Career Graduate Assistant

Life & Career Studies Program | Calvin University Residence Hall Graduate Assistant

Reports to: Life & Career Studies Program Coordinator

Position: Part-time, live-in | Average of 16 hours per week | 34-week contract (August–May)

Calvin University’s Life & Career Studies (LCS) Program is seeking a caring, dependable, and enthusiastic Residence Hall Graduate Assistant to join our team. This is a unique opportunity to build meaningful relationships with college students while gaining valuable experience in mentoring, student support, and inclusive postsecondary education.

The Residence Hall Graduate Assistant serves as a friendly and supportive presence for LCS students living on campus. The role combines relationship-building, mentoring, social coaching, and occasional problem-solving to help students feel connected, confident, and successful in their residential experience.

This is a structured, flexible, and highly relational position
. Rather than managing a large residential community, you will work closely with a small group of LCS students and the LCS team. Much of the role involves being present, getting to know students, encouraging participation, helping students navigate everyday situations, and creating opportunities for connection.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with college students, values inclusion, communicates well, and is comfortable being a positive and dependable presence in a residence hall community.

Calvin University’s Life & Career Studies Program is committed to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they develop the skills, confidence, and experiences needed to live meaningful, increasingly independent lives.

Our work centers on belonging, independence, employment preparation, personal growth, and meaningful relationships
. We are looking for someone who shares our belief that every student deserves opportunities to grow, contribute, and be an active part of their college community.

• Serve as a positive role model and supportive presence for LCS students living on campus.
• Conduct periodic in-person check-ins with students to promote safety, connection, and overall well-being.
• Be available on assigned days to respond to occasional emergency or student-support calls, including evenings and rotating weekends.
• Meet individually with students as needed to help them navigate common challenges associated with living in a residence hall.
• Help students identify campus activities, events, and social opportunities that match their interests.
• Encourage students to build friendships and connections with peers across campus.
• Provide informal social coaching and support as students develop greater independence.
• Encourage and help facilitate LCS student participation in residence hall activities and campus life.
• Assist students with roommate communication and problem-solving when challenges arise.
• Help coordinate safe transportation when needed.
• Collaborate with the LCS Resident Director and Program Coordinator to support student success, engagement, and retention.
• Attend regular meetings with the LCS Resident Director and Program Coordinator.
• Participate in relevant meetings with Residence Life, Student Conduct, and LCS staff as schedules permit.
• Take part in professional development and learning opportunities with Graduate Assistants and colleagues.

This position offers a great balance of responsibility, flexibility, and meaningful interaction
. You will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference in students’ college experiences while also developing skills that can benefit your future career.

Because you will work primarily with LCS students and a small program team,…