Summary:
Peer Mentors of the Successful Postsecondary Access and Related Transition Activities for Neurodiverse Students Occupational Career Life Studies (SPARTANS OCLS) Program are vital members of the program, providing academic, job, and social support to college-aged students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who did not meet original admission requirements at SJSU. Peer Mentors assist in creating inclusive academic, social, and work experiences tailored to the individual career goals of program participants. This role involves a combination of direct student support, engagement in research activities, and collaboration with other program staff.
This position is exclusively for undergraduate students who are eligible for LAEP.
Responsibilities:
- Provide academic, job, and social support to SPARTANS OCLS students.
- Attend classes with SPARTANS OCLS student(s) as required.
- Work one-on-one with SPARTANS OCLS students or assist in program office tasks.
- Meet all program requirements, including maintaining hours, learning contracts, evaluations, and hour logs.
- Interview with the Program Director or Program/Career Coordinator before each semester.
- Attend peer mentor orientation and student meet and greet before each semester.
- Complete required training sessions within the first two weeks of the semester.
- Attend weekly staff meetings/trainings throughout the semester.
- Meet with Program Director or Program Coordinator bi-weekly.
- Submit weekly reports and hour logs to the Program Coordinator by specified deadlines.
- Complete self-evaluated Midterm and Final Evaluations, meeting with the Program Director and the Program Coordinator for formal evaluations.
- Assist in developing and working on individual student goals (e.g., time management, campus navigation, budgeting).
- Provide academic tutoring.
- Act as a job coach for student(s) pursuing employment.
- Collaborate with program staff to create student goal(s).
- Plan and execute one inclusive event/activity with guidance from the Program Coordinator.
- Engage in research activities, including ongoing SPARTANS OCLS projects, faculty research, or individualized study projects.
- The students hired under the LAEP Program for SPARTANS will be responsible for supporting research initiatives aimed at enhancing the inclusivity and effectiveness of postsecondary education programs. This position involves conducting literature reviews, data collection and analysis, program evaluation, and dissemination of research findings. The successful candidate will work closely with faculty members, students, and other stakeholders to contribute to the development of evidence-based practices that promote inclusivity within the academic community.
- Participate in data collection activities for state funding requirements.
Qualifications:
- Current undergraduate student in education or related field (psychology, communication disorders, speech and language pathology, social work) who have a strong interest in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Experience and expertise in relevant course content and job fields related to the SPARTANS OCLS Program.
- Experience working with people with developmental disabilities.
- Completion of SPARTANS OCLS Peer Mentor training modules:
- Who are young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/D)
- UDL Training
- Supporting young adults with ID/D academically
- Supporting young adults with ID/D socially
Working Hours and Compensation:
- Hourly Rate: $20-$22
- Working Hours: 6 to 15 hours per week for 17 weeks during a regular semester. Summer work may be available.
- Hours are determined by course schedules, job placements, and social activities.
- Weekly tutoring sessions and staff meetings are included in working hours.
Note: This job description is subject to change and may be modified based on program needs and requirements.