Student Advocacy Specialist

Summary

Job Category:: Student Advocacy
Job Title:: Student Advocacy Specialist

Job Category Definition:: This specialty supports specialized populations that include but are not limited to: international; under-represented; low income; first generation; students with disabilities; women; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and advocates (LGBTA), and multicultural students; and assists students to fully engage in the learning process and in acclimation into the Penn State Community.
Job Title Definition:: The Student Advocacy Specialist provides a variety of advocacy services for special student populations who may be experiencing emotional, educational and cultural challenges; interacts with students and parents to address academic, educational or personal needs, making referrals as appropriate; assists in creating a supportive environment and offering high quality services on behalf of a diverse student population in collaboration with others in the work unit and University community; assists students with acclimation to the University environment by designing and implementing support initiatives for a variety of special student populations that include but are not limited to: international, under-represented, low income, first generation, students with disabilities, women, LGBTA, and multicultural students; evaluates services and recommends changes for continuous quality improvement; interviews students to assess their need for support services and/or participation in special academic support programs; develops and coordinates recruitment and retention initiatives for target student populations; selects prospective students as recipients for college or University scholarships; may also identify current and potential funding sources, prepare competitive grant proposals, develop funding partnerships, and manage and administer the respective budgets; assists with the development of strategic objectives and contributes towards the fulfillment of objectives. Duties are performed at various levels within the defined title.
Working Conditions:: Specific physical requirements and effort are outlined in Job Responsibilities Worksheet (list of essential job duties and responsibilities specific to a particular job at the unit level) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Other Requirements:: May require PA Act 33, 151, and 34 certifications

Levels

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

Level 1

There is currently no Level 1.

Level 2

Level Details
Job Code	Salary Band	FLSA Status
SASA0102	G	Exempt

Level 2 positions typically demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas/applications by continuously building on current job knowledge; maintain effective relationships with peers, vendors, and others in a diverse environment; support team decisions and follow through with team responsibilities; interpret information, ideas and instructions and communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to determine and implement solutions; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under general supervision, while performing assignments that are varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character, but usually involve limited responsibility.

Typical Education & Experience
1+ years related experience Bachelor’s Degree or higher in related discipline Or an equivalent combination of education and experience Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure: May require PA Act 33, 151, and 34 certifications

Typical Work Duties
Develop, coordinate, and facilitate programming and services that support the representation, engagement, retention, or success of target populations, underrepresented groups, or those experiencing barriers to success Implement social and educational programming to aid in student transitions including summer sessions, orientations, and first year seminars Assist with the execution of programming aimed at increasing student success rates such as scholar programs, mentorship programs, community programs, and career development opportunities Meet and interact with individual students within target populations in order to assess their educational, cultural, and social needs; connect students with resources, opportunities, and appropriate specialized services May interact with students experiencing challenges and provide empathic emotional, educational, and cultural support May provide guidance, campus resources, and referrals to specific student populations on topics related to on-campus employment, health insurance, housing accommodations, financial aid, and personal wellness May advise student organizations that support the unit’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals May assist in the development of diversity training for faculty, staff, and student leaders May coordinate and develop academic services and programs provided by a campus or unit learning center including tutoring services, academic skills workshops, and peer study groups Compile and create reports related to program performance and/or effectiveness of services Solicit and incorporate feedback from students and other stakeholders on effectiveness of programming May represent the program, department, or unit in division and University committee

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 3

Level Details
Job Code	Salary Band	FLSA Status
SASA0103	H	Exempt

Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.

Typical Education & Experience
1+ years related experience Master’s Degree or higher in an education or social science related discipline Or an equivalent combination of education and experience Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure: May require PA Act 33, 151, and 34 certifications

Typical Work Duties
Design, oversee, and implement programming and services that support the representation, engagement, retention, or success of target populations, underrepresented groups, or those experiencing barriers to success Provide direction for the recruitment and retention efforts of a specialized student population for a unit or campus Develop recruitment strategies for target populations including fostering relationships with area high schools, representing the University during visits to area schools, and/or facilitating the admissions process for prospective students Implement social and educational programming to aid in student transitions including summer sessions, orientations, and first year seminars Meet and interact with individual students within target populations in order to assess and identify needs; review reports/records to determine need for specialized services (e.g., disability accommodations, veteran’s benefits, Educational Opportunity Program services) May coordinate and oversee services and programs provided by a campus or unit learning center including tutoring services, academic skills workshops, and peer study groups May provide intake services for disability services, conduct needs assessments, ensure eligibility, maintain documentation, develop accommodation plans, and coordinate with other University offices to deliver accommodations May present and deliver awareness programs May coordinate and facilitate underrepresented student scholarship and or/grant programs including outreach, recruitment, selection, compliance and reporting activities May design programming for specialized community groups aimed at providing avenues for success, eliminating barriers, and preparing students for secondary education May advise international students on issues affecting their status; apply knowledge of government regulations to ensure students remain in compliant status; process international student documentation and monitor eligibility compliance Contribute to marketing and outreach efforts to promote initiatives, programs, services, and opportunities for specialized student groups Conduct assessments to evaluate program effectiveness and make data informed changes to optimize performance May hire, supervise, train, and evaluate work study students, graduate students, student mentors, peer tutors, and or interns

