What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Life Program Specialist position at The University of Iowa?
The person in this Student Life Program Specialist position will be part of the Student Life team for students participating in the UI REACH (Realizing Educational and Career Hopes) Program with primary responsibilities in 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 (www.education.uiowa.edu/reach).
This is a specified term, 10-month school year appointment at 100% effort during the months worked. Position will be placed on an unpaid leave of absence for the months of June and July. Health and Dental benefits are available during the leave periods. The specified term may be eligible for renewal.
Evening and weekend work will be required. Participate in an on-call duty rotation.
Specific Job Duties and Tasks:
- 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.
- Collaborate with UI REACH colleagues and internal or external partners to coordinate effective student support.
- 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.
To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu
About University UI Reach:
UI REACH (Realizing Educational and Career Hopes) is nested in the UI College of Education and is a comprehensive transition program for college-age students with intellectual, cognitive, and learning disabilities. UI REACH offers an integrated college experience in a caring and structured environment.
Academics, career and transition, social growth, and campus life are areas of focus. UI REACH is a four-year program with early graduation options.
Education Required:
- A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Qualifications:
- 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.
Desired Qualifications:
- 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.
Application Details
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload:
- Resume
Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For questions, contact Alex Schutman at Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu
Benefits Highlights
- Regular salaried position. Pay level 3A. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
- Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
- For more information about Why Iowa? Click here.
About Iowa
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
- Classification Title: Educ Supp Svcs Associate
- Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
- Pay Level: 3A
- Organization: College of Education
- Contact Name: Alex Schutman
- Contact Email: alex-schutman@uiowa.edu