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 General Description: The Student Services Specialist reports directly to the Dean of Student Success. The role is multi-faceted and involves working with students, alumni, Union County Residents, and employers. The person in this role will assist and guide in developing individual Career Action Plans based on the assessment of their interests, values, skills and personality in alignment with the guided pathway for their major; pro-actively assist students and alumni in finding part-time and full time positions, as well as internships opportunities for academic credit and not-for-credit; assist in coordinating career fairs and/or specialized fairs and career panels. As a member of Career Services, the Student Services Specialist will perform other duties as assigned and needed to fulfill the mission of the department and the career success of our students. Characteristics, Duties and Responsibilities: • Contact employers to create and develop job and internship opportunities on behalf of students and alumni to ensure a wide range of opportunities related to the programs of study offered at the College; • Hire/supervise/evaluate Student Worker staff within the Career Services Center; • With the assistance of the Dean of Student Success, manage all aspects of Career Services social media, including posting information on various opportunities, events, and responding to an inquiries in a timely manner; • Create/maintain a professional network that will allow Career Services to be informed of various internship/job opportunities; • Create/maintain a professional database using CollegeCentral Network (or other contracted vendor) as the central repository for professional contact information and current opportunities; • Maintain comprehensive records on various businesses, organizations, and employers; • On a weekly basis (and more frequently if necessary), conduct student placement follow-up activities and reports placement; • Maintain job placement follow-up records and reports weekly to supervisor when requested. • Assist individual students in developing Career Action Plans with short and long-term career goals; • Utilize appropriate computer skills to aid students in job searches and resume writing, including utilizing software such as OptimalResume (or equivalent), CollegeCentral Network (or equivalent), and Focus 2 (or equivalent); • Research, propose, and implement best practices on topics such as career-related activities, job placement and job retention; • Conduct workshops on related topics such as (but not limited to) cover letter and resume writing, networking and social media, interviewing, internships job search strategies, and other topics; • Review and critique cover letters, resume, and other career-related items that are posted on CollegeCentral Network, OptimalResume, developed in the Career Services Center or Student Services Center, submitted by students/alumni via email, or submitted via alternative means; • With the assistance of the Dean of Student Success, monitor job/internship submissions and approve professional listings and job/internship opportunities on CollegeCentral Network; • Coordinate/develop/participate in various career fairs, recruitment efforts, and other hiring events relevant to student/alumni needs; • Assist in placing students/alumni in jobs/internships and monitor students’ progress; Seeks to turn internship placements into jobs; • Conduct e-advisement in response to email inquiries for career assistance; • Plan and facilitate business and/or organizational campus visits and other career-related events; • Plan and organize career management workshops and events, such as Dress for Success programs; • Travel to other campuses, employers, and off-site career-related events as required; • Other duties as assigned by the Dean of Student Success. Education Requirements: Master’s degree required in Higher Education, Human Resources or an equivalent combination of education and experience to demonstrate core competencies. Experience: Minimum of two years’ experience in job placement, recruitment, or in college career services is required; • At least one year of experience in working with diverse populations in the career assessment and job search process Competencies and Skills Required: Minimum of two years’ experience in job placement, recruitment, or in college career services is required; • At least one year of experience in working with diverse populations in the career assessment and job search process 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.