Jobs › Northeastern Illinois University

Assistant Dean for Undocumented Resources and Student Care

Northeastern Illinois University · Chicago, IL · $60,000–$65,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about your experience supporting undocumented students and students from mixed-status families.

What they are checking: Whether they have real experience with this population's needs, fears and the resources available to them.

Tell me about a time you advocated for a policy change that helped students.

What they are checking: Whether they can push for change inside an institution while staying within their role.

How do you take care of yourself in a role with this much crisis work?

What they are checking: Whether they have healthy habits that let them sustain intense student care work over time.

What would you do

A student comes to you in crisis after a family member was detained. What do you do in the first hour?

What they are checking: Whether they can respond calmly, connect the student to legal and emotional support, and protect their privacy.

A faculty member reports a student who seems withdrawn and has stopped coming to class. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they act on early warning signs with outreach that feels supportive rather than punitive.

When should a family be involved in a student's care, and when should they not?

What they are checking: Whether they balance student autonomy, safety and privacy law when deciding to contact families.

About the work

What state and institutional policies affect undocumented students' access to aid and tuition in Illinois?

What they are checking: Whether they know rules like the Illinois Dream Act and in-state tuition eligibility well enough to guide students correctly.

How do you protect undocumented students' privacy when coordinating support across campus offices?

What they are checking: Whether they understand FERPA and handle sensitive status information with great care.

Walk me through how you manage a student care case from first report to closing it.

What they are checking: Whether they run case management with clear assessment, coordinated interventions, documentation and follow-up.

How would you train faculty and staff to support undocumented students well?

What they are checking: Whether they can build campus-wide awareness that improves how students are treated in every office.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Northeastern Illinois University.

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students. Job Summary: The Assistant Dean of Students for Undocumented Student Resources and Student Care provides comprehensive student support and program leadership through a coordinated, holistic, and advocacy-centered approach. This position has two primary areas of responsibility: Student Care and Case Management: Serve as a case manager coordinating a model of care for students experiencing complex personal, academic, social, residential, or financial challenges that may disrupt their college experience. The role involves crisis response, coordinated interventions, and collaboration with faculty, staff, families (as appropriate), and community partners. Undocumented Student Resources: Serve as the University’s subject-matter expert and lead administrator supporting undocumented students and students from mixed-status families, ensuring equitable access to resources, compliance with applicable policies, and the promotion of inclusive practices. Examples of student care and concerns include but are not limited to transition, physical and mental health, student safety, financial hardship, personal crisis, integration into campus life, advocacy, grievance process, and support. The Assistant Dean acts as an advocate and liaison for students, faculty, staff, families, and community partners, contributing to student resilience, retention, and success at NEIU. The position is highly collaborative and actively engaged in developing and implementing short- and long-term care plans, advancing best practices informed by national and regional professional organizations, and supporting division-wide communications related to student care and undocumented student services. This position reports to the Associate Dean of Students, who reports to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. Job Description: Direct Student Support U ndocumented Student Resources: • Assess and identify institutional needs related to undocumented student support and recommend strategies for improvement. • Develop, coordinate, and deliver training for faculty and staff on best practices for supporting undocumented students. • Design, implement, and assess programs and services that enhance access, retention, and success for undocumented students. • Conduct ongoing assessment and quality assurance of undocumented student resource services. • Coordinate and support services for Dream.US scholars. • Engage in fundraising and scholarship support efforts for undocumented students. • Facilitate access to financial aid, academic support, and basic needs resources in compliance with state and federal regulations. • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus partners (e.g., Admissions, Financial Aid, Residential Life) and external community organizations. Case Management, Education, and Outreach: • Serve as a core member of the Student Behavioral Concerns Team (BCT) that leads and participates in communications, case management, and support coordination across the University Coordinate appropriate, comprehensive, and effective intervention and communication between multiple university offices, academic units, health care providers, and community resources to meet student health, educational, financial, housing, social, and other needs. • Plan, lead, and facilitate training for faculty and staff related to student support, crisis response, and behavioral concerns. • Oversee the Advocacy Resources Center (ARC), providing leadership for initiatives that promote coaching, mentorship, and student success. • Advance efforts that foster inclusion, belonging, and student well-being. Student Care and Advising: • Provide non-clinical case management, consultation, and resource navigation for students experiencing academic, psychological, physical, social, financial, housing, or personal challenges. • Consult with and provide guidance to faculty, staff, families, and others regarding student concerns, absences, and non-academic issues. • Advise students on university policies, procedures, and options relevant to their individual circumstances. • Assist students in identifying, accessing, and utilizing appropriate campus and community resources. • Oversee operations of the Student Emergency Fund Committee. Other: • Contribute to internal division publications, including annual reports, newsletters, programs, and resource guides. • Support internal and external communications, including division-related social media content. • Oversee and support the search, application, and administration of Basic Needs grants, as applicable. • Participate in the after-hours Dean-on-Call rotation (evenings/weekends/holidays) to respond to student emergencies, coordinate responses with University Police and campus partners, and document critical incidents in accordance with divisional expectations. • Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students and Associate Dean of Students. Minimal Qualifications: Master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration, Higher Education Administration, Social Work, or a related field (Required). Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience working directly with college students in a diverse higher education setting. Demonstrated understanding of the needs and challenges of diverse student populations, including historically underrepresented students, first-generation college students, undocumented students, and students from mixed-status families. Knowledge of immigration-related issues and policies affecting higher education. Working knowledge of FERPA, Title IX (as related to sexual misconduct), VAWA, Clery Act requirements, and due process procedures within higher education. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment. Experience in educational program development, planning, implementation, and assessment. Strong interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Knowledge of student development theory. • Experience working in an urban college or university setting. • Prior experience in student affairs or a higher education administrative role. • Knowledge of multicultural counseling and identity development theories. • Experience with navigation with programs and benefits for basic needs. This position requires a background check. Salary Range $60,000 - $65,000 ‎ Benefits University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System. Transcripts Copies of unofficial transcripts are accepted; however, official transcripts for all earned degrees will be required of candidates selected for final interviews. Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.

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