Student Assistant

University of South Florida; Saint Petersburg (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

University of South Florida is seeking Life Skills Peer Mentors and Academic Mentors to support UMatter students with academic tutoring, modified coursework, and independent living skills. Mentors help students break down assignments, prepare for quizzes, and model effective study strategies while reinforcing executive functioning and self‑advocacy in a college setting.

Active USF enrollment is required. The role emphasizes confidentiality, positive role modeling, and collaboration with UMatter

Qualifications

• Must be an actively enrolled USF student.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Patience, empathy, reliability, and a strengths‑based mindset.
• Ability to provide structured support while encouraging independence.
• Comfort providing direct, concrete instruction and feedback.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized academic support and tutoring for USF courses.
• Assist students with completing modified coursework.
• Help students break down assignments, prepare for quizzes and exams, and meet deadlines.
• Teach and model effective study strategies including task analysis, note‑taking, time management, and use of planners.
• Reinforce executive functioning skills such as organization, attention, and follow‑through.
• Teach and model daily living skills (laundry, housekeeping, nutrition, personal hygiene, shopping).
• Support students in following daily schedules and routines; foster social skills and community engagement.
• Provide independent living support within residential halls and USFSP facilities.
• Build respectful relationships with students and serve as a positive role model.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to program policies and ethical standards.
• Encourage self‑advocacy and communicate progress with UMatter staff.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Problem‑solving

Patience

Empathy

Reliability

Structured support

Direct instruction

Job description

Job Description

Mentors serve as coaches, role models, and supportive guides, helping students navigate both the academic expectations of college and the everyday responsibilities of independent living. This position is ideal for individuals interested in leadership, education, psychology, social work, special education, rehabilitation, or related helping professions. Peer mentors support UMatter students in building academic, social, and independent living skills while promoting confidence and self-advocacy in a college environment.

Responsibilities

Academic Mentors

• Provide individualized academic support and tutoring for USF courses
• Assist students with completing modified coursework
• Help students break down assignments, prepare for quizzes and exams, and meet deadlines
• Teach and model effective study strategies including
• Task analysis
• Note‑taking and annotation
• Time management and use of planners/schedules
• Checking and responding to university email
• Reinforce executive functioning skills such as organization, attention, and follow‑through

Life Skills Peer Mentors

• Teach and model daily living skills, including but not limited to
• Laundry and basic housekeeping
• Dishwashing and kitchen clean‑up
• Healthy eating and basic nutrition choices
• Personal hygiene and grooming
• Shopping and money management
• Navigating campus and local public transportation
• Support students in following daily schedules and routines
• Foster social skills, community engagement, and appropriate peer interactions
• Provide independent living support within residential halls and USFSP facilities

Shared Responsibilities

• Build respectful and supportive relationships with students
• Serve as a positive role model for college behaviors and adult life skills
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to program policies and ethical standards
• Encourage self‑advocacy by helping students identify when and how to ask for assistance
• Communicate regularly with UMatter staff to share progress, concerns, and successes
• Complete timely digital session notes to record mentoring activities, student progress, and data

Qualifications

• Must be an actively enrolled USF student
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem‑solving skills
• Patience, empathy, reliability, and a strengths‑based mindset
• Ability to provide structured support while encouraging independence
• Comfort providing direct, concrete instruction and feedback

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest or coursework in inclusive education, disability services, psychology, social work, rehabilitation, or related fields
• Experience (formal or informal) supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.