Graduate Assistant - PROFS Program (Providing Resources and Opportunities to Future Standouts)

Kutztown University’s Providing Resources and Opportunities to Future Standouts (PROFS) Program assists current or former members of the foster care system or students who are homeless/unaccompanied youth.  Engagement supports a comprehensive program of co-curricular activities that support institutional retention efforts and assist student transition to college life. The cultural, social, recreational, and educational programs supported by the PROFS Program are designed to complement the Kutztown University Mission and Strategic Plan and create a positive experience that opens new horizons, ideas, and social outlets. Through programming, involvement, leadership, and service, students have the opportunity to serve as champions and advocates for new and current Kutztown students, develop professional competencies, and positively impact the campus community. PROFS provides housing between semesters and over breaks to eligible students that need to live on campus year-round.  More information can be found on the PROFS website:  www.kutztown.edu/profsprogram.  

The Graduate Assistant for the PROFS Program supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of programming and initiatives that foster a strong sense of belonging, leadership development, and academic and personal success for students who hold historically underrepresented or marginalized identities, specifically former foster care youth. This role works closely with campus partners to promote inclusive excellence and ensure meaningful engagement for all students.
 
Duties and Responsibilities

Student Outreach and Engagement 

• Serve as a visible and accessible resource for PROFS participants, offering regular check-ins and referrals to campus resources.
• Build meaningful relationships with students in the program to support their holistic development.
• Create intentional spaces that celebrate identity, culture, and community while encouraging dialogue and connection.
• Respond appropriately and promptly to students' needs, concerns, or emerging issues, even outside of typical office hours, demonstrating flexibility and care, including, but not limited to, attending meetings, speaking to external organizations, and transporting students to various locations. 

Program Development and Execution 

• Co-lead the planning and facilitation of PROFS Program initiatives, including welcome events, workshops, socials, and recognition activities.
• Assist in designing curriculum or programming themes that align with the mission of equity, inclusion, and student support.
• Coordinate logistical aspects of the PROFS Program, including space reservations, catering, materials, and guest speakers, if applicable.
• Schedule and carry out college prep activities on-campus and off-campus including college prep, admissions application assistance, and financial literacy workshops including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and scholarship applications.  
   

Collaboration and Communication
 

• Partner with offices such as Financial Aid, Disability Services, Residence Life, Student Success, Student Assistance, Health & Wellness, and campus clubs, if applicable, to co-host events and share resources.
• Maintain ongoing communication with students and program staff, liaisons, and mentors through newsletters, social media, and direct outreach.
• Track student participation and assist with assessment efforts, including surveys and outcome reporting.
• Assist in maintaining accurate records and documentation related to PROFS Scholars, including participation and growth in programs and initiatives.
• Serve as a mandated reporter and ensure all disclosures of sexual misconduct, discrimination, or harassment are reported in accordance with campus, state, and federal policies. Must collaborate with the Office of Social Equity in situations requiring formal reporting or intervention.

Administrative and Logistical Support

• Maintain accurate records of program participation, budget usage, and evaluations.
• Support grant writing or funding proposals related to the PROFS Program as needed.
• Attend weekly check-ins with a supervisor and contribute to the (PROFS Program?
• Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  Time management skills, innovative thinking, patience, and the ability to work independently, take initiative, and multitask.
• Proficient communication, organization, administrative, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Basic understanding of student leadership and student development.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with university staff, faculty, and students.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership experience and a passion for student engagement and campus community building.
• Capacity to support students experiencing personal, academic, or identity-based challenges in a trauma-informed and culturally responsive manner.
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality while ensuring student safety and legal compliance.
• Minimum Qualifications
  
  Student in Education, Student Affairs, Social Work or Counseling graduate program. Students in other graduate programs will be considered if they possess relevant work experience. 
• Passion for assisting low-income and/or underrepresented populations achieve their goals.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to drive up to 12-passenger van.  
• Availability in the evenings and on weekends for events as needed. 
• Ability to travel off-campus, including during winter, fall, spring and summer breaks. 
• Two-year commitment to the Graduate Assistantship.    
   

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience working with foster care students. 
• Case management experience. 

Supervision

The PROFS Graduate Assistant will report to the Student Assistance Coordinator for Special Populations.  

This position is for 20 hours/week of work (300 hours for the spring semester), and it provides a tuition waiver for 9 graduate credits plus a stipend of $3,750 per semester.  Please contact Susan Mangold for additional information if needed at mangold@kutztown.edu.