Peer Mentor - PUNETE

SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Director of MESA, the peer mentor provides guidance, support, and role modeling to students/participants in a structured setting. Following a set of mandatory training sessions, peer mentors work with students within the program through the duration of the semester/program, and as needed, providing peer guidance and referral to appropriate campus resources. In addition, peer mentors support student engagement in leadership activities under the guidance of the program facilitators. The mission of this position is to provide quality peer support services in a personal and caring manner to promote the retention and academic success of students/participants. Peer mentors will ensure that all students/participants start strong, stay strong, and finish strong.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the Associate Dean of Educational Services, this position will be responsible for:

• Arriving consistently, punctually, and prepared to work.
• Assisting students/participants in creating a positive relationship within the campus/program, including all peer mentors and the program facilitator(s).
• Encourages and facilitates student/participant engagement in program activities, including small-group discussions, group projects, learning games, service engagement and activities, and other tasks.
• Connects with each student in the program to explore his or her learning style, interests/personality, goals, study habits, and college-adjustment needs through building rapport and maintaining a peer mentor relationship with assigned students/participants.
• Provides appropriate referral to campus resources, activities, student organizations, and programs.
• Provides suitable academic support individually, in small groups, and/or in-class support.
• Maintains an orderly workspace/area when assigned.
• Contributes actively to program learning by sharing appropriate personal experiences and discoveries about how to be successful in college, including demonstration of the use of self-management tools, learning strategies, and approaches.
• Facilitates students' understanding of workshop concepts/trainings and support through completion of program activities and assignments, as appropriate.
• Communicates every week with program facilitators, supervisors, and mentors to discuss plans, upcoming activities, and any program participant issues/concerns that may need attention.
• Consults confidentially with program facilitators, supervisors, or program leader(s) to discuss any concerns or if a participant's situation arises, that is outside of the structured activities.
• Assists with data collection, file maintenance, and documents mentor-mentee interactions.
• Leads an assigned project for the program if/when required.
• Participates in scheduled program events, meetings, and campus events when instructed.
• Maintains confidentiality and adheres to FERPA policy.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned, including but not limited to online learning.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Operations, procedures, and rules of an office environment.
• Record-keeping techniques.
• Computer, software, and social media applications.
• Effective interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of subject matter competency as assigned in specific areas.
• Strong initiative and follow-through, capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent writing and editing skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to team environment.
• Ability to work with a diverse community college student population.
• Knowledge of learning styles and interpersonal skills.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Learn to interpret specific rules and policies and apply them in a variety of office/campus situations.
• Sit or stand for extended periods.
• Work with confidential information.
• Speak in public, making presentations to various sizes and levels of abilities.
• Organizational and follow-up skills.
• Learn and apply knowledge of schedules, procedures, and the use of equipment and supplies used in an office work environment.
• Perform duties within an office environment with constant interruptions.

Mandatory Time Commitments

• Participation in a weeklong training.
• Participates and completes the program.
• Assists in program events, meetings, campus events (when needed), and community events (when needed).
• Devotes approximately 15-20 hours a week to roles and responsibilities as specified within the program.
• Attends scheduled meetings with program facilitators/supervisors and other mentors.
• Complete mentor notes that document activities and any further documented work as it pertains to the program.

Education and Experience

• Must contain a High School Diploma or GED.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7- 3.0 or higher, dependent upon the program.
• Previous program experience preferred.
• Must be a currently enrolled student at West Hills College Community District.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to, and understanding of, the diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds of community college students.

Licenses and Certificates

• A valid driver's license may be required.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

1. Online District Application
2. Resume
3. Unofficial Transcripts

*Incomplete applications will not be accepted. It is the candidates’ responsibility to make sure the application packet is complete. *
 
West Hills Community College District is an equal opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender status, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information or covered veteran's status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.
 
Selection Process: Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a qualifications screening by a committee. Those demonstrating the strongest backgrounds related to the position will be invited to interview.

Salary : $17