Child Welfare IV-E Program- Graduate Assistant

Position Overview

The Graduate Assistant (GA) for the SMSU Title IV-E Stipend Program will play a pivotal role in advancing the child welfare program. This program is a federal-state grant program that supports students who are going to be working with children who are in out-of-home care due to abuse, neglect, or other family circumstances. The program provides financial support, training, and resources to individuals who commit to working in child welfare after graduation. The program would like to build opportunities through experiential learning. This position is integral to maintaining and expanding the program's initiatives and strengthening its network of students, faculty, alumni, and partners.

Educational Objectives

1. Administrative Proficiency
   • Develop skills in organizing and managing paperwork to ensure timely and accurate payments.
   • Learn to maintain accurate records and documentation, enhancing attention to detail and organizational abilities.
2. Event Coordination
   • Lead the planning and organization of experiential learning and speaker series events.
   • Learn the logistics of event coordination, including scheduling, communication, and stakeholder management.
3. Understanding Title IV-E Program Requirements
   • Acquire comprehensive knowledge about the Title IV-E Stipend Program, including its objectives, requirements, and benefits.
   • Learn to support students and faculty in navigating the program's processes and requirements.
4. Effective Communication
   • Develop strong communication skills for interacting with students, faculty, and external stakeholders.
   • Learn to provide clear, concise information and updates, strengthening interpersonal skills.
5. Team Collaboration
   • Foster teamwork and collaboration by working closely with faculty, staff, and students.
   • Understand the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving program goals and organizing successful events.
6. Problem-Solving and Initiative
   • Enhance problem-solving skills by identifying and addressing issues proactively.
   • Demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness in finding solutions and improving processes.
7. Professional Development
   • Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance, adhering to university policies and procedures.
   • Develop reliability and dependability in completing assigned tasks, preparing for future professional roles.

Salary & Appointment

The position is appointed annually for August–May. The annual stipend is $8,000, paid biweekly, with a tuition waiver for SMSU graduate classes.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program at Southwest Minnesota State University
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Experience in event planning or administrative roles is a plus
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and organizing experiential learning and speaker series events
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to coordinate event logistics
• Maintain accurate records and documentation
• Provide administrative support as needed

Duties with Stakeholders

1. Students: Assist students enrolled in the Title IV-E Stipend Program by providing administrative support and guidance.
2. Faculty and Staff: Collaborate with faculty and staff to ensure smooth program operations and successful event planning.
3. External Stakeholders: Engage with external stakeholders, including guest speakers and community partners, to facilitate experiential learning opportunities.

Supervision

1. Direct Supervisor: The Graduate Assistant will report directly to the Title IV-E Program Coordinator within the Social Work Program, who will provide guidance and oversight for all duties and responsibilities.
2. Regular Check-ins: Participate in regular check-ins and meetings with the supervisor to discuss progress, address challenges, and receive feedback.

Application Information

Send a letter of application, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references.

Apply To

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and interest in the position to Amber Kinner-Alahakoon. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Amber Kinner-Alahakoon
Child Welfare IV-E Coordinator
Social Sciences
Southwest Minnesota State University
Amber.Kinner-Alahakoon@SMSU.edu
(507) 537-7444

University & Community

Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. SMSU prioritizes excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching and advising, and close student-faculty relationships. Its mission, dating back to 1967, is to provide access to university-level programs in liberal arts and professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region, reflected in its curricula, cultural programs, diverse staff and student body, and cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors and regional institutions. The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings. Marshall (pop. 14,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.