Community Connection Assistant

Position Information

Position Title

Community Connection Assistant

Department

Center for Service

Appointment Term

Academic Year (August - May)

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Job Summary

The Community Connection Assistant provides students with meaningful, hands-on work experience while supporting the mission and daily operations of a local nonprofit organization, school, or government agency. Through an off-campus Federal Work-Study placement, students become active members of a community organization and contribute to initiatives that address local needs and strengthen the St. Joseph area.

Community Connection Assistants will be matched with an approved local agency based on organizational needs and, when possible, the student’s interests, skills, and career goals. Students may gain experience in a variety of community-focused areas, including children and education, youth mentorship, literacy, food insecurity, homelessness, poverty, and other social and community needs.

Essential Duties

Duties and responsibilities will vary based on the needs and mission of the organization where the student is placed. Community Connection Assistants are expected to actively contribute to the organization and demonstrate professionalism, dependability, and a commitment to serving the community.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Support and advance the mission, programs, and goals of the assigned organization
• Assist with day-to-day operations and administrative functions
• Provide support to clients, customers, consumers, students, staff, volunteers, and community members
• Assist with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs, events, or community initiatives
• Provide direct or indirect support to individuals and families served by the organization
• Assist with outreach, education, communication, or community engagement activities
• Organize materials, resources, records, or supplies as needed
• Support volunteers and staff with organizational projects and activities
• Assist with current programs and contribute to the development or expansion of future programming
• Complete assigned projects and responsibilities in a timely and professional manner
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and follow the policies, procedures, and expectations of the assigned organization
• Represent Missouri Western State University and the Center for Service in a professional and positive manner within the community

Required Qualifications

• MoWest Student
• Degree Seeking
• At least an overall 2.0 GPA
• Enrolled at least part-time
• Must be able to meet the work schedule and expectations established by the assigned community organization.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to professionalism, dependability, and community engagement.
• Must qualify for federal work study.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous work, volunteer, service-learning, internship, or community engagement experience
• Experience working with children, youth, families, or diverse populations. Interest in nonprofit, education, social services, public service, community development, or related fields
• Previous experience working as part of a team or in a community-based organization
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with staff and volunteers
• Strong interest in developing professional skills through hands-on community-based work

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good communication skills
• Professionalism
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Problem-Solving ability
• Teamwork- Build strong, positive working relationships with supervisors and coworkers
• Attention to detail
• Adapability

Physical Demands

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

Additional Demands

Location where duties are to be performed

Various locations across the St Joseph community.

Federal Work Study

Required

Hours of Work

Typical schedules will range from 12–15 hours per week.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

ST301P

Number of Vacancies

2

Open Date

08/24/2026

Priority Deadline

04/30/2027

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions Summary

All students are encouraged to apply for Federal Work Study. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit all requested documentation (if applicable) for your eligibility to be determined.

This position requires a student who has Federal Work Study eligibility. For more information on Federal Work Study eligibility, contact Financial Aid. (Eder Hall 103; 816-271-4361; website)

Possibility of earning college credit for work completed. Inquire for more details.