Community Program Assistant-Part Time

Position Overview

The Center for Applied Research and Education Improvement (CAREI), in the College of Education and Human Development, is seeking to hire up to three interventionist/facilitator positions for Pathways 2 Success, a prevention study being conducted in partnership with an east suburban school district. The Intervention Facilitators will support the delivery of one of two youth programs, Learning to BREATHE or Skills for Success. Learning to BREATHE is an adolescent mindfulness program based on core principles of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Skills for Success is a curriculum that supports youth in developing skills to handle life situations such as making decisioning, communication and navigating healthy relationships. Extensive training and ongoing coaching are provided. The Intervention Facilitators will work directly with high-school students, as a co-facilitator with a designated school staff member, supporting
various programmatic activities including leading mindfulness and other skill-based activities, monitoring home practice, supporting group management, etc.

These positions are part of CAREI's research support team that provides support to investigators within CAREI, as well as across various other departments in CEHD. These are part-time, hourly positions which require flexible hours, including some possible evenings. It is anticipated that the position(s) will regularly require 3-5 hours per week during the school day over each of the 6-week intervention cycles during the course of the academic year. In addition to program facilitation, the Intervention Facilitators will participate in consultation meetings (i.e. supervision), complete some research activities (e.g., completing surveys or interviews about delivering the intervention), perform some administrative functions (e.g. reporting tasks), and attend other trainings and/or project meetings as needed.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. This position does require in-person group facilitation at the school site(s) partnering in this project. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

This position is represented by the AFSCME Union, Locals 3937 & 3801. The work location is on the St Paul campus. The minimum starting pay for this position is $22.39.

Job Responsibilities

Co-facilitate intervention groups (Learning to BREATHE or Skills for Success) (60%)

• Support the planning and organization for group sessions (e.g. reviewing and prepping materials, etc.)
• Apply subject matter knowledge to co-facilitate group sessions with youth utilizing a manualized curriculum
• Lead mindfulness and/or skill-based activities
• Provide support for group management
• For facilitators assigned to the L2B+App intervention, assist with monitoring the L2B+App facilitator dashboard to assess student engagement and homework completion

Administration (30%)

• Work with school staff to support youth engagement and other logistical needs such as identifying eligible students, recruitment/enrollment, space for group facilitation, etc.
• Track and report fidelity of implementation data (e.g. attendance, content delivery, engagement, etc.) via online reporting tool/survey
• Complete research activities including surveys and an interview focused on evaluating the intervention
• Attend regular meetings with research team and school staff to monitor student enrollment and progress

Training and Professional Development (10%)

• Attend and complete assigned intervention training sessions
• Participate in intervention coaching meetings
• Attend other training opportunities as available

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in psychology, counseling, social work, youth studies or related field, or a combination of education and related work experience to equal four years
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities
• Prior experience working with adolescents

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, youth studies or related field
• Working knowledge of MBSR principles and practices
• Demonstrated experience leading youth groups
• Ability to travel within the Twin Cities metro area

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Department Overview
The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) is a well-established college-wide center that serves as the link between research and practice in Minnesota schools PreK-16 and other agencies interested in applied educational and social science research. CAREI's mission is to maximize wellbeing in schools, families, and communities.
Our vision is to become the premier hub for making research accessible and actionable to ensure equitable outcomes.

Pay Range: The budgeted salary range for this position is $22.39 - $25.72 per hour. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).