Disability Counselor - Career and Transition (PSS2 - AFT - U24)

Ramapo College of New Jersey; Mahwah (NJ); On-site; USD 76,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discounts for employees and/or

Wellness programs

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Ramapo College of New Jersey seeks a specialist in student counseling and advisement within the Office of Specialized Services. You will support TRIO/SSS programs, coordinate academic accommodations, and provide career services for eligible students.

Requirements include a Master’s degree in a related field and demonstrated experience in counseling, disability services, and collaboration with faculty. This role emphasizes training, confidentiality, and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, or related field required.
• Experience advising or counseling adults or college students with disabilities preferred.
• Experience with career counseling and developing individualized learning supports.

Responsibilities

• Provides specialized counseling and advisement to students regarding academic and disability-related issues.
• Coordinates all academic services for assigned caseload, including testing accommodations.
• Participates in determination of disability and accommodation eligibility.
• Advises faculty regarding appropriate classroom and testing accommodations.
• Assists TRIO students with career development and referrals.
• Supervises the TRIO Graduate Assistant in accommodations and tutoring.
• Maintains records and submits required reports.

Skills

Counseling

Academic advising

Career development

Training & workshops

Record-keeping

Education

Master’s degree in Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Starfish

Banner

AIM

Email

Job description

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college, where students build the confidence, skills, and perspective to thrive in a changing world. Located on a breathtaking 300-acre campus in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains and just a short trip from New York City, Ramapo blends the best of both worlds: natural beauty, state‑of‑the‑art facilities, and access to one of the world’s most dynamic job markets.

With approximately 6,000 students, Ramapo offers a personalized, student‑centered experience defined by a 16:1 student–faculty ratio, small classes, and faculty who mentor, challenge, and inspire. Students can explore over 40 undergraduate majors and a growing portfolio of graduate programs in fields such as Business Administration, Data Science, Nursing, Educational Leadership, Social Work, Special Education, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Across every discipline, Ramapo emphasizes hands‑on learning through internships, co‑ops, study abroad, faculty research, service projects, and real‑world experiences that prepare students for meaningful careers.

Our campus is home to cutting‑edge academic spaces, including the Anisfield School of Business, the Adler Center for Nursing Excellence, the Sharp Sustainability Education Center, the Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts, the Les Paul Music Studio, and the Peter P. Mercer Learning Commons. Ramapo’s award‑winning residence halls are consistently ranked among the best in New Jersey.

Nationally recognized for excellence and value, Ramapo is ranked #1 among New Jersey public colleges by College Choice, named a Best Regional University North by U.S. News & World Report, and celebrated by Kiplinger’s, Money Magazine, Colleges of Distinction, and Victory Media’s Military Friendly rankings.

At Ramapo, students don’t just earn degrees; they discover their strengths, explore new possibilities, and build the foundation for bold futures.

Working at Ramapo

Ramapo College of New Jersey has been recognized as a “Great College to Work For,” where our employees are at the heart of everything we do. We foster an equitable and fair workplace where ideas are welcomed, contributions are valued, and individuals are encouraged to grow both professionally and personally. Employees benefit from meaningful work, opportunities for development, and the chance to make a lasting impact on students’ lives every day.

At Ramapo College, we believe excellence is achieved through teamwork, respect, accountability, innovation, and a shared commitment to learning. Our all‑hands‑on deck culture requires leadership at all levels to ensure we achieve our mission, implement our goals, and invest in our future one student at a time. We are proud to offer a supportive environment that values well‑being and continuous improvement. We believe in being bold, being kind, and being good teammates, making Ramapo not just a place to work, but a great place to belong.

Ramapo College offers outstanding benefits through the New Jersey State Benefits system, generous PTO, professional development opportunities, wellness programs, tuition discounts for employees and their dependents, and much more.

Compensation:

• AFT - U24 - Steps 1-3
• $76,486 - $84,131
• Internal Applicant's salary will be determined based on union-negotiated calculations

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

This is a full‑time, AFT position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Note: This position is in the “NL” category of employment (non‑fixed work week) An AFT- NL professional staff member or librarian who is required to work beyond 35 hours shall be compensated through compensatory time off. Compensatory time shall be earned for hours worked beyond the normal work week, or on an employee’s regular day off, if requested and approved by their supervisor.

This position is fully or partially grant funded and is contingent upon the availability of grant funding.

JOB SUMMARY:

Within the Office of Specialized Services (OSS), this position evaluates, monitors, advises and counsels students according to both OSS and TRIO/SSS guidelines. Serve as liaison and consultant to faculty and staff regarding the academic abilities and progress of assigned students. Provide or coordinate career services for TRIO students. Designs and implements program activities as part of the ongoing services provided through the US Department of Education TRIO Student Support Services Program which include Oversees tutoring and peer coaching.

DUTIES:

• Provides specialized counseling and advisement to students regarding academic and academically related issues, specifically those related to disabilities. Develops and implements individualized learning strategies.
• Coordinates all academic services for assigned caseload, including alternate testing, utilization of reader, scribe and/or note‑taker services, and tutorial assistance.
• Participate in the determination of disability and accommodation eligibility
• Consults with faculty and staff regarding disability related issues. Advises faculty regarding appropriate classroom and testing accommodations.
• Assist TRIO student with the career development process through direct action, collaboration with other units, and or through referrals.
• Supervise the TRIO Graduate Assistant in the provision of accommodated testing, note‑taking services, and TRIO tutoring and coaching. Maintains records and submits required reports regarding tutoring and coaching activities.
• Attends and participates in meetings and College events related to assigned responsibilities.
• Develops and conducts training and workshops for students, faculty, staff, outside agencies, and programs as requested.
• Participates in and receives on‑going training and professional development through state and national organizations in the field of post‑secondary education for students with disabilities.
• Maintains student records and files.
• Assists in accommodated test administration for students with disabilities.
• Prepares and conducts assessment activities associated with the office.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Organizational Security Responsibilities:

This position requires adherence to the organization’s information security policies and procedures. All employees share responsibility for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the organization’s mission‑essential IT assets, regardless of role. Individuals in this role are expected to apply appropriate safeguards, participate in required security awareness training, and promptly report potential security incidents in accordance with institutional policies.

EDUCATION

Master’s Degree in Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology or related field required.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with adults or students with a variety of disabilities at the secondary or post‑secondary level in an advisory or counseling capacity.
• Knowledge of appropriate academic adjustments, including adaptive equipment necessary for adequate academic performance.
• Knowledge of appropriate academic accommodation in order to provide equal access to college programs.
• Experience providing career counseling services preferred.
• NJ LDT-C certification or out‑of‑state equivalent preferred.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Demonstrated skills in interpersonal relations, oral and written communication and organization. Ability to work in a college campus environment and with great attention to detail; the ability to maintain appropriate professional confidentiality.
• Use of office systems and software, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Starfish (Connect), Banner, AIM, e‑mail and voice mail.
• Able to work in collaborative manner in a team environment.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

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EEO Statement:

Ramapo College is an Affi… Ramapo has a long history of advocating, advising, and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. Examples can be found in its mission statement, strategic plans, degree and course offerings, community outreach programs, and other diversity programs. Ramapo’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is infused across all facets of the College; where the environment is welcoming, dedicated to social justice, respectful of freedom of expression, focused on educating and having an ongoing conversation regarding cultural competence and the benefits and importance of diversity.