New

Student Advocacy Specialist, Restorative Justice Initiative

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Oct 24, 2025
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding. POSITION SPECIFICS Applications are being accepted for a Student Advocacy Specialist to join Penn State's Restorative Justice Initiative (RJI) to lead efforts to support justice-impacted and currently incarcerated Penn State students. The Student Advocacy Specialist will develop and implement comprehensive education and transitional plans for people returning home from prison, as well as coordinating support services for students and other incarcerated individuals seeking to continue their education at Penn State. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Provide individualized and group support to justice-impacted students, fostering academic success, identity development, and leadership growth. Develop and implement comprehensive reentry plans in collaboration with the Prison Education Program (PEP) and other services both on campus and in the community. Conduct student meetings and needs assessments to tailor support strategies and ensure effective service delivery. Lead recruitment and retention initiatives to increase enrollment and success of justice-impacted students, especially in Education, Liberal Arts, and Law-related majors. Coordinate outreach efforts, including marketing campaigns, community events, and information sessions. Advise prospective students and their families through the admissions process; build pathways to law school and dual enrollment opportunities. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to expand access to resources, employment opportunities, and educational support. Collect and analyze data on student outcomes to inform strategic planning and policy development. Provide professional development for faculty, staff, and community partners to enhance support for justice-impacted students. The Student Advocacy Specialist will also serve as an educator and advocate for the unique needs of justice-impacted and system-impacted students. This may include the development and delivery of college bridge/preparatory programming and/or reentry workshops. Some of the above responsibilities will require the Student Advocacy Specialist to frequently visit local prisons, including but not limited to Pennsylvania's State Correctional Institution - Benner Township and the Centre County Correctional Facility. Such visits will require successful completion of a clearance process mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. The RJI will work with the selected candidate on completion of that process, which must be done prior to the date of hire. Qualifications: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others Demonstrated to be resourceful and adept at recognizing and responding to the unique needs of individuals Ability to cultivate trust and collaboration with community members, organizations, and institutional partners Competent in using office productivity tools (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace) and email platforms for communication and documentation Candidates must also demonstrate ability to navigate through complex institutional processes to ensure individuals have access to resources and support despite structural challenges. Familiarity with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and experience with developing and/or leading educational workshops and training sessions are preferred. Experience with case management (e.g., coordinating individualized support plans and tracking progress) is highly valued. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None Application Information: Applicants must submit a resume or C.V. and a brief cover letter highlighting relevant skills and interest in this position. Additional Information: This position will report to the Director of the Restorative Justice Initiative. The Restorative Justice Initiative (RJI) is a group of Penn State students, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders committed to empowering and supporting system-impacted, currently and formerly incarcerated individuals through education and meaningful civic engagement. RJI believes in the power of trauma-informed practice, liberatory pedagogy, and transformative education and is dedicated to leveraging Penn State's size, scope, reach, and resources to help make education accessible to all sectors of society. Through education, collaboration, and community engagement, RJI works to remove structural barriers to education and reentry while preserving the human dignity of those impacted by the carceral state. The College of Education is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $42,100.00 - $61,000.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines