Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The Counselor helps students understand and manage social, academic, and personal issues; provides preventive and developmental counseling; coordinates the activities of various student programs and services; assists with student retention programs incorporating personal counseling, career exploration, and academic support services.

• Review academic/career/personal goals and overall academic progress with assigned students
• Provide professional counseling for students regarding academic, career, personal and financial matters
• Refer students to University offices, faculty, staff and /or outside agencies or other professionals as necessary
• May assist in course selection and academic planning to ensure compliance with related policies/regulations
• May administer and evaluate placement testing in specialized cases; apply University academic policies to best advise students, and assist with data reporting
• Assist in planning and coordination of cultural and social events for students and the community
• Participate in unit-wide projects involving prospective and current students (i.e., recruitment activities, commencements, award receptions, orientations, cultural and social events, etc.)
• Consult with faculty/staff and provide information
• Plan, implement, assess and evaluate specific programming or counseling area, educational program, or academic support service
• Coordinate support groups, mentor programs and specialized academic support programs including tutoring
• Assist students with appeals, complaints or institutional concerns
• May instruct credit-bearing courses or first-year seminars
• May present at state and national conferences
• Advocate for students and work with other staff members and campus organizations to promote academic, career, and personal development; may serve on University committees
• May coordinate training for new and entry-level counselors; serve as a resource for counselors regarding questions and problem cases
• May provide counseling services to meet the needs of special student populations, including students with disabilities, multicultural and non-traditional students, and student athletes
• Maintain case notes that track client progress, assessments results and counseling goals; maintain confidential records
• May assist with the supervision of graduate assistants, interns, wage payroll employees, and/or students
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Intermediate Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– Applies knowledge of larger unit goals, priorities, and related procedures in determining course of action

Independence of Action:

– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 7
• Minimum – $46,400.00
• MidPoint – $56,800.00
• Maximum – $67,300.00