Job Details

Description

Under the supervision of the Program Coordinator, Empower to Employ (ETE) the OPS Academic Peer Mentors focus on the academic success of assigned mentees in ETE program and traditional course work. The ETE program provides an opportunity for non-degree seeking students with intellectual disabilities to experience college life in an inclusive setting with the purpose of developing employment skills and earning the Empower to Employ Certificate of Completion.

Academic Peer Mentors shadow mentees auditing traditional college classes and help them understand learning objectives, course content, and assignments. Academic Mentors support mentee development of student success skills, including organizational skills, time management, professional communication, and engagement of academic resources. Mentors maintain ongoing communication with program staff and provide ongoing success reports.

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions/Duties:

* Supports mentored students in acclimating to the college campus and community by accompanying them to critical onboarding activities like orientation and first-year students welcome to help them navigate social cues and social skills assignments.

* Attends elective courses with assigned mentee to support understanding of the course syllabi, deadlines for assignments, and class schedules.

* Meets with mentees following classes to process content, support understanding, clarify assignments and assignment rubrics.

* Assists the mentee in understanding satisfactory academic progress.

* Supports mentees in developing organizational and time management skills.

* Facilitate communication between the instructors, mentees, and program staff.

* Supports mentee use of assistive technology in the classroom such as note-taking apps, speech recognition software, and other tools.

* Accompany mentees to campus support services such as tutoring and the Writing Studio.

* Encourages mentees to participate in student life events and social activities.

* Contributes to the STAR Planning Process Team.

* Completes and submits mentor end of term reports.

* Completes weeklong summer training institute.

Typical Qualifications

Required Skills:

* Solid technological skills and ability to use computers comfortably.

* Good oral and written communication skills.

* Good organizational skills with special attention to detail.

* Ability to work well with others.

Working Conditions:

* Must be able to work proficiently in a busy, multi-office work area.

* Must be flexible and able to adapt well to changes.

* 20 hours/week.

Required Education:

* HS Diploma or equivalent required

Required Qualification:

* Strong people skills.

* Must be a current Polk State College student.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Previous experience collaborating with individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities preferred.

* Competence with Microsoft Office and Canvas preferred.

Please note that positions may not be available at the current time. Candidates will be contacted as positions become available.

Supplemental Information

Submissions that do not include all parts of the following required information will not be considered:

* a resume

* an electronic job application (all sections MUST be completed)

Important Information

* If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

* Polk State College participates in E-Verify. Candidates must provide documentation of eligibility to work in the United States. Polk State College does not provide visa sponsorship.

* To request Veteran's Preference, please be sure to upload all necessary documents (DD-214, etc.) to your application.

* Polk State College is a drug-free workplace.

* Polk State College is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation is considered on a case-by-case basis.

* Reference checks, successful completion of a background check, and third-party Education Verification for all stated degrees will be required prior to employment.

* Polk State College does NOT provide relocation assistance for this position.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs, activities, or employment. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Title IX Coordinator

999 Avenue H, NE

Winter Haven, FL 33881

We encourage applicants to provide feedback of their experience or request help at ...@polk.edu.