WSU ROAR Program
College of Education 

Graduate Advisor/Instructor
Student Position
Spring 2024

The WSU ROAR Program, as part of the Washington State University College of Education, provides a fully inclusive postsecondary educational program, and access to the WSU campus experience, to young adult students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through program workshops, specialized training seminars, career-development, and on-campus living, WSU ROAR strives to empower students to reach their personal and professional goals and achieve independence in an inclusive campus environment. WSU ROAR provides transformational educational experiences for students with and without disabilities, enacting the institutional land-grant mission of access, engagement, and service to society.

Graduate students play a critical role in the development, implementation, evaluation, and leadership of the WSU ROAR program. This position includes a tuition waiver, stipend, and health insurance.

The WSU ROAR Graduate Advisor/Instructor Assistantship, under the direction of the WSU ROAR program director, is responsible for coordinating activities, advising, and providing supports for WSU ROAR students related to vocational skills, career guidance, social skills, life skills, and community involvement. In addition, the GA will assist the director in collecting and evaluating program data, building community partnerships, assisting students with navigating the university, and leading student orientation and social events. Most importantly, GAs will have the opportunity to teach semester-long workshops for WSU ROAR students as part of the weekly programming.

 

General responsibilities may include:

• Assist in the development, implementation, and assessment of WSU ROAR programming
• Teach semester-long workshops (2 per semester)
• Coordinate lesson planning with a WSU ROAR Coordinator
• Assist in the advising of WSU ROAR students:
  • Assist in the development of person-centered planning
  • Support students by answering daily questions, help them navigate the campus and/or various challenges, and help them become part of an inclusive community
  • Assist student selection of classes for audit, advise students on each of their audit courses and their Student Learning Agreements for those courses, including weekly planning, course accommodations, and assignment modifications
  • Support student PCP plans and student employment services activities
  • Support students on WSU ROAR Course experiences/progress
• Assess programming, services, and learning outcomes
• Assist in the organization of peer allies (same-age peer program volunteers) tasks
• Assist in the development and implementation of yearly student orientation, social events, and admissions process
• Implement program expectations (e.g., behavioral expectations)
• Collaborate with campus and community partners
• Participate in WSU ROAR activities: staff meetings, planning, public relations,
• Assist in outreach activities to community agency and groups, with presentations as appropriate

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in special education, education, psychology, social work, or related area
• Strong communication (verbal & written), problem solving, and interpersonal skills
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proven interest in issues of social justice, diversity, and disability awareness
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs
• Washington State University graduate student (preference will be given to graduate students in the College of Education)
• Flexible in daily, weekly, and semester long scheduling
• Willing to work in a team-focused environment
• Commit to attend weekly staff meetings, one semester in-service training, a three-day all staff professional development prior to the fall semester, and a half-day professional development prior to the spring semester

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families
• Prior teaching experience in a K-12 special education setting or similar setting
• Understanding of Individual Education Plans/Programs (IEPs) and educational assessments (e.g., Woodcock Johnson, etc.)
• Previous experience building relationships with employers
• Experience networking within a community
• Takes personal initiative
• Belief in the possibility of effecting positive change in our communities
• Seeking a doctoral degree in special education, cultural studies and social thought in education, teacher education, educational psychology, psychology, social work, or related area

Starting/Ending Dates: January 2, 2024 – May 14, 2024 (additional semesters available)

Hours: 20 hours per week – Monday through Friday. Some weekend or evening activities may be required (e.g., attending a sporting event with students) but will be included in the 20 hours per week.

 

How to Apply:

Please send the following materials in one email to the WSU ROAR email address coe.roar@wsu.edu

• Letter of intent (explaining why you are a good fit for this position and highlighting past experiences prepared you for working with our WSU ROAR student population
• CV or resume
• Three references and their contact information (current employer must be included)

The hiring committee will begin reviewing applications on December 1, 2024.