Graduate Assistant, Student Support and Outreach

Lenoir-Rhyne University; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking a Graduate Assistant to support students facing various challenges that may impact their academic success. This role involves managing a caseload of students, collaborating with campus resources, and enhancing outreach efforts through creative communication strategies. The ideal candidate will possess strong empathetic skills and a commitment to confidentiality while fostering a supportive environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the student community by providing essential resources and guidance. If you're passionate about student welfare and engagement, this role could be an excellent fit for you.

Qualifications

• Ability to build rapport quickly with students using empathetic support methods.
• Strong commitment to maintaining student confidentiality and compliance with privacy laws.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of students and develop individualized action plans.
• Assist in developing Student Support & Outreach publications and materials.
• Design and update surveys to collect data for program assessment.

Skills

Empathy

Communication Skills

Data Collection

Social Media Proficiency

Education

Graduate Student in Counseling

Graduate Student in Human Services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Graduate Assistant, Student Support and Outreach

Location: Hickory, North Carolina

Position Summary

Under supervision, the graduate assistant (GA) for Student Support & Outreach helps support students experiencing challenges that may impact their success at Lenoir-Rhyne University. These challenges may include medical, mental health, behavioral, or academic concerns. Working closely with office staff, the GA is responsible for identifying students of concern, meeting with them, and assessing their needs to determine appropriate interventions, resources, and support.

In addition to providing direct support to students, the GA assists in advocating for and coordinating services by fostering a collaborative support network. This includes education and outreach to the campus community through presentations, events, and other communication efforts aimed at faculty, staff, and student groups.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support

• Manage a caseload of students, under the guidance of the director of Student Support & Outreach, and develop individualized action plans to address concerns such as mental health, financial distress, food insecurity, academic issues, and illness.
• Collaborate with campus offices and community resources to meet student needs.
• Serve as a resource to students, faculty, staff, and others seeking assistance with a wide range of concerns.
• Maintain accurate, secure, and confidential case management records and notes.
• Respond appropriately to confidential matters and refer students to additional support resources when necessary.
• Coach students on effective communication with faculty, staff, and peers.
• Respond to questions from faculty, staff, families, students, and community members.

Marketing and Communication

• Assist in developing and updating Student Support & Outreach publications, procedure manuals, and other creative materials.
• Evaluate and enhance the office’s social media presence
• Create and maintain web content for the department.

Outreach and Community Engagement

• Help coordinate outreach initiatives for faculty, staff, and students.
• Represent Student Support & Outreach at campus events such as Welcome Weekend, Homecoming, Family Weekend, and other university programs.
• Deliver presentations on topics including student support, TimelyCare, wellness, and available services to classes, campus offices, and student groups upon request.

Assessment

• Design and update surveys using Microsoft and other tools to collect data.
• Assist the director with gathering and interpreting data, reporting findings, and developing action plans to assess and improve the effectiveness of Student Support & Outreach programs.

General Administrative Responsibilities

• Respond to inquiries about the department and its services in person, by phone, or via email.
• Attend regular staff meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Availability to work approximately 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters, with some additional hours during peak times.
• Ability to build rapport quickly with students using empathetic, nonclinical support methods.
• Strong commitment to maintaining student confidentiality and compliance with privacy laws.
• Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive professional relationships within the campus community.
• Proficiency with social media and creative platforms to deliver student support content.
• Strong preference for graduate students in Counseling and Human Services programs.

Contact Information

First Name

Last Name

Email

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