Graduate Assistant, Student Support and Outreach
Location: Hickory, North Carolina
Position Summary
Under supervision, the graduate assistant (GA) for Student Support & Outreach helps support students experiencing challenges that may impact their success at Lenoir-Rhyne University. These challenges may include medical, mental health, behavioral, or academic concerns. Working closely with office staff, the GA is responsible for identifying students of concern, meeting with them, and assessing their needs to determine appropriate interventions, resources, and support.
In addition to providing direct support to students, the GA assists in advocating for and coordinating services by fostering a collaborative support network. This includes education and outreach to the campus community through presentations, events, and other communication efforts aimed at faculty, staff, and student groups.
Key Responsibilities
Student Support
- Manage a caseload of students, under the guidance of the director of Student Support & Outreach, and develop individualized action plans to address concerns such as mental health, financial distress, food insecurity, academic issues, and illness.
- Collaborate with campus offices and community resources to meet student needs.
- Serve as a resource to students, faculty, staff, and others seeking assistance with a wide range of concerns.
- Maintain accurate, secure, and confidential case management records and notes.
- Respond appropriately to confidential matters and refer students to additional support resources when necessary.
- Coach students on effective communication with faculty, staff, and peers.
- Respond to questions from faculty, staff, families, students, and community members.
Marketing and Communication
- Assist in developing and updating Student Support & Outreach publications, procedure manuals, and other creative materials.
- Evaluate and enhance the office’s social media presence
- Create and maintain web content for the department.
Outreach and Community Engagement
- Help coordinate outreach initiatives for faculty, staff, and students.
- Represent Student Support & Outreach at campus events such as Welcome Weekend, Homecoming, Family Weekend, and other university programs.
- Deliver presentations on topics including student support, TimelyCare, wellness, and available services to classes, campus offices, and student groups upon request.
Assessment
- Design and update surveys using Microsoft and other tools to collect data.
- Assist the director with gathering and interpreting data, reporting findings, and developing action plans to assess and improve the effectiveness of Student Support & Outreach programs.
General Administrative Responsibilities
- Respond to inquiries about the department and its services in person, by phone, or via email.
- Attend regular staff meetings.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
- Availability to work approximately 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters, with some additional hours during peak times.
- Ability to build rapport quickly with students using empathetic, nonclinical support methods.
- Strong commitment to maintaining student confidentiality and compliance with privacy laws.
- Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
- Ability to develop and maintain positive professional relationships within the campus community.
- Proficiency with social media and creative platforms to deliver student support content.
- Strong preference for graduate students in Counseling and Human Services programs.