Graduate Student Associate for Peer Support

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, UT

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Longhorn Wellness Center (LWC) promotes student well-being and creates a healthier campus community through programs, education and environmental approaches. The LWC is seeking a non-academic Graduate Student Associate to support: 1) the LWC’s mental health and social connection-focused peer support program, the Longhorn SHARE Project, 2) the development of peer support as a strategy area for student well-being, and 3) other Longhorn Wellness Center initiatives enhancing connection, support, and well-being for UT Austin students. This role is primarily supervised by the Peer Support Strategy Coordinator, but with frequent opportunities to collaborate with and learn from other LWC and Healthyhorns staff and fellow student employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited institution
Enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program at UT Austin
Strong written, verbal, and oral communication skills
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage a variety of tasks, and take initiative

Nice To Haves

Current or prior education in an academic discipline relevant to the position
Prior experience or training in peer support, mentorship, coaching, teaching, workshop facilitation, conflict resolution, restorative justice circles, crisis call centers, or similar.
Skilled in public speaking, group facilitation, and/or community building
Experience with program or event planning, promotion, and/or evaluation
Familiar with common challenges and mental health-related concerns of college students
Working familiarity with UT campus and student support resources

Responsibilities

Provide administrative support, mentorship, and guidance for active peer support specialists in a mental health and wellness-focused environment.
Lead meetings and provide support for SHARE Student Advisory Group.
Assist with peer support specialist recruitment and selection process.
Support the development of peer support as a health-promoting strategy by gathering existing research and student input, connecting with campus partners, and assisting with early planning.
As appropriate, based on LWC strategic priorities, plan and implement an initiative related to peer support, social connection, and/or any other LWC well-being focus area.
Manage SHARE Circle requests, confirm details with requestors and coordinate peer facilitator sign-up process.
Train and facilitate existing Longhorn Wellness Center workshops, as needed.
Respond to general inquiries sent to the Longhorn SHARE Project email inbox.
Assist peer support undergraduate student assistants and interns with research projects, class activity preparation, and/or assessment activities.
Collaborate with other Longhorn Wellness Center student staff and full-time staff on well-being initiatives, programs, or outreach activities as opportunities arise.