About the role#
The NEXT Steps program is an integrated educational initiative for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are hiring peer mentors for the Fall 2026 semester to support these students throughout their college experience. Mentors help with coursework, social integration, and personal growth. You may be asked to support programming during evenings and weekends.
What you'll do#
- Attend classes with students to provide support with time management, prioritization, and organization.
- Assist students with modified course assignments and navigating the Canvas platform.
- Help students engage in campus social life and build relationships.
- Support students as they learn to advocate for themselves when communicating with faculty, staff, and peers.
- Provide emotional and informational support as students navigate barriers to their college experience.
- Participate in required training activities.
- Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA guidelines.
- Maintain consistent and reliable attendance.
- Be a friend to the students you support.
What you'll need#
- A genuine desire to help and support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Patience, kindness, and empathy.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Effective time management abilities.
- A flexible, adaptable, and willing-to-learn attitude.
- Ability to model good behavior.
- Mentoring experience or experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred.
Location & details#
- Location: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
- Term: Fall 2026.
- Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: $8.50 per hour.
About Messiah University
Messiah University is a private institution focused on the liberal and applied arts and sciences. Founded in 1909, the school is located on a 471-acre campus in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. It serves students through more than 80 undergraduate majors and various graduate degree programs. The university maintains a staff of 501 to 1,000 employees.
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