Assistant Director for Sexual and Interpersonal Violence and Student Support Services

Department: University Life - Student Support and Advocacy Center

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Arlington, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Salary: Salary range starting mid $60k; commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) is committed to providing an empowering environment for all Mason students to seek support services and explore healthy life choices. The Center offers educational programming, one-on-one consultations, and resources in the areas of sexual and interpersonal violence, financial well-being, basic needs, substance use, and collegiate recovery. SSAC staff assist students encountering barriers to personal success. SSAC staff members are committed to learning about the dynamics of privilege and oppression and how these impact equity, access, and opportunity in higher education and the workplace. They recognize the importance of intersectionality and the lived experiences of diverse people, and strive to offer programs and services welcoming all students and their relevant needs.

About the Position:

The Assistant Director for Sexual and Interpersonal Violence and Student Support Services reports to the Associate Director of the SSAC, and is based at the Mason Square campus in Arlington, VA. The Assistant Director supports student survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence, as well as other students in distress via direct assistance and connection to university and local resources. The position has some programming responsibilities, but is primarily focused on direct service. The Assistant Director is a professional, who is committed to fostering the holistic growth of students while striving to maintain the well-being and safety of the University community.

Responsibilities:

• Direct Student Support:
  • Conducts intake and screenings with student survivors of sexual assault, sexual harassment, interpersonal violence, and stalking, as well as with students in distress who are facing other barriers to personal success. Provides case management of student survivors and students in distress. Provides compassionate navigation of campus and community resources to all students. Accompanies student survivors to meetings with Title IX and George Mason University Police Department as requested by the student. Supports student survivors in developing options for maintaining safety and/or action plans in the event of an escalation of violence. Maintains open and regular communication with SSAC staff at the Fairfax campus and University Life staff at Mason Square to provide consistent support to students. Serves as a member of the University Care Team. Ensures that student records are maintained following University policies and applicable laws and are readily available to internal staff. Maintains confidentiality of student records per University policy, local, state, and federal laws. Cultivates an understanding of the campus approach to supporting students in distress and survivors, including best practices and innovations, and shares with Center leadership to improve services.

• Outreach, Consultation, and Prevention:
  • Supports SSAC prevention and outreach initiatives at Mason Square. Assists in the creation and delivery of workshops and other prevention programs relating to areas of responsibility. Assists in the development of resources and support options for student survivors and students in distress within and outside of the university. Provides information, resources, presentations, and consultations on supporting students in distress and survivors and related topics, such as case management, content expertise, and trauma-informed practices.

• Collaboration with Mason and Community Entities:
  • Identifies, develops, and maintains strong working relationships with relevant University and community agencies, especially those based in Arlington. As requested by the Director or Associate Director, serves on and participates on committees. Assists the Director and Associate Director with special projects related to the field of sexual and interpersonal violence, students in distress, and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Related experience typically obtained in one or more years of progressive full-time work;
• Previous work or volunteer experience with direct support of survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence, including safety planning and screening for lethality;
• Knowledge of current national research and trends in regards to supporting survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence;
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills;
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills;
• Ability to build and maintain successful collaborative relationships in a diverse campus community;
• Ability to work in a high-paced environment with frequent interruptions;
• Ability to be accurate in the performance of duties and attention to detail;
• Ability to maintain and manage confidential information; and
• Ability to operate various software programs, including Guardian software and Microsoft Office products.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Progressive experience (typically obtained in one or more years) in a university setting within student affairs or equivalent;
• Previous experience developing and delivering educational programs, prevention efforts, and trainings;
• Assessment experience;
• Knowledge of current national research and trends in regards to supporting college students in distress;
• Knowledge about the development and delivery of education programs, prevention efforts, and trainings; and
• Ability to effectively engage with committees, student groups, administration, and community agencies.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Assistant Director for Sexual and Interpersonal Violence and Student Support Services at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date:  June 21, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  July 5, 2024

Open Until Filled?:  Yes