Internship​/Career Mentor

Internship/Career Mentor

The VUnited Scholars Program is a residential certificate program offered through the College of Professional Studies (CPS) for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Student Internship & Career Mentor (Job Coach) is a student worker position that supports VUnited Scholars in their vocational experiences, with a primary focus on internship success and career development. This role provides individualized, strengths‑based support to students in campus and community‑based internship settings, promoting independence, skill development, and meaningful engagement in the workplace.

Student mentors serve as peer role models and job coaches, actively supporting job task completion, professional skill development, and workplace integration. Mentors maintain an engaged on‑site presence and help foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive work environment while collaborating closely with VUnited staff and internship supervisors to ensure a successful and supportive experience.

• In partnership with Assistant Director and Program Director, meet with students for site placement and to assist in career support as needed.
• In partnership with Assistant Director and Program Director, communicate with supervisors to ensure the best internship experience and support student on‑site employment.
• In partnership with the Assistant Director, assist with the VUnited Inclusive Professionals “VIP” Network by educating and expanding partnerships of employers committed to inclusivity.
• Provide direct, on‑site job coaching support to VUnited Scholars during internship experiences.
• Assist students in learning and completing job tasks using modeling, prompting, and coaching strategies.
• Promote independence by gradually fading support and encouraging self‑direction.
• Support development of professional workplace skills, including communication, time management, organization, and task completion.
• Maintain an active and engaged presence at internship sites to ensure consistent and effective support.
• Support the development of positive working relationships between students and colleagues.
• Assist with problem‑solving and navigating workplace challenges in a respectful and supportive manner.
• Support transitions to and from internship sites, including transportation routines as needed.
• Communicate updates, concerns, and successes in a timely and professional manner with VUnited staff and supervisors.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of student progress, support strategies, workplace observations, and communication with supervisors and VUnited staff.
• Model professionalism at all times, including punctuality, communication, and workplace behavior.

• Current undergraduate or graduate student at Villanova University.

• Experience working with individuals with diverse learning styles and support needs preferred but not required.

• Strong skills in verbal communication, writing, and editing.
• Excellent people skills, discretion and judgment, attention to detail, problem solving, and timely follow‑through.
• Ability to work independently and as a cross‑functional team member.
• Proactive, creative, and efficient in offering the most effective student support.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Professionalism, reliability, and punctuality.

• Interest in career development, coaching, education, or human services.
• Willingness to learn and apply strengths‑based job coaching strategies.
• Ability to balance support with promoting independence.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for individuals with diverse learning styles and support needs.
• Appreciation for the mission and values of the VUnited Scholars Program and Catholic Higher Education.

• Computer literacy in MS Office Programs.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Must be eligible to become Villanova University van certified and comfortable transporting students to and from internship placements and program‑related activities as needed.

• Combination of campus‑based and community‑based internship sites.
• Requires movement between locations and active engagement in workplace settings.
• Role involves standing, walking, and supporting students in real‑time work environments.
• Schedule primarily aligned with internship hours (Wednesdays), with some flexibility as needed.

• Standing, walking, and extended periods of physical activity.
• Manual dexterity and the ability to lift or move light objects as required by internship tasks.
• Movement between multiple sites and the ability to transport materials or students.

Wage Rate: $15/hour.

Continuation is dependent upon continued funding through gifts and/or entrepreneurial tuition revenues.