What are the responsibilities and job description for the Writing Center Consultant-Work Study position at OLIVET COLLEGE?
Work Study Job Description
Job Title: Writing Consultant
Date: 7/30/25
Department: Writing Program
Supervisor/Manager: Dr. Elizabeth Trueblood, Director of the Writing Program & Writing Center, Assistant Professor
Purpose or role of the position: The Writing Center employs student Writing Consultants to provide peer-to-peer, one-on-one support services to patrons of the Writing Center, including University of Olivet students and Olivet community members. Consultants will hold drop-in office hours in the Writing Center, now housed in Mott 208, 1:1 appointments consistently week to week, and participate in in-class consulting services in the Writing Program. A Consultant’s job is not to “fix” papers brought in by clients; rather, it’s to help the writer understand how to improve their written communication, and provide clients with “take home” skills to improve said written communication. Consultants from different majors/areas of study (not only English and Writing) are encouraged to apply.
Please note that as a representative of UO’s Writing Center, Writing Consultants are expected to display professional conduct and respect for others at all times when on the job.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support Writing Center services and programs
- Uphold Writing Center best practices in in-center consulting, 1:1 appointments, and classroom consulting sessions
- Share principles of good writing with students and provide them the knowledge and resources to carry out those principles in their own work
- Engage in appropriate consulting practices, according to the training program implemented in the Writing Center
- Participate in a training program at the beginning of each semester (details of the training will be communicated to those who are hired)
- Attend monthly staff meetings and as-needed 1:1 meetings with the Writing Center Director
Additional Duties:
- Maintain accurate timesheets for each pay period by clocking in/out as scheduled during each shift
- Complete all assigned tasks, projects, initiatives, etc., as directed in a timely manner
- Contribute to a strong Writing Center staff team
- Perform all other duties as assigned
Required Credentials:
Those wishing to apply as Writing Consultants must:
- Show engagement and interest in writing
- Satisfactorily complete the composition sequence (WRT111 and WRT112) or an equivalent agreed upon by UO’s Writing Program Director
- Work independently with minimal supervision
- Follow instructions and practice effective time-management
- Communicate effectively and appropriately and exhibit effective listening skills
- Provide notification of scheduling issues as far in advance as possible
- Possess basic computer usage and software skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office programs
- Abide by the guidelines and policies in the 2025-2026 UO Student Handbook
- Maintain current and active enrollment during the term of employment
Desired Qualifications
Additionally, candidates will benefit from:
- Having discipline-specific academic writing experience (not only in English and Writing classes)
- Having familiarity with common academic paper formats
- Displaying reliability, dependability, punctuality, and professionalism
- Exemplifying The University of Olivet Compact-guided behavior to serve the campus community
- Enjoying working with and supporting diverse populations
- Exhibiting maturity, self-motivation, and initiative
Application Requirements
When submitting your application, please include the following:
- Cover Letter, 1 page maximum, including:
- Your name, phone number, and UO email
- Your academic and professional background, especially any experience in writing centers or other instructional positions
- Your interest in writing
- Your perceived strengths and weaknesses in writing
- Your definition of professionalism in a university environment
- How you might contribute to the work we do
- Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least two instructors willing to serve as references. (You should let these instructors know you’re listing them as your references—they do not need to be University of Olivet instructors)
- Writing Sample, 2 pages minimum. The writing sample may be any type of academic paper (such as a literature analysis, research paper, persuasive essay, etc.) or creative work (short story, poetry collection, etc.)
Salary : $14