Relief Higher Education Program Assistant

Tuscaloosa Higher Education Program Relief Higher Education Program Assistant Reports to: Program ManagerFLSA - Non-Exempt
Position Summary:The Higher Education Program Assistant (Part Time/PRN) works closely with the Higher Education Program Manager and other staff to provide a supportive living environment that is conducive to the academic and personal growth of college students. Responsibilities will be determined by the Program Manager to determine the best use of the Part time/PRN Resident Advisor’s time. Focus may be on transportation, supervision, meal prep, shopping for the home, etc. Responsibilities listed may be modified by the Program Manager.

The Higher Education Program Resident Assistant will be required to spend the night in the Higher Education Home with students to provide supervision and assistance as needed.
Responsibilities:

• Works collaboratively with Higher Education Program Manager to ensure a living environment that endorses respect and concern for others and is conducive to studying and academic achievement.
• Provides nutritionally balanced dinner meals are prepared throughout the week, and that nutritionally balanced lunch meals are prepared during the weekends. Ensures that healthy food items are available.
• Works collaboratively with Higher Education Program Manager to facilitate group home meetings, inspections, coordinate transportation needs, and facilitate a comfortable environment for study and general living.
• Follows relevant safety practices and procedures (universal precautions).
• Communicates regularly with students in a culturally sensitive manner to become acquainted with them, their personal backgrounds, special interests, needs, and academic goals.
• Provides appropriate and consistent supervision of students, and when needed, demonstrates an ability to administer consequences to students that are appropriate and consistent.
• As needed mediates student disputes and disagreements with guidance from the Higher Education Program Manger as required.
• Provides praise and positive feedback, when appropriate, to help build the self-confidence and esteem of students.
• Handles stressful and emergency situations in a calm, professional manner.
• Maintains training requirements related to job, including non-medical human subjects training to assist with Scholar Surveys.
• Adheres to all UMCH policies and procedures.
• Maintains strict confidentiality and abides by all HIPAA regulations.
• Works additional hours as needed.
• Functions in accordance with the appropriate Job Guide and other assigned duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

• High School Diploma required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in the area of counseling or family services preferred.
• Previous paid experience cooking/preparing meals preferred
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Proficiency in computer use and understanding of basic word processing and spreadsheet software required.
• Using the English language must have verbal and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills that allow for professional interaction with staff, stakeholders and the general public.
• Must have a valid driver license.
• Must have proof of automobile liability insurance and driving record that will allow coverage on Agency’s insurance policy.
• Must receive a satisfactory background check that includes a check of employment and personal references, criminal history, driving background, Child Abuse & Neglect Registry, and pass a pre-employment physical examination including a TB skin test and drug screen.

Physical Requirements:

• Vision: Must be able to drive, read reports, observe conditions related to work, view computer screen, etc.
• Cognitive: Must be able to think independently, logically, and problem solve.
• Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with co-workers, employees, families and the general public.
• Standing/Walking/Mobility: Must be able to stand to open files and operate office machines, mobility to drive, get in and out of private homes as well as work area, some standing for prolonged periods for presentation. Normal coordination including eye-hand and hand-foot.
• Climbing/Stooping, Kneeling: Must be able to stoop and kneel as needed to file, retrieve documents, assist families and perform CPR and First Aid, etc.
• Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Must be able to lift and carry up case files, lap top computer which may weigh up to 20 pounds.
• Manual Dexterity: Must be able to write, type, use telephone system, file, drive, etc.

About United Methodist Children's Home:

As followers of Christ, our passion for serving is motivated by compassion and a calling to provide homes, healing, and hope. We strive to be there for individuals who need someone to care for them when those closest to them can’t adequately provide that care. Those we serve experience hardships no one should have to face, including neglect, abuse, and abandonment. We nurture these vulnerable individuals by embracing them, meeting them where they are, and loving them unconditionally. We’re not only providing them with homes, we’re giving them a system of support and care to help them flourish. While faith is the core of our mission, we are driven by a desire to nurture, support, and prepare individuals for productive, thriving futures. We believe we can break what often becomes a cycle of neglect and circumstance for many vulnerable children and families. Our caring and compassionate team works to change the trajectory of the lives of those we serve in our homes and our programs are centered around family preservation, foster care, and school readiness.