Job Description

Palo Alto University (PAU), a private, non-profit university, founded in 1975 and located in the heart of Northern California’s Silicon Valley, is a community grounded in values of social justice, dedicated to addressing pressing and emerging issues in the fields of psychology and counseling that meet the needs of today’s diverse society. The students at PAU reflect the diversity of the region, are engaged in their education, and committed to improving the lives of others. The University sees diversity in its staff and faculty as very important to serving its diverse student body (or synonymous with inclusive excellence). PAU offers undergraduate and graduate programs with online, hybrid and residential options. PAU has an engaged faculty who make significant contributions to their fields and prepare future leaders who make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. When you put all of this together, PAU creates a legacy of confident, competent, and compassionate professionals who are at the forefront of psychology and counseling and who move ahead in life by moving lives ahead.

Position Description

Job Title: Student Assistant

Department: Counseling

Reports To: Sarah Everley

Location: Remote

Employment Status: Part time (up to 20 hours/week)

Dates: September 1, 2026- June 30, 2027

Summary

The position would work closely with the Advising Operations Student Assistant and Faculty Support Coordinator to support student progression, maintain accurate academic records, with particular attention to students on a Modified Program of Study who require individualized course sequencing.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop and maintain modified Programs of Study for students whose academic plans deviate from the standard cohort sequence due to transfer credit, leaves of absence, course failures, schedule changes, or other approved exceptions.
2. Collaborate with the Advising Operations Student Assistant, Faculty Support Coordinator, and Faculty Advisors to monitor student progress toward degree completion and identify those at risk of delayed graduation.
3. Review student records to ensure enrollment aligns with degree requirements and each student’s approved Program of Study.

Required Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Currently enrolled PAU student (Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision, MSW, Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, and Psy.D. Clinical Psychology; Students enrolled in the M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are not eligible)
• Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Zoom, DocuSign, and e-mail applications required
• Detailed oriented and meticulous
• Comfort learning and using new technologies and databases
• Strong multi-tasking, time management and problem solving skills
• Demonstrated ethical and professional communication skills.
• Ability to take initiative, follow instructions, ask questions, and seek feedback as needed
• Available 10-20 hours weekly, including 2–5 hours of virtual meetings with students during weekday business hours

Application Procedures

PAU is committed to providing an educational environment that supports a diverse, equitable and inclusive population. In your cover letter, please include information on how your background and experience has prepared you to be in an environment that holds equity and inclusion core to its mission and values.

EEOC Policy

The University is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and in the application of its personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, employment decisions will be made irrespective of the staff member's race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition

(cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any other status protected by law. When necessary, the University will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, if the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform all essential functions of the position and if it will be done without undue hardship to the University.