The mission of Neurodiversity Navigators is to support all neurodivergent students at Bellevue College through a social justice model. They provide educational opportunities to increase self-knowledge that leads to successful academic outcomes in the areas of executive functioning, self-regulation, social interaction, self-advocacy, and career preparation. Neurodiversity Navigators supports neurodivergent students with advocacy and access services and actively promotes a campus and community environment of inclusion and understanding of students, faculty, and staff with neurological differences.
More information about their program can be found on the Neurodiversity Navigators website. As a peer mentor, you will gain skills and ongoing training in areas such as Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), teamwork, effective communication, and administration. You will also become knowledgeable about neurodivergent cultural responsiveness and inclusivity. You will receive paid ongoing training, hourly pay, and documentation of your work experience.
Essential Functions/Typical Duties
Meet with assigned students each week to develop student rapport, share student experiences, and support student access to academics and campus life.
During meetings with students, utilize Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) to address barriers to success. (CPS is an empirically proven interpersonal communication method based on neuroscientific research.)
Maintain contact with students on a regular basis.
Track student attendance and participation.
Provide clear and accurate instructions for navigating Bellevue College programs, such as how to set up academic advising appointments or check for holds on student accounts. (They provide templates and training)
Write objective weekly reports to document student meetings for Director and Program Manager.
Attend weekly staff meetings and training sessions with other peer mentors, Program Manager, and Director.
Facilitate study halls for students as assigned.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Currently an enrolled (or recent graduate) university undergraduate junior or senior
Ability to work under pressure, and problem solve student related issues
Ability to organize time and materials, and meet deadlines
Proficient at reading and writing; effective composition, communication, and interpersonal skills
Willingness to learn new skills and theories
Ability to work independently without direct supervision
1 or more years of previous work experience in any field
Have access to reliable transportation (Bellevue College is bus accessible) or have access to reliable internet (while they are virtual)
Ability to commit to work 10-15 hours per week for at least one full academic year (fall, winter, and spring – some positions begin July 1, 2022, and others begin September 1, 2022 — you must be able to start on this date for training.
Desired Qualifications
Pursuing a degree in Psychology, Nursing, Speech Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Special Education, or a related field
Prior mentoring experience
Prior experience working with autistic or neurodivergent people
Previous experience working within a social justice model of disability
