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LWC-Peer Support Project Graduate Assistant

Peer Support Project Graduate Assistant
Longhorn Wellness Center | Fall 2022 - Spring 2023
 
The Longhorn Wellness Center (LWC) is the prevention and health promotion arm of University Health Services (UHS) and the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) at UT Austin. The LWC addresses priority health issues on campus using evidence-based approaches and multi-level prevention strategies including peer education, health education, social marketing, social norms initiatives, environmental change strategies, and strategic campus partnerships.
 
The LWC is seeking a Graduate Assistant to support the launch of the newly created Longhorn SHARE Project; a mental health and social connection-focused peer support program. Specifically, the GA would co-facilitate a weekly peer support group for UT Austin graduate students (additional training provided as needed); assist with outreach, recruitment, and logistical planning; develop peer support training materials and educational social media campaigns; and lead a large-scale project of their own (TBD depending on experience, interests, and/or career goals).
 
With supervision from the Peer Support Project Coordinator, the Graduate Assistant will work collaboratively with the office and campus partners to complete the following responsibilities:
 
 
Responsibilities
 
PEER SUPPORT SERVICES & TRAINING/CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
  • Co-facilitate the Graduate Student SHARE Community, a weekly discussion-based peer support group, with another LWC Intern or Graduate Assistant (TBD). Support and supplemental training provided by LWC/CMHC staff as needed.
  • Actively share ideas and feedback with the Project Coordinator on the Longhorn SHARE Project’s overall structure, training curriculum, and communication & outreach strategy.
  • Help organize course materials and provide support for peer training and community-building activities for SHARE Support Specialists.
  • Design and lead a large-scale event, project, or campaign that addresses mental health stigma, help-seeking behaviors, social support, and well-being, or related among students at UT Austin (to be discussed with the Coordinator).
  • (Optional) May lead / co-lead interactive workshops for students on topics related to supportive communication, active listening, and community-building.
 
PROGRAM OUTREACH & COMMUNICATION
  • Engage in e-mail and occasional in-person outreach to build cross-campus connections and promote Longhorn SHARE Project activities to UT Austin students.
  • Assist in the creation of marketing materials including promotional and educational social media campaigns/posts, web content, and print materials for events and services.
  • Participate in recruitment and group interview process to help select students for the incoming cohort of SHARE Support Specialists.
 
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES & PROGRAM ASSESSMENT
  • Engage in targeted email outreach to staff, faculty, departments, and student organizations.
  • Assist with program evaluation & assessment by gathering student feedback and/or leading focus groups; discuss findings with Project Coordinator to identify areas for improvement.
  • Help maintain SHARE activities calendar and assist with room scheduling and logistics for Spring 2023 services.
  • Administrative or event support for other LWC programs as needed.
 
 
Job Details
  • 16 hours/week, paid hourly at $14.43/hour
  • Flexible hours and in-person/remote arrangements are negotiable, though some student-facing activities will require in-person participation (to be discussed with supervisor)
  • Not eligible for benefits

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor of Arts or Sciences degree from a nationally accredited institution. Graduate degree in progress (Social Work, Communication, Public Health, Psychology, Sociology, Counselor Education, Higher Education, or related field preferred)
  • Strong written, verbal, and oral communication skills
  • Ability to work independently, manage a variety of tasks, and take initiative on projects
 
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
  •  Experience (through coursework, past/current employment, or other avenues of learning) related to peer support, mentorship, education, counseling & mental health, social work, community organizing, health communication, or related fields
  • Skilled in public speaking, group facilitation, and/or community building, particularly in youth or young adult settings
  • Comfortable with social media platforms and able to adapt to trends, ideally with some experience creating content for organizations or businesses (familiarity with Canva a plus)
  • Experience with program or event planning, promotion, and/or evaluation
  • Familiar with common challenges and mental health-related concerns of college students
  • Knowledge of UT campus and student support resources
 
Career Competencies / Learning Outcomes
The Graduate Assistant in this role will have the opportunity to:
  • Expand their oral, written, and visual communication skills through outreach, workshops, social media engagement, and peer training activities.
  • Work with diverse teams of staff and students to develop and promote initiatives that are inclusive, culturally competent, empowering, and sustainable.
  • Build leadership and critical thinking skills through working with student leaders and actively contributing to the development and promotion of a new program.
  • Demonstrate professionalism and creativity through the independent development, promotion, and evaluation of an event that supports the peer support program’s mission.
  • Develop technical and administrative competencies in scheduling and calendar maintenance, social media and graphic design, program evaluation and assessment, web content development, etc.
 

Applicants with historically excluded or underrepresented identities and/or experiences related to ethnicity, race, size, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, affectional orientation, age, physical ability, mental ability or neurodivergence, religious beliefs, spiritual identities, and/or socioeconomic status are encouraged to apply.