Full-Time Program Assistant

The Wright Institute Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology Program

The Wright Institute, located in Berkeley, California, is hiring a full-time Program Assistant. This position will primarily provide programmatic and administrative support to Wright Institute faculty, staff, and respond to student inquiries to support weekday, evening, and weekend classes.

Our counseling program provides students with the education and clinical skills necessary to pursue licensure in California as a marriage and family therapist (MFT) or a professional clinical counselor (LPCC). Throughout the two-year curriculum, students attend flexible day, evening, or weekend classes. In their second year, students participate in supervised clinical training at external community mental health agencies. The student population is approximately 180 graduate students ranging in age from 21 to 65 and about 35% identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. 

The goal of this position is to collaborate with other members of the team to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for students, faculty, and guest speakers at the Master’s in Counseling Psychology program building.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

You will assist with functions related to the routine operations of The Wright Institute, including, but not limited to:

• Open and close the building
• Greet students, faculty, staff, and visitors to foster a warm and welcoming environment. 
• Assist faculty, staff and students with preparation of materials and room set-up for classes and co-curricular events.
• Provide AV/tech support for faculty, staff, and students. 
• Ensure the physical environment is clean, organized, and functioning smoothly. 
• Restock kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas. 
• Communicate updates with the administrative team. 
• Answer the front desk phone and doorbells. 
• Participate in emergency preparations and Dwight building safety. 
• Provide additional administrative and event support services as needed.
• Support Program Coordinator
• Support Dean of Students 

Functions may vary over time based on your skills and expertise and the needs of the Institution.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: High School degree 

Experience: Entry-level position, 2-3 years prior work experience

Certifications, Licenses, etc: None

This position is classified as a full-time, non-exempt position. Weekly hours will range from 32-40 hours per week. Hours are not expected to exceed 40 hours per week, and thus would not be expected to result in overtime work. Some evening and weekend work is required. The days and hours for the position are aligned with the timing of our daytime, evening, and weekend classes. Some events or situations may arise that require you to come earlier or stay later than the listed hours.

Schedule Description

Due to the nature of our program's calendar, your schedule will vary depending on the type of week. 

Shift Types: Your schedule will include both daytime and evening shifts. 

• Daytime: 8 am-4:30 pm 
• Evening: 12:30 pm-9:30 pm, 2:00 pm-10 pm
• Weekly Structure:
• Weeks with no weekend class: Monday to Thursday. (32 hours)
• Weeks with weekend class: Sunday to Thursday. Weekend classes occur 2-3 times per month. (40 hours) 
• Term Schedule: The Program Assistant schedule will be set and provided for the entirety of each term.
• Variations: Some variations in scheduling will occur due to changes in class schedules, requiring adjustments to start and end times occasionally.

We strongly encourage people of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. 

Terms of employment: Full-time, in person, non-exempt

Reports to: Program Coordinator

Location: Berkeley, California

Compensation: Hourly, $21/hr.

Benefits: Benefits include a fringe benefit in the amount of 15% of your wages which may be taken in cash or allocated among a choice of health insurance, a dental plan, and/or a 403(b) plan. Health insurance is available the first of the month after a 30-day waiting period. Cafeteria plan with savings included. The Wright Institute provides those in full-time positions with group long-term disability insurance coverage while employed. The benefit package includes vacation days accrued at a rate of 1.75 per month and sick days accrued at a rate of 1 day per month.

Application: Please send a cover letter and resume/CV. Questions may be sent to cwatts@wi.edu. References will be requested upon invitation to interview.