Penn State Job Catalog

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

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Counseling

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:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 8
• Minimum – $51,000.00
• MidPoint – $62,500.00
• Maximum – $74,000.00