Graduate Assistant, Community Engagement Coach

The Lewis University Community Schools Consortium ( LUCSC) works to increase wellbeing and educational success for PreK-12 students and families in communities local to Lewis University. Through this grant-funded initiative, LUCSC creates a network of PreK-12 public schools, community agencies, and Lewis departments that work together to provide cohesive services and supports for students and families utilizing the 'community school' strategy.

Under the direction of the LUCSC Program Directors, and alongside school-based colleagues, the Graduate Assistant (Community Engagement Coach) will prepare and support Lewis students and other Lewis community members for engagement in LUCSC programming within the schools and community. To do this, the Community Engagement Coach recruits and onboards student workers and volunteers, and then provides consistent support and/or coaching for LUCSC (Lewis) teammates. Additionally, the GA liaises between numerous colleagues (faculty/staff, students, school-based professionals, LUCSC team members, etc.) via strong communication and collaboration strategies.

Responsible to model the University Mission through dedicated job performance, service excellence to constituencies, respectful collaboration and active support of the University's Mission and Catholic and Lasallian higher education.

Hiring, Coaching and Supporting Lewis Student Employees and Volunteers

-Provide ongoing opportunities for Lewis student-employees and volunteers to learn and/or reflect upon community-based experiences in ways that increase their productive engagement in community programs.

-Prepare Lewis students to build culturally responsive and restorative relationships with P-12 students/families and community members.

-Build relationships with partnering schools/community organizations and deepen understanding of programs through attending community-engaged Lewis activities that occur at partnering schools/community organizations.

-Collaborate with appropriate positions and departments at Lewis, and those from the school site(s) to plan, coordinate, and implement workshops, training sessions, and 1-on-1 coaching for Lewis students and/or faculty/staff about community engagement, including trauma-responsive and restorative practices when working with school communities.

-Act as a liaison and support for partnership activities between schools/districts and Lewis; including between faculty/staff at Lewis who are engaging with LUCSC schools and/or community partner agencies

-Attend necessary team/department meetings with Lewis to active as liaison between offices/departments (e.g., including, LUCSC, Office of Community Engaged Learning, and others as needed)

- Attend meetings at partnering schools/districts, as needed, to act as liaison between school(s) and Lewis.

-Collaborate with LUCSC colleagues to collect and maintain necessary data and documentation for LUCSC grant activities and reporting as needed; Support the formation of required grant reports and documents; Ensure timely communication and dissemination of data in accordance to program timelines and needs.

-Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Director and Co-Director and/or other designee(s).

-Serve as a role model for all students and faculty/staff by performing duties to create an environment that is conducive to providing enhanced and engaged learning opportunities for all, including at partnering schools/districts, Lewis, and the general community.

Bachelor's degree required, preferably in the social sciences, education or related field; enrolled in a graduate program at Lewis University . Must have consistently accessible transportation in order to commute between Lewis campus and LUCSC schools/community partner organizations (all within Will County) Strong written and verbal communication skills. Use inclusive and collaborative approaches to work.

Strong history/experiences related to restorative community engaged services within an educational setting, preferably preK-12; experience coaching/mentoring. We work to create an inclusive work environment; Students from diverse and/or underrepresented groups and/or who are multilingual are encouraged to apply.

Minimum of 20 hours per week, year-round This job will require flexible hours, with some activities taking place during afternoon and/or early evening hours, in additional to daytime meetings.