Paid CAPS Graduate Student Mental Health Peer position - apply by August 23

UCSB Counseling & Psychological Services is currently accepting applications for its paid Graduate Student Mental Health Peer position, to begin employment in Fall 2021 and run through Spring quarter 2022.

The Graduate Student Mental Health Peer assists graduate students specifically on issues related to mental health and wellness.

This position will give the successful applicant valuable experience working in higher-ed administration, a university counseling center, and the opportunity to assist with program development and promotion of the Mental Health Peer Program. This position will require collaboration with a number of campus offices and departments to establish and maintain partnerships that serve the needs of vulnerable student populations.

The Graduate Student Mental Health Peer reports to the CAPS Program Supervisor of the Mental Health Peer Program, overseen by the CAPS Assistant Clinical Director.

HOURS: 10-20 hours weekly (25%-50% appointment) during the academic year; ($18/hour)

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with current graduate student workshops

• Help update graduate student services and information on the CAPS website;

• Aid in developing relationships and outreach to different graduate programs and departments to provide information, resources, and outreach to graduate students;

• Support efforts to create targeted programming for graduate students and assist with logistical aspects of program development (e.g., UCSB Mental Health Conference);

• Assist with publicizing events sponsored by CAPS (e.g., through GradPost, GSA bagel hour);

• Work effectively and collaboratively with other Mental Health Peers and staff in CAPS, the Graduate Student Resource Center, Graduate Division, and Student Affairs;

• Work in collaboration with Graduate Academic counselor in Graduate Division to promote academic and student support services to students, and make referrals to campus and community resources;

• Work in collaboration with Director of Diversity Programs for Graduate Division to support graduate student affinity groups;

• Work in collaboration with the International Peer Advisor at the Graduate Student Resource Center (GSRC) to promote wellness and mental health resources for International graduate student population;

• Respond to student requests (by email, phone, or in person) for information or assistance, coordinate programming or outreach, and make referrals as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to pass background test

• Has experience with or demonstrated ability to advise, mentor, and support students

• Is able to work in a confidential environment and around sensitive topics

• Is able to work confidently with diverse student populations

• Has effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills

• Previous experience in advising, teaching, and workshop/conference planning is desirable

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Is energetic and knowledgeable about the UCSB campus, positive and self-motivated, and able to work well independently and collaboratively

• Can represent graduate student interests and concerns and is attentive to the goals of excellence in UCSB's graduate education

Additional Benefits: With the appropriate eligibility and approval, the position may be combined with a GSR or TA position, as long as the combined hours do not exceed 75% appointment. The Graduate Division will pay partial fees and graduate student health insurance (Gaucho Health Insurance) equivalent to those provided for TAs if other student academic appointments or awards do not provide these fees.

Application Process: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter indicating interests and highlighting related experiences, along with a formal resume, to Mental Health Peer Program Supervisor, Gladys Koscak, at ggmk@ucsb.edu by August 23, 2021 at 5pm.