Supportive Services Specialist

New Jersey Institute of Technology; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 57,000 - 81,000; Part time

Job summary

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is seeking a Supportive Services Specialist for an 18‑month, part‑time role (20 hours/week at $50/hour). The position focuses on evaluating candidate readiness, coordinating housing, childcare, transportation, and benefits-related supports, and guiding participants toward appropriate development opportunities.

The role emphasizes reducing administrative burden and improving program completion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Social Work, School Counseling, Human Services, Counseling Psychology, or related field.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in social work, school counseling, or related fields.
• Experience assessing candidate fit and providing developmental coaching; navigating community resources.
• Experience addressing barriers related to housing, child care, transportation, and public benefits.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and database/LMS applications.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate candidate appropriateness and develop growth strategies or direct to programs.
• Identify and mitigate barriers related to housing, childcare, transportation, and benefits.
• Assist participants in navigating WF NJ, county/state resources, and community services.
• Coordinate wraparound supportive services to reduce administrative burdens.
• Maintain participant communication and monitor progress toward outcomes.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Database/LMS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work / School Counseling / Human Services / Counseling Psychology (or related field)

MSW / MA / M.Ed. preferred

Job description

Title

Supportive Services Specialist

Reports To

Associate Provost, Continued Learning

Position Summary

The Learning and Development Initiative (LDI), the professional education and workforce development division of New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), seeks a dedicated, compassionate, and results-oriented professional for an 18‑month, part‑time (20 hours/week at $50/hour) Supportive Services Specialist role.

Drawing on a professional background in social work or school counseling, this role focuses specifically on evaluating candidate appropriateness and training opportunities, ensuring participants are placed on the right developmental track or coached toward alternative growth opportunities and programs. For enrolled participants, the Specialist identifies and addresses personal and systemic stability barriers-specifically related to housing, child care, transportation, public benefits, and related needs-and coordinates supportive services to reduce the administrative burden placed on each participant throughout their learning journey.

Essential Functions

• Candidate Assessment & Developmental Coaching: Evaluate candidate appropriateness and training readiness, co-creating individual growth strategies or guiding candidates toward alternative development programs and resources when appropriate.
• Barrier Identification & Mitigation: Work directly with enrolled participants to identify, assess, and eliminate barriers related to housing, child care, transportation, public benefits, and overall life stability needs.
• System Navigation & Resource Connection: Assist participants in navigating complex public systems, directly connecting them to available Work First New Jersey (WFNJ), county, state, and community-based resources.
• Supportive Services Coordination: Coordinate and streamline wraparound supportive service delivery to minimize administrative burdens on participants and enhance program completion rates.
• Participant Retention & Progress Monitoring: Maintain proactive communication and regular touchpoints with participants to ensure ongoing stability, address emerging obstacles, and foster successful long-term outcomes.

Additional Functions

• Maintain comprehensive, accurate, and confidential participant case files and documentation for program compliance, reporting, and evaluation purposes.
• Administer participant supportive service records through university databases, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and designated case management tracking tools.
• Coordinate regularly with LDI leadership, career counselors, instructors, and external agency partners to align supportive services with participant milestones.

Pre-requisite Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW), School Counseling, Human Services, Counseling Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of professional experience in social work, school counseling, supportive case management, or human service delivery.
• Demonstrated experience assessing candidate fit/readiness, providing compassionate developmental coaching, and navigating complex community resource networks.
• Proven experience assisting individuals in overcoming barriers related to housing, child care, transportation, and public benefit systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and database/LMS applications.

Department

Office of Continuing Education/Learning and Development Initiative (LDI)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), School Counseling (MA/M.Ed.), or Counseling.
• Familiarity with Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) programs (TANF, GA, SNAP), county welfare agencies, or local One-Stop Career Centers.
• Experience working within grant-funded higher education or workforce development initiatives.

Compensation

• $50.00 per hour (20 hours/Week)

At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Range

Hourly Employees

NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, or other items.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Time Type: Part time

Pay Rate: Hourly

Additional Information:

As an EEO employer NJIT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching, research, and working environment and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women.

Employment at NJIT is subject to the provisions of New Jersey First Act which mandates new employees, who are not NJ residents, to establish primary residence in New Jersey within one year of their appointment to certain positions. The law does not apply to any individual employed at NJIT on a temporary or per semester basis as a visiting or adjunct professor, teacher, lecturer, researcher or administrator. For more information on the act please click here.

Information regarding NJIT campus security, personal safety, and fire safety including topics such as, disciplinary procedures, crime prevention, NJIT Police law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, and crime statistics for the most recent three year period is available on the NJIT Department of Public Safety here.

NJIT is an E-Verify employer and uses E-Verify to confirm work authorization of each new hire.