What are the responsibilities and job description for the PSU CARES Advocate position at Portland State University?
Position Details
Proposed Start Date
01/05/2026
Classification Title
Advising and Student Services
Rank
N - No Rank
Working Title
PSU CARES Advocate
Department
330011 - OSA Dean of Students Office
Position Number
D90810
Representation
AU - AAUP
Renewable
Renewable
End date, if applicable
Position FTE
1
Tenure Status
N - not applicable
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action.
More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.
More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.
Position Summary
PSU is hiring to fill two PSU CARES Advocate positions. The PSU CARES Advocate works with complex student situations that have impacted a student’s ability to function successfully in the University community. The PSU CARES Advocate helps facilitate a student’s access to and appropriate use of University and/or community services. While strong, supportive relationships may develop with students, the PSU CARES Advocate does not engage in individual therapeutic relationships.
The PSU CARES Advocate is responsible for establishing and maintaining collaborative and consultative working relationships within the University, particularly, but not limited to: Housing and Residence Life, Student Health and Counseling Services, Campus Public Safety, Disability Resource Center, Academic and Career Services, Financial Aid, and Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. In addition, the PSU CARES Advocate is knowledgeable about resources in the greater Portland area.
The PSU CARES Advocate is responsible for establishing and maintaining collaborative and consultative working relationships within the University, particularly, but not limited to: Housing and Residence Life, Student Health and Counseling Services, Campus Public Safety, Disability Resource Center, Academic and Career Services, Financial Aid, and Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. In addition, the PSU CARES Advocate is knowledgeable about resources in the greater Portland area.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience supporting people in distress or Masters with 1 years of experience supporting people in distress;
- Experience managing crisis situations;
- Experience in case management and working as part of an interdisciplinary team;
- Successful completion of a background check
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters degree in social work, preferred
- Experience supporting students on a college campus
Key Cultural Competencies
- Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
- Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
- Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
- Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.
The starting annual salary for this position will be $56,880 but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR. An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools. Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package.
Application Instructions
Additional Information
#internal
In accordance with the AAUP collective bargaining agreement this position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Article 17 Section 11 refers: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19oNDP2hCMsKTq20713GYnnxxiv_vExXu/view
In accordance with the AAUP collective bargaining agreement this position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Article 17 Section 11 refers: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19oNDP2hCMsKTq20713GYnnxxiv_vExXu/view
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
PSU is hiring two PSU CARES Advocates. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until finalists are identified. Please include the name, phone number and email of three professional references. References will only be contacted if you are a finalist for one of the two positions.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle?
No
Background Check Required
Yes
Position End Date (if applicable)
If you have questions
If you have questions about this position, contact Jordan Banks at jbanks@pdx.edu.
Salary : $56,880