Assistant Director III - FORWARD

Requisition: S

Title: Assistant Director III - FORWARD

FLSA status: Exempt

Hiring Salary: This position is a pay grade 10. Please see Pay Grade Table at:
https://pa-hrsuit

Occupational Category: Professional

Department: Student Success Initiatives

Division: Division of Academic Affairs

Open Date: 10/07/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Educational and Experience Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in related field. Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, education or similar degree preferred. Six years of experience in a related field. Two years of case management experience conducting intake assessments, service plans, and case management preferred. Additional education may be considered in lieu of experience.

Nature & Purpose of Position: Assists the director of Student Success Initiatives with various initiatives and objectives. Performs highly complex managerial work providing direction and guidance in operations and planning in the department of Student Success Initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities: Assists the director and other managerial staff by directing program activities of the FORWARD program. Provides case management and oversight for programming, referrals, and coaching of students in the FORWARD program for students with experiences in foster care including students at-risk of being unhoused. Develops relationships with external agencies to assist students with matters that could hinder their college success.

Provides consultation and guidance to participants; consults with faculty and staff regarding student needs, interventions and progress; arranges workshops, presentations, documents and monitors student progress, assists with providing training for near-peers and participants, as well as monitors the academic progress of participants. Oversees the FORWARD program to ensure students receive optimal support to positively affect academic and social aspects. Collects data, provides monitoring, and supports related to student success.

Provides follow-up and follow-through support services for these students. Provides reports on progress and assertively follow ups with students. Provides case management and direct service engagement related to housing, education, employment, mental health, and well-being for young adults with a history of foster care. Conducts intake and needs assessments from a trauma-informed perspective; refers participants to campus based and/or other community resources as appropriate.

Follows up and tracks utilization. Develops holistic academic success plans in collaboration with youth from a trauma-informed and strengths-based perspective that prioritizes urgent needs and confidentiality. Develops and administers programming for FORWARD students and develop and maintain curriculum for the Supervised Independent Living (SIL) program to assist with student accountability and success. Collaborates effectively with campus stakeholders to coordinate workshops, campus tours, outreach, and recruitment activities.

Keeps abreast of laws, regulations, and policies associated with foster, adopted, and homeless students. Collects and reports data on the FORWARD program. Serves as co-chair of the FORWARD committee and represents the program at various meetings and/or conferences. Provides task supervision of student workers and/or peer advocates. Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Specifications: Experience supporting high-need students with experiences in foster care and at-risk student populations. Knowledge of Federal and State Law and policies related to child welfare and education. Demonstrated independent decision-making and problem-solving ability. Effective interpersonal skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of…