Student Counselor II

Position 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 NJ-STEP Completion Counselor (Student Counselor II) to support the success of NJ-STEP students statewide.

Reporting to the NJ-STEP Assistant Dean of Community Relations, the Completion Counselor will provide ongoing tracking, advising, and support to released and matriculating NJ-STEP students. This role requires frequent travel across New Jersey to correctional facilities, halfway houses, community colleges, and Rutgers campuses. The Counselor will serve as a key liaison between students, community colleges, partner 4-year institutions, and Department of Corrections/halfway house staff.

This position is responsible for and not limited to the following:

• Serve as the community college support representative for NJ-STEP and track potential Rutgers Mountainview applicants.
• Initiate contact and cultivate relationships with community college personnel, partnered institutions, and DOC/halfway house staff.
• Develop partnerships and processes that support NJ-STEP students in completing college degrees post-release.
• Facilitate pre-release visits to link students with financial aid and reentry support services.
• Assess student needs during pre-release and develop programmatic responses for post-release success.
• Provide or coordinate guidance in personal motivation, academic progress, career development, financial literacy, and study skills using recognized best practices.
• Coordinate workshops, internship opportunities, and career pathways for NJ-STEP students.
• Manage clerical tasks, program communications, and supervise program interns or field placements as needed.
• Attend community program meetings and events representing NJ-STEP.
• Track service delivery and generate reports; provide program updates and communicate student concerns to the Assistant Dean of Community Relations.
• Occasionally travels to the Newark Campus

This position is contingent upon continuation of grant funding

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.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• May need to carry 30lbs up to 100 ft.