes all buildings, grounds and parking lots.

SAME Applicants: Candidates applying under the New Jersey “SAME” program, must include a Schedule A or B letter with other supporting documents (resume, proof of degree, etc.) by the closing date indicated above. For more information, please visit https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: [email protected], or call CSC at (833) 691-0404

We offer a competitive Compensation and Benefits Package

New Jersey City University (NJCU) is not accepting applications from third party recruiters for this position. Any resumes, curriculum vitae or applications submitted to NJCU for this position shall be deemed the property of NJCU and no commissions or referral fees shall be paid.