Careers at RMU

Position Department: Counseling Center

Position School: Administration: No School

The RMU Counseling Center is recruiting a graduate assistant (GA) to serve as a crisis intervention liaison. The GA is required to live in a free on-campus apartment to serve as a resource for residential students. They will serve in an on-call rotation providing overnight response to students experiencing a mental health crisis on behalf of the counseling center. GA will also assist with administrative tasks, such as maintaining the counseling center’s local list of provider referrals, as well as being present at counseling center events, as needed. This is an excellent opportunity for graduate students interested in mental health, healthcare/wellness, or higher education to gain experience with mental health response, crisis management, and wellness promotion practices in an on-campus setting. Additionally, this position provides an opportunity for building skills in leadership, student engagement, and community outreach. The ideal candidate needs to be a collaborative, student‐oriented, and reliable individual. Extensive training will be provided prior to beginning work. Successful candidate will be on contract through the end of the 2025-2026 academic year and may be able to continue in their position following an annual performance review, as long as they are still enrolled in a graduate program at RMU.

• Provide evening, weekend, and overnight shift on-call mental health crisis assessment and intervention for the counseling center on a rotating basis - 1 designated weekday per week, approximately 2 weekends (Friday evening-Monday morning) per month

• Adhere to campus proximity requirements while on-call

• Consult with appropriate staff to determine next steps following crisis assessment

• Coordinate emergency services with the university police, residence life, and counseling center, as needed

• Meet resident students at the hospital when they are transported for mental health emergencies, as needed, and remain with the student until they are either admitted or discharged

• Complete required paperwork for the counseling center following a call with a resident student

• Have a working knowledge of the services that are available on campus and provide information to students, as needed

• Attend supervision meetings and periodic trainings with counseling center staff

• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with legal and ethical standards

• Complete additional administrative duties in the counseling center, as assigned

• Attend events of campus outside of normal business hours as a counseling center representative, as needed

• Other duties as assigned

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program at Robert Morris University

• Ability to work evening, overnight shift, and weekends, as scheduled

• Demonstrated understanding of crisis management, mental health, and wellness

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

• Strong organizational, administrative, customer service, and leadership skills, including the ability to receive and delegate tasks; ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Excellent coping skills and ability to handle stressful situations

• Ability to respond to the complex nature of student needs in a professional and timely manner in order to quickly recognize, assess, and determine appropriate plan of action in a crisis situation

• Demonstrated understanding of unique needs of diverse student populations and an ability to respond in culturally sensitive ways  

• Be in good academic, financial, and disciplinary standing with the university prior to and throughout employment

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program related to mental health, healthcare, or leadership

• Experience working around crisis situations, mental health, and/or wellness

• Experience working with survivors of sexual assault

Academic Years Preferred: First Year Graduate Student or Greater

Wage: 

• Tuition benefit

• Furnished on-campus apartment (valued at $1500 per month)

  • Includes utilities, Internet, kitchen, private bathroom, laundry, pet friendly

• Additional benefits and incentives available

Wage Frequency: Per semester

Is this position funded through Federal Work Study dollars?: No

Average Number of Hours Per Week: 20

Days of the Week to Work: Weekends, evenings, and overnight; occasional daytime work during the week

Anticipated Time Frames to Work: 5 PM - 8:30 AM on weekdays; Friday at 5 PM - Monday at 8:30 AM on weekends

Preferred Start Date: Jun 2, 2025

Anticipated End Date: May 15, 2026

Act 153 Clearance Required: Yes

Required To Pass a Motor Vehicle Report Check (If driving on behalf of the University): Yes

Required to Pass a Credit Check: No

Additional Posting Information: None

Special Applicant Instructions: Please provide a resume, cover letter, and three professional references upon application.

Robert Morris University is committed to increasing diversity in our community and actively pursues individuals from all backgrounds. Additionally, RMU complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please email humanresources@rmu.edu or call us at (412) 397-6270 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.

Students may apply to use their on-campus job for academic credit. This is incumbent upon the student completing the application process through the Career & Professional Development Center and receiving approval from the appropriate department head. Visit www.rmu.edu/why-rmu/campus-experience/cpdc/students for more information).