Level 4

Level Details
Job Code	Salary Band	FLSA Status
SASA0104	I	Exempt

Level 4 positions typically demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization and complete complex assignments; integrate complex elements from other specialties into work assignments; demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University; establish a shared vision and take responsibility for the achievement of team goals, and provide direction for appropriate implementation of plans; present ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and use persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; develop new techniques, concepts, theories, programs or solutions and apply them to complex strategic operating issues; typically work independently on complex work assignments, review progress and evaluate results and update management as appropriate; may direct and delegate work to lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience
3+ years related experience Master’s Degree or higher in an education or social science related discipline Or an equivalent combination of education and experience Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure: May require PA Act 33, 151, and 34 certifications

Typical Work Duties
Design, oversee, and implement multifaceted programming and services that support the representation, engagement, retention, or success of target populations, underrepresented groups, or those experiencing barriers to success Responsible for a unit’s recruitment, retention, and engagement plans to serve target student populations with an emphasis on goal setting, performance assessment, and strategy development Assess the needs of a specialized student population as a whole and develop support programs that are delivered across units Analyze data to identify factors that affect the recruitment, retention, and success of underrepresented students; apply findings to the management of policies, programs, and resources Serve as a subject matter expert and resource for other units and student-centered offices throughout the University Develop, coordinate, and manage multiple complex projects; may develop and manage project budgets May identify current and potential funding sources; prepare grant proposals; develop funding partnerships May promote and recruit current and prospective students for scholarship opportunities, manage outreach, selection, awarding, and reporting activities May conduct unit or department wide cultural assessments and contribute to outreach and education efforts aimed at increasing cultural literacy diversity awareness; present and deliver awareness programs May be responsible for applying University and government policies in order to ensure program compliance as it pertains to disability and immigration law May advise international students on issues affecting their status, apply knowledge of government regulations to ensure students remain in compliant status; process international student documentation and monitor eligibility compliance May oversee programming for specialized community groups aimed at providing avenues for success, eliminating barriers, and preparing students for secondary education Develop, present, and interpret various reports relating to unit programs and/or services; collaborate with external agencies to ensure compliance Provide leadership for committees that promote student success and retention interests as well as unit diversity and inclusion goals Conduct research and benchmarking activities to identify emerging trends and best practices related to student advocacy Develop and present training to other advocacy staff members, identify leadership skill building and professional development opportunities Serve as a liaison with central University offices, external agencies, and community organizations in order to garner support, gather feedback, collaborate on the delivery of services, and clarify policies and procedures

Level 5

Level Details
Job Code	Salary Band	FLSA Status
SASA0105	J	Exempt

Level 5 positions typically extend mastery of job knowledge to the principles, theories and practices of related specialties; expand knowledge of best practices and incorporate into all work assignments and procedures; evaluate and enhance current practices and efforts to ensure optimal support of diversity; oversee leadership of teams and projects that involve extensive cooperation and coordination between multiple departments across the University or with external customers; prepare written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on highly complex issues and deliver to a broad variety of audiences; identify and implement innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues which may involve unusual circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; work independently on highly complex or strategic assignments; may direct and supervise lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience
5+ years related experience Master’s Degree or higher in an education or social science related discipline Or an equivalent combination of education and experience Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure: May require PA Act 33, 151, and 34 certifications

Typical Work Duties
Direct and oversee large, complex programs and initiatives aimed at supporting the representation, engagement, retention, and success of specialized student groups Oversee office, center, or program policy and procedure creation Design research and assessment plans to evaluate program outcome; analyze and present outcomes; define performance standards and metrics, use findings to inform program goals and strategies May administer budget comprised of funding from various sources; identify and solicit funding sources; write grant proposals; develop funding partnerships Define best practices related to accessibility, equity, retention in order to enhance services offered within and across units Develop and maintain working relationships with various groups and organizations both internal and external to the University including state and federal agencies Serve as a liaison with leadership, stakeholders, and committees in order to promote the diversity, inclusion, and equity mission of the unit Develop, present, and interpret various reports relating to unit programs May oversee education efforts aimed at increasing cultural awareness, diversity literacy and global competency throughout units May counsel, advise, and authorize all relevant documentation for international students, including visa eligibility, academic status, employment eligibility, and financial support May prepare various documents to U.S. and foreign governments, universities, and sponsoring agencies; supervise the billing and collection of monies and authorize payments; resolve problems regarding employment, enrollment, visas, etc Develop relationships with academic units, organizations, industry, and agencies to determine needs for programming and services May hire, supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff