R.E.A.L. Peer Health Educator
Position Title:
R.E.A.L. Peer Health Educator
Goal:
The R.E.A.L. Peer Health Educators work in conjunction with the Counseling and Psychological Services office to create a presence on campus that links the community with the message of positive decision-making, and empowers the students to make a difference on campus through social and educational initiatives.
Primary Function:
Under the direct supervision of Nikki Gwin the SUU Prevention Specialist, Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Education, the R.E.A.L. Peer Health Educator will:
- Assist in developing and implementing educational and social programs geared towards education of mental health, physical health, sexual health, healthy decision making skills, depression and suicide prevention, as well as alcohol and other drug issues.
- Facilitate wellness campaigns/event with various University departments, including Residence Life, SUU Student Activities, Athletics, Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Center for Women and Families.
- Facilitate Don’t Cancel That Class (DCTC) presentations on various health related topics under the supervision of the Prevention Specialist/Peer Advisor.
- Be well versed on wellness and health related topics, including: alcohol and other drug use/abuse, nicotine use, healthy relationships (communication, abstinence, verbal/physical abuse, rape), and personal/mental health (body image, eating disorders, depression, suicide, etc.)
- Serve as a University role model and advocate for responsible and healthy lifestyle choices.
Qualifications:
- Must be a Southern Utah University student in good academic standing (GPA of 2.7 or higher).
- Must be a role model for responsible and healthy lifestyle choices and enthusiastic about educating peers on wellness issues.
- Must possess strong verbal skills and the desire to present information to peers.
- Must demonstrate the ability to work with individuals and groups in a leadership capacity.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Attend all mandatory trainings and meetings.
- Attend the Peer Education Training Day (tentatively September 3rd, 2011).
- Assist fellow Peer Educators in the creation of programs and workshops that educate the Southern Utah University community about AOD and health related issues as they relate to college students.
- Assist the Lead Peers and fellow Peer Educators in the facilitation of educational and social and wellness programs and events.
- All other duties as assigned by the Prevention Specialist and Lead Peers.
Timeline for R.E.A.L. Peer Health Educators:
| DATE |
EVENT |
| May 6th, 2011 |
Returning Peer Applications due. |
| May 9th – 13th, 2011 |
Returning Peer interviews; Applicants informed of contract requirements, expectations, and important dates. |
| June 17th - August 17th, 2011 |
New Peer Applications due. |
| June 17th – 24th, 2011 |
New Peer interviews; Applicants informed of contract requirements, expectations, and important dates. |
| July 22nd, 2011 |
New Peer interviews; Applicants informed of contract requirements, expectations, and important dates. |
| August 17th – 18th, 2011 |
New Peer interviews; Applicants informed of contract requirements, expectations, and important dates. |
| August 18th, 2011 |
Final emails sent for offers with contracts and expectations. |
| August 23rd, 2011 |
First PHE Meeting @ 8 p.m. in ST168B (CAPS seminar room). Signed contracts due to Nikki Gwin - the Prevention Specialist/Peer Advisor. |
| Tentative – Sept. 3rd, 2011 |
Peer Educator Training Day |
Fall 2011 – Spring 2012 Semester Schedule:
Campaigns:
- Mental Health Awareness: September 19th – 23rd
- National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness: October 17th – 21st
- Great American SmokeOut: November 14th – 18th
- Impaired Driving: Nov. 28th – Dec. 2nd
- Health Body Image: January 23rd – 27th
- Sexual Responsibility Week: February 13th – 17th
- Safe Spring Break: March 5th – 9th
- Stress Reduction: April 16th – 20th
Late Night Events:Dates TBA
- Casino Night
- Girls Night Out
- Murder Mystery
- Scary Movie Night
*Brainstorming additional events/ideas throughout the semester.
Expectations for R.E.A.L. Peer Health Educators:
- Attend all dates with a smiley face.
- Plan, implement, and present at least one campaign a semester.
- Plan, implement, and facilitate at least two late night events a semester.
- Plan, implement, and conduct at least one presentation a semester.
- Actively participate as a member; fulfill tasks/PHE hours as assigned.
- Attend/assist with at least three additional campaigns and late night programs per semester.
Required Hours: 50 hours per semester
Hourly Rate: $7.00 per hour (received as a stipend at the end of each semester)
Human Resources: Before students can begin to work they must complete an I-9 and a Temporary Staff New Hire Form signed by Nikki Gwin (Peer Advisor). Peers will need to take two forms of I.D. (Driver’s License, Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, or Pass Port) to the Human Resource office located on the first floor of the administration building AD106 no later than August 19th to fill-out the proper paperwork before they can be employed by Southern Utah University as a R.E.A.L. Peer Health Educator.
E.E.R. Credit: For all new incoming freshmen who are required to earn their EER credits, the R.E.A.L. Peer Program is a great option for earning those credits. SUU’s Experiential Education Requirement (EER) is based on established experiential education pedagogy and best practices. The design and execution of the requirement affords students hands-on opportunities to gain practical experience while achieving a deep and rich understanding of the process of researching, planning, proposing, completing, and reflecting on a rigorous academic experience. These are skills transferable to any professional life. See chapter 14 in your SUU academic catalog for more information.
Please return completed application to:
- Nikki Gwin
- Prevention Specialist, Alcohol, and other Drug Education
- Counseling and Psychological Service office ST168Q or email it to gwinn@suu.edu
- (435)865-8435
Download Application
