R.E.A.L. Peer Health Educator

Position Title:

Level 1 Peer Health Educator

Goal:

The R.E.A.L. Peer Health Educators work in conjunction with the Counseling and Psychological Services office to create a presence on campus that links the community with the message of positive decision-making, and empowers the students to make a difference on campus through social and educational initiatives.

Primary Function:

Under the direct supervision of Nikki Gwin the SUU Wellness Specialist, Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Education, the Level 1 Peer Health Educator will:

• Assist in developing and implementing educational and social programs geared towards education of mental health, physical health, sexual health, healthy decision making skills, depression and suicide prevention, as well as alcohol and other drug issues.
• Assist in wellness campaigns/event overseen by Level 2 Peers and in partnership with various university departments, including Residence Life, SUU Student Activities, Athletics, Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Center for Women and Families.
• Become well versed on wellness and health related topics, including: alcohol and other drug use/abuse, nicotine use, healthy relationships (communication, abstinence, verbal/physical abuse, rape), and personal/mental health (body image, eating disorders, depression, suicide, etc.)
• Serve as a University role model and advocate for responsible and healthy lifestyle choices.

Qualifications:

• Must be a registered Southern Utah University student.
• Must be a role model for responsible and healthy lifestyle choices and enthusiastic about educating peers on wellness issues.
• Must possess strong verbal skills and the desire to present information to peers.
• Must demonstrate the ability to work with individuals and groups.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend all mandatory trainings and meetings.
• Register and attend the University 1020: REAL Peer Training during fall or spring semesters.
• Develop and implement outreach programs and workshops that educate the Southern Utah University community about AOD and health related issues as they relate to college students.
• Assist Level 2 peers in the facilitation of educational and social and wellness presentations and events.
• All other duties as assigned by the Peer Advisor and Level 2 Peers.

R.E.A.L. Peer Campaigns and Late Night Events:

• Mental Health Awareness
• National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness
• Great American SmokeOut
• Impaired Driving
• Health Body Image
• Sexual Responsibility Week
• Safe Spring Break
• Stress Reduction

• Casino Night
• Girls Night Out
• Murder Mystery
• Scary Movie Night

*Brainstorming additional events/ideas throughout the semester.

Expectations for R.E.A.L. Peer Health Educators:

• Attend all dates with a smiley face.
• Plan, implement, and present at least one campaign a semester.
• Plan, implement, and facilitate at least two late night events a semester.
• Plan, implement, and conduct at least one presentation a semester.
• Actively participate as a member; fulfill tasks/PHE hours as assigned.
• Attend/assist with at least three additional campaigns and late night programs per semester.

E.E.R. Credit: For all new incoming freshmen who are required to earn their EER credits, the R.E.A.L. Peer Program is a great option for earning those credits. SUU’s Experiential Education Requirement (EER) is based on established experiential education pedagogy and best practices. The design and execution of the requirement affords students hands-on opportunities to gain practical experience while achieving a deep and rich understanding of the process of researching, planning, proposing, completing, and reflecting on a rigorous academic experience. These are skills transferable to any professional life. See chapter 14 in your SUU academic catalog for more information.

If interested please contact:

• Nikki Gwin
  Wellness Specialist, Health and Wellness Program
  Counseling and Psychological Service office ST168Q or email it to gwinn@suu.edu
  (435) 865-8435

Interest Application

Level II Peer Health Educator Position Application