Working Title: Case Manager - Dean of Students

State Role Title: Education Support Specialist III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Student Life and Involvement

Department: 300116 - Dean of Students

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $45,000 - $50,000

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 12/12/2025

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

The Dean of Students Case Manager is primarily responsible to support the students who are referred to Madison Cares and are at a low level of concern (students do not appear to pose threat of harm to self/others, nor significant disruption, but may need resources). The Case Manager will also provide significant support to students who have withdrawn from JMU by partnering with the Office of the Registrar to send emails and call students who have questions regarding the withdrawal process and may need support regarding re-entry.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Madison Cares Support:

• Responsible for helping with case management for the university’s care referral program, Madison Cares.
• Supports the review of care referrals submitted to Madison Cares, assesses the level of risk, and determines/assigns the appropriate intervention.
• Provides direct support to students at low risk level through initial contact, one-on-one meetings, on-going outreach, resource referral, and advocacy.
• Remain up to date on campus and community resources as it relates to student success.

Dean of Students Functions:

• Serves as a key staff member to address general concerns, directs individuals to the appropriate resources, promotes student advocacy, and provides guidance to students, families, faculty, and staff.
• Serves as a representative on various divisional, departmental, or university-wide committees and staff training opportunities as applicable to the position.
• Stays abreast with the knowledge of university departments, campus resources, and community resources.
• Provides general administrative support and assists the office’s administrative assistant with Student Absence Communications and general questions as needed. 
• Counsel’s students and families through the university withdrawal process.
• Provides educational initiatives and consultation to colleagues in both academic affairs and student affairs regarding Dean of Students’ functions including managing student concerns, ensuring early intervention, and identifying indicators and factors of risk.  

Withdrawal Counsel and Support:

• Provides support and communication to students and families who are wanting to withdraw and/or re-enter to the university.
• Partners closely with the Office of the Registrar and send email and call students who indicate on their Leave of Absence forms that they want contact from the Dean of Students Office.

Supervising Graduate Assistants:

• Train, evaluate and supervise graduate assistants (2) that are hired to support Madison Cares.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Knowledge of psychology and/or social work theories with the ability to put them into practice on a daily basis
• Knowledge of student development and counseling theories with the ability to put them into practice
• Experience working in higher education support services and/or case management
• Exceptional communication skills both written and verbally
• Experience supervising students
• Experience networking, collaborating and building relationships

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.