Peer Learning Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Since 1911, City Colleges of Chicago has been connecting students from across Chicago's neighborhoods to economic opportunity. By offering a quality education at an unprecedented value, City Colleges provides our students and alumni with a pathway to upward mobility. City Colleges of Chicago is the city's most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity-empowering its students to take part in building a stronger and more just city. As Illinois' largest community college system, City Colleges is comprised of seven colleges and five satellite sites across Chicago.

The Federal Work Study Program (FWS) is a federally-funded financial aid program that provides subsidized part-time employment for eligible students in order to assist them with postsecondary financial needs. City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) complies with the Department of Education's regulations regarding the FWS program and allows students to benefit from this opportunity.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

The FWS program encourages students to gain experience in their prospective fields by placing them in areas and departments aligned with their area of study whenever possible. Students are able to use their wages towards educational and living expenses.

Reporting to an assigned supervisor, the College Work Study - Student Experience Ambassador supports efforts to elevate student voice by conducting one-on-one and small-group empathy interviews on pre-determined topics related to the CCC student experience. This role involves gathering and documenting student feedback, organizing and submitting interview notes, maintaining confidentiality, and participating in regular training and peer learning sessions. Additional responsibilities include general office support, customer service, and assistance with special projects and administrative tasks. Performs other duties as assigned.

Ambassadors serve as on-the-ground partners, ensuring student perspectives inform institutional decisions around programming, engagement, and support services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

       Conducts 1:1 or small-group empathy interviews with fellow students on pre-determined topics.

       Takes clear, accurate, and objective notes during interviews.

       Transcribes, organizes, and submits interview notes in a timely manner using provided templates.

       Maintains confidentiality and professionalism in all student interactions.

       Attends required trainings on empathy interviewing, confidentiality, and documentation.

       Provides feedback on interview tools and participate in peer learning sessions.

       Collaborates with supervisors and fellow ambassadors to identify themes and insights.

       Supports implementation of student surveys

       Performs basic word processing and data operations in Word and Excel.

       Provides support on various projects and assignments as needed.

       Provides general office support including but not limited to filing, photocopying, and data entry.

       Provides general customer service.

       Adheres to the City Colleges of Chicago Customer Services Excellence Standards.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To                       Assigned Supervisor

Direct Supervision          None

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

       Applicants must be 16 years or older, have work permit consent, and be eligible to work in the United States

       Applicants must be actively attending one of the City Colleges of Chicago

       Applicants must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours pre-credit or credit classes.

       Applicants must have and maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA (waived for first semester new students)

       Applicants must be in "good standing" - no City Colleges of Chicago academic restrictions.

       Applicants must not be current Full or Part-time employees of the City Colleges of Chicago

       Enrolled Freshmen may work during the break prior to attending the next school term.

       All positions are "employment at-will."

       Maximum of 20 hours per week

QUALIFICATIONS

        High school diploma required or actively pursuing a GED at City Colleges of Chicago.

        Previous relevant work experience desirable but not required.

        Interest in student experience, equity, and campus improvement initiatives.

        Good verbal and written communication skills.

        Excellent listening and note-taking skills.

        Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and rapport with peers.

        Ability to work effectively and respectfully in a culturally diverse environment, fostering inclusivity and collaboration.

        Ability to conduct interviews in a professional manner, adhering to research guidelines.

        Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.

        Ability to analyze and solve problems.

        Must be able to work flexible hours as needed.

        Responsible, reliable, and able to manage confidential information with care.

        Must demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and strong customer service skills in all interactions.

        Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Training Provided

       All selected Ambassadors will participate in mandatory training covering empathy interviewing, data collection practices, confidentiality, and student engagement best practices.

The salary is: $17.00/hour. The rate paid is in accordance with City Colleges approved salary scale.