Job Description

Title: Wellness Peer Educator
Employee Classification: Student Help Regular
Division Name: Student Affairs
Department: Health Promotion and Wellness

Job Summary

The Wellness Peer Educator serves as a student leader within Health Promotion and Wellness, advancing a culture of well-being across Illinois State University. Peer Educators deliver evidence-informed health promotion programming, facilitate peer-to-peer education, and support campus-wide initiatives aligned with the eight dimensions of wellness and institutional priorities.

Primary Responsibilities:

Peer Education & Outreach
• Deliver interactive workshops, presentations, and outreach activities on priority well-being topics (e.g. substance use, sexual health, stress, sleep nutrition)
• Facilitate peer-to-peer conversations that promote healthy behaviors and informed decision-making, coping strategies, and help seeking behaviors.
• Represent HPW and Redbird