Student Life Program Specialist

UIOWA • Iowa City, IA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Student Life Program Specialist will be part of the Student Life team for students participating in the UI REACH (Realizing Educational and Career Hopes) Program. Primary responsibilities include RA supervision and student support in campus engagement, advising, independent living, and classroom instruction. UI REACH staff collaborate to assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Academic Life, Career Development, Transition, and/or Student Life experience for UI REACH students. UI REACH is a comprehensive transition program for 18-25-year-old students with intellectual, cognitive, and learning disabilities. Students live in the residence hall, engage in campus opportunities, enroll in courses on campus, and gain employment skills in community internships. This is a specified term, 10-month school year appointment at 100% effort during the months worked, with an unpaid leave of absence for June and July. Health and Dental benefits are available during leave periods. The specified term may be eligible for renewal. Evening and weekend work will be required, and participation in an on-call duty rotation is expected.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supporting persons with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and/or learning disabilities in a secondary education setting, on a college campus, in the workplace, and/or in the community.
• Typical experience 6 months – 1 year.
• Demonstrated successful experience working in a team environment by exhibiting effective teamwork and contributing to an overall positive and productive work/team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with a varied population.
• Ability to effectively communicate (written and verbally); able to communicate effectively with internal and external constituents.
• Must be proficient in computer software applications.
• Demonstrated experience in a program requiring flexibility in managing multiple responsibilities.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet the UI Risk Management driving requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with supporting independent living and social engagement development.
• Experience in higher education areas of Student Life, Student Support or University Housing.
• Teaching or informal instructional experience with students with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and/or learning disabilities.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and/or Direct Support Professionals (DSP) certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized, student-centered support to UI REACH students.
• Mentor, coach, or instruct students in one-to-one, small-group, classroom, workplace, campus, or community settings in personal, social, independent living, campus involvement, and academic areas.
• Help students develop skills that promote independence, personal growth, academic success, workplace readiness, and community engagement.
• Serve in the on-call schedule on assigned evenings and weekends.
• Complete and maintain case notes, evaluations, progress records, assessments, and other required documentation in designated platform.
• Collaborate with UI REACH colleagues and internal or external partners to coordinate effective student support.
• Manage the UI REACH Resident Assistant team including hiring, onboarding, supervising, ongoing training, and collaborating with Division of Student Life Hall Coordinators.
• Maintain accurate student records, case notes, room assignments, incident-response materials, on-call updates, and Student Life data systems.
• Plan and deliver Student Life courses, activities, and educational programming that promote campus integration and independent living.
• Develop and maintain positive professional relationships with students, families, staff, instructors, supervisors, employers, and community partners.
• Participate in staff meetings, required training, professional development, workgroups, or program-related activities.

Benefits

• Health and Dental benefits are available during the leave periods.
• Regular salaried position.
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level