You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Graduate Assistant for Alcohol and Other Drug Education

WCU Wellness Promotion
Email

MISSION STATEMENT 

Wellness Promotion engages students in opportunities to cultivate sustainable skills in wellness and well-being.  

 

Position Purpose: 
As a Wellness Promotion staff member, the Graduate Assistant for Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Education provides a critical role in the execution of one of the department’s three outputs: alcohol and other drugs. In this role, the Graduate Assistant will support AOD education with monthly workshops, a semesterly program, and informal education opportunities as well as facilitate individual intervention sessions with students and participate in ongoing training. 

 

Position Timeline - Starting August 2026:  

  • August: Position works up to 30 hours at $17/hour for a training week in the second half of August 2026. Exact dates/times will be confirmed at a later date 
  • Fall Semester: 20 hours/week; compensation per semester includes $5,000/semester stipend and 12 credit hours/semester 
    • Hours to be worked need to be mostly within 8 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, though some adjustments may be made due to events or staff meetings. Occasional weekend or evening hours may be needed for department needs, such as workshops, with prior notice from supervisor and not to exceed 5 hours/month. 
    • Position is in-person in Commonwealth Hall on campus. 
  • January: Total hours worked over winter break not to exceed 5 hours, as needed and based on GA availability. Winter hours worked are at an hourly rate of $17/hour. 
  • Spring Semester: 20 hours/week; compensation per semester includes $5,000/semester stipend and 12 credit hours/semester 
    • Hours to be worked need to be mostly within 8 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, though some adjustments may be made due to events or staff meetings. Occasional weekend or evening hours may be needed for department needs, such as workshops, with prior notice from supervisor and not to exceed 5 hours/month. 
    • Position is in-person in Commonwealth Hall on campus. 
  • For more information about Graduate Assistantship hours and compensation, click here. 
  • Please note: this position is contingent on the finalized budget for the 26-27 academic year. Any changes to this budgeting or availability will be communicated during the hiring process as soon as possible. 

 

Supervision: 

The Graduate Assistant for Alcohol and Other Drug Education reports to the Associate Director of Wellness Promotion. The Graduate Assistant will receive a semesterly evaluation focused on three professional organization frameworks: the American College Health Association (ACHA), the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS), and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA).   

 

Position Responsibilities: 

  • Coordinate the ongoing logistics and facilitation of workshop twice per month about alcohol consumption and personal relationship with alcohol attended by students in violation of the Student Code of Conduct 
  • Provide leadership and support to the department’s large-scale programming to plan, implement, and evaluate an alcohol education program once per semester. The GA will typically coordinate with the Hallowellness program and the campus trick-or-treat program in the fall semester. 
  • Support department informal education efforts: create and send What’s Happening in Wellness newsletter twice/month; oversee the creation and distribution process of Stall Seat Journal and Between the Floors on a regular basis. 
  • Provide supervision to 2-4 department undergraduate student workers through assisting with recruitment and hiring efforts, facilitating ongoing 1:1 supervision meetings, and conducting evaluation efforts. 
    • Hold monthly 1:1s with each student worker 
    • Both GAs host staff meeting with all student workers 1-2 times per semester 
  • Participate in Step Up bystander intervention training; utilize this framework to implement education on being an active bystander when in an environment where substances are present. 
  • Participate in weekly department staff meetings and regular 1:1s with the Associate Director. 
  • Support Peer Educator program by attending Peer Educator staff meeting once/month (if scheduling allows) and hold 1:1 meetings with each Peer once throughout the academic year. 
  • Support additional departmental efforts as needed, including supporting department-wide programming and attending Division of Student Affairs meetings (if scheduling allows). 
  • Maintain ongoing BASICS, CASICS, and coaching students, that includes scheduling and facilitating sessions, keeping updated records of student appointments, and participating in ongoing training requirements. When available/necessary, GA may assist with coaching appointments. More information about individual support services can be found by clicking here. 
    • Total students assigned not to exceed 3 students at a time 
  • Complete monthly department assessment reports documenting work efforts. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 

 

Qualifications: 

Required:  

  • Bachelor’s Degree  
  • Enrollment in master’s program at West Chester University (doctoral level students not eligible) 

Preferred:  

  • Familiarity with design programs/websites, such as Canva and Adobe Suites  
  • Knowledge of student health and wellness topics related to college-age students and best practices for working with and engaging with the student population 
  • Strong interpersonal sills  
  • Experience or knowledge working with students in a 1:1 environment, such as tutoring, coaching, etc. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication  
  • Dependability, punctuality, honesty and integrity  
  • Program development and implementation skills  
  • Ability to be self-directed  
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment  

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

  • As part of the application process, applicants are required to: 
    • Complete the application by March 2: https://wcupa.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bdvyo2Vm1rSDVno 
      • This will include submitting a resume and cover letter detailing experience and interest in the position 
    • Candidate will provide contact information for professional references 
    • Participate in two individual interviews: the first interview will take place via Zoom; the second interview will be an on-campus interview including a short presentation/open forum (Zoom option available for second round if needed) 
    • Complete a Consent to Access Student Records release 

 

For questions regarding the position or application, please email cbaxter@wcupa.edu. 

 

Additional applicant considerations: 

  • The applicant is in and remains in good academic and conduct standing with the university at the time of application and throughout their appointment as a student worker. 
  • The successful candidate is required to complete hiring paperwork with the University prior to starting employment, including submitting a completed I-9 document. 
  • The successful candidate completes background investigations, specifically FBI Clearance, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Clearance and Criminal History Check as a contingency of employment. Clearances are paid for by the university. Employment will be contingent of the University’s acceptance of the results of the background investigation before starting employment.