Employment Opportunity | Sexual Violence Response (SVR) Program Peer Educator

Columbia Health is seeking students to work as peer educators. Peer Educators are an integral part of the Columbia community and student population as they serve as ambassadors in creating a community of care through prevention, education, and outreach for Sexual Violence Response. 

September 21, 2021

Position Description
Peer Educators with Sexual Violence Response (SVR) program are students of all identities who are committed to supporting SVR’s mission of eradicating sexual and relationship violence and all forms of gender and power-based violence in our community. Peer educators serve as leaders and ambassadors of SVR’s missions and values. Peer educators assist with outreach and prevention programming across campus to educate students and the community about thriving relationships, positive ways to communicate about sex and sexual behaviors, sexual health, healthy masculinity, and other topics aimed at engaging the community in honest and judgment-free discussions that help promote a community of care where sexual and interpersonal violence is not tolerated. Peer Educators also assist the professional staff with outreach and awareness month(s) programming and other education activities.

Benefits of Being a Peer Educator

  • Receive a formal Peer Educator Training Certificate for your portfolio.
  • Build your resume for graduate school and future employment.
  • Gain meaningful experience as an inclusive leader and educator.
  • Develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively present and facilitate both complex and sensitive information from an intersectional and trauma-informed lens/framework to small and large audiences.
  • Earn letters of recommendation.
  • Make new friends and be part of a team that works closely together.
  • Receive ongoing training on current sexual violence prevention and sexual health and wellness topics affecting college students and your community.

Commitments and Responsibilities

  • Successfully complete the SVR 35hrs. certification process prior to executing educational and outreach events.
  • Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality.
  • Attend regularly scheduled Peer Educator Advisement meetings and periodic continued education trainings.
  • Spend approximately two hours every week in the SVR office to prepare for workshops and support the office.
  • Help coordinate ongoing and generate new educational and awareness events programming.
  • Support at least three tables/events each semester.
  • Facilitate at least one workshop every semester (possibly more, depending on demand and availability).
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of the following:
    • New Student Orientation Programs (NSOP)
    • Student Leaders training
    • SVR's Sexual Respect & Community Citizenship programming
    • Activities for Relationship Violence Awareness Month (RVAM) & Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
  • Serve as leaders and ambassadors of Sexual Violence Response mission and values.

Desired Skills and Qualifications for the position (Not Required)

  • Interest and passion for community building and ending sexual and relationship violence.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Flexibility in schedule and availability.
  • Comfortable discussing difficult topics with people from a range of diverse identities.
  • Background in social/cultural studies, social justice, gender-based violence, and gender studies a plus.
  • If you have previously experienced an incident of power-based personal violence, you have taken measures towards taking care of yourself.

Please Note: While these skills are desired, we also recognize that individuals may have a passion for this work, but have not been involved previously. Please do not let these deter you from applying, we will help you achieve these skills and qualifications.

Apply to become a Peer Educator by completing the online application.