Life & Career Studies Program Graduate Assistant

The Life & Career Studies Graduate Assistant plays an integral role in fostering student growth, supporting Life & Career Studies students, and enhancing several aspects of the college experience for students.

The Life & Career Studies program is an inclusive postsecondary college program for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This is a 20-24 hours per week; 36-weeks per year. Compensation is $18 - $21.75 per hour based on experience.

• Provide classroom or academic support.
• Facilitate weekly housing-related Community Living Support (CLS) seminars tailored for Life & Career Studies students.
• Facilitate other group CLS seminars as assigned based on need.
• Teach LIFE 164 (spring) and LIFE 390 courses as assigned.

• Assist in developing Academic Course Plans and facilitate academic support sessions in collaboration with the Academic & Peer Support Coordinator as needed.
• Provide case management and referrals to address academic, and social/emotional needs.
• Provide Community Living Support coordination services for assigned private-pay students from initial setup through ongoing implementation, and assist with completing required monthly reports.
• Conduct morning check-ins (7–8 AM) on designated day.
• Meet individually with students to address personal, social, and residential concerns, helping them successfully transition to campus life.

• Contribute to program documentation, reporting, and administrative projects.
• Assist with staff coverage and classroom needs as needed.
• Provide on-call coverage one day a week.

• Attend regular meetings with supervisors, Residence Life, Student Conduct, and Life & Career Studies staff.
• Maintain open communication with campus partners, students, and families to support student success and retention.

• Engage in ongoing training, workshops, and professional development opportunities alongside other staff and graduate assistants.
• Complete required Resident Director training annually starting in July-August.

• Bachelor’s degree required in Social Work, Psychology, or Education.
• Must be enrolled in Master's Program by Spring 2027.
• Approved as a Community Living Support worker or ability to complete the training within 30 days of hire.
• Previous experience as a Community Living Support worker is strongly preferred.
• At least two years of experience or demonstrated passion for supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Strong time management and self-direction skills.
• Ability to handle stressful situations professionally and with empathy.
• Demonstrated leadership and role-modeling aligned with a faith-based campus community.
• Experience organizing events preferred.
• Experience in classroom instruction, support coordination, or case management strongly preferred.

• Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.
• A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

• Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.