Student and Community Advocate Specialist

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Student and Community Advocacy Specialist at Penn State's Restorative Justice Initiative will lead efforts to support justice-impacted, underserved, underrepresented, first-generation, and low-income students by developing and implementing comprehensive education and transitional plans and coordinating student support services. This role includes interacting with students and families to address academic, emotional, and personal needs, making referrals as appropriate, and collaborating closely with various university departments, including the Office of Educational Equity, Veterans Services, Disability Services, and others. The Specialist will assist students in acclimating to college life by designing and implementing support initiatives for diverse populations of students. Additionally, they will develop and coordinate recruitment and retention initiatives, provide career counseling, and select prospective students for scholarships. They will also serve as an mentor and advocate for justice-impacted students across the Penn State community. In collaboration with community organizations, employers, and government agencies, the Specialist will foster partnerships and offer individualized and group support, engage in policy development, data analysis, and reporting to enhance program effectiveness, and organize workshops and outreach initiatives to raise awareness and build capacity within the Penn State community.

This is a limited term position of 8 months with an excellent possibility of renewal.

Student Support and Development

• Lead recruitment and retention initiatives to increase the enrollment and success of justice-impacted and system-impacted students, particularly in Education majors.

• Provide support for Pell eligible, justice-impacted students at Penn State.

• Coordinate with College and University stakeholders to develop and implement marketing strategies targeting underrepresented, justice-impacted students.

• Represent the Restorative Justice Initiative's work at fairs, conferences, and events, and host information sessions for targeted populations.

• Advise prospective students on Penn State programs and guide justice-impacted students and their families through the admission and enrollment process.

• Collaborate with the Office of Educational Support and Engagement (OESE), Educational Equity, and the Council of College Multicultural Leaders (CCML) to enhance recruitment and retention efforts.

• Develop pipelines to law school and facilitate 2+2 and dual enrollment opportunities for justice-impacted students across PSU Commonwealth Campuses.

• Organize community events, workshops, and outreach initiatives to raise awareness around the Restorative Justice Initiative's work and engage alumni in education-based reentry efforts.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

• Establish and strengthen relationships between the Restorative Justice Initiative and Second Chance employers to create employment opportunities for justice-impacted students and Penn State alumni.

• Build and maintain strong relationships between the Restorative Justice Initiative and community groups, service providers, and government agencies to facilitate access to resources for students.

• Foster and participate in partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including higher education institutions, prison education programs, juvenile detention centers, and diversion programs.

• Serve as a liaison between the Rising Scholars program and Penn State's prison education program to coordinate efforts and maximize impact.

• Partner with other colleges, academic units, and community colleges to provide comprehensive support to justice-impacted students.

Data Analysis, Reporting, and Policy Development

• Collect and compile data on underrepresented, justice-impacted, and system-impacted student retention, admissions, and graduation status.

• Prepare periodic reports for the Restorative Justice Initiative (RJI) Director to track strategic goals and student success metrics.

• Engage in policy work to reduce barriers and ensure compliance with new federal and state standards affecting justice-impacted students.

• Research and propose policy, protocols, and guidance for new and existing programs, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Program Management and Professional Development

• Provide professional development for faculty, staff, and community members to enhance their capacity to serve justice-impacted students.

• Collaborate with the Herr Clinic to prepare counselors to meet the unique needs of justice-impacted students.

• Manage stakeholder relationships internal and external to the College, Commonwealth Campus, community, and University to support program goals.

• Serve as the official advisor for the Justice Impacted Student Organization (JISO) and assist with leadership development and organizational growth initiatives.

• Facilitate career counseling and readiness workshops, and participate in career coaching to help justice-impacted students prepare for employment opportunities.

Position Requirements

This position requires a Bachelors Degree and 1+ years of relevant experience. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: