Union County College is a public comprehensive community college providing quality, affordable, accessible educational programs that serve the greater Union County region. It is the oldest of New Jerseys 19 Associate Degree Colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College enrolls almost 30,000 credit, non-credit and continuing education students and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Many programs lead to the Associate in Arts, Science and Applied Science degrees.

Campus: Elizabeth and Plainfield

General Description:

Responsible for resolving registration issues related to advising, testing, and any other registration related issues. Student Services Specialist offers the unique advising capabilities to students seeking career advice and career exploration. The Specialist develops workshops in line with NACE (National Association of Colleges ad Employers) Competencies to address student career aspirations and facilitate activities that promote retention. Student workshops will include Resume and Cover Letter Writing, Interviewing 101, Soft Skills, and Electronic Communication etiquette among many others. The Specialist measures, and may develop measurements for, student learning and outcomes based on department goals for the Humanities Division and overseeing ConexED Career Services inquiries for the Scotch Plains Campus.

Characteristics, Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides proactive and intrusive academic advising with focus on educational planning and timely program completion.

• Engages student in career assessment analysis to provide guidance to student on interests and skills.

• Facilitates and supports career fairs, resume and cover letter workshops, interview skills preparation, job and internship search, and other career related events on multiple campuses.

• Provides career advising including values clarification and other strategies which support personal, academic, and vocational development/growth.

• Facilitates New Student Orientation sessions.

• Consults with the appropriate department to resolve problems or policy concerns evolving from within the sections of the program or unit supervised.

• Assists with developing student learning/development outcomes measures for Advising and Student Development goals and objectives; collects appropriate data; and completes assessments of results assigned; recommends modifications to existing services based on outcomes.

• Has knowledge of successful retention strategies and implements student retention programs as directed.

• Develops and implements student development workshops for new student orientation, career and employment topics, and personal development.

• Prepares reports and studies containing findings and recommendations for the review, information, and assistance of the student development division.

• Responsible for retention efforts with first-time, full-time cohorts.

• Responsible for specific sub-cohorts of students, to improve retention and completion of those particular sub-cohorts.

• Serves on ad hoc committees as required.

• Provides data on outcomes and weekly reporting activities and outreach.

• Maintains records/data regarding services as directed.

• Performs related responsibilities as assigned by supervisor or designee.

Education Requirements:

Master’s Degree required in Higher Education or a Master’s Degree and experience to demonstrate core competencies.

Experience:

• Two (2) years’ experience in college counseling and academic advising or equivalent preferred.

Competencies and Skills Required:

• Two (2) years’ experience in college counseling and academic advising or equivalent preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• This position’s duties are normally performed in a typical interior/residence work environment, based on the activity scheduled.

• Some physical effort required; however, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

• Some travel required.

Union County College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, religion, age, disability, handicap or other legally protected status in its provision of employment, education, and activities, or other services. Union County College is an EEO/AAP Employer/Protected Veteran/Disabled Disclaimer: This job description outlines the general nature and key features performed by various positions that share the same job classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of all employees assigned to the job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or re-assign duties to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodations or other business reasons. Union County College offers a competitive compensation package and salaries that are commensurate with experience and qualifications. The following benefits are also provided: Medical benefits and pension plan offered through the State of NJ; Dental and vision benefits; Vacation days based on accrual system; Ten paid holidays and three floating holidays that are determined by the College; Tuition remission for employee, spouse, and eligible children for credit and non-credit courses; and Tuition reimbursement for approved degree programs at an accredited college or university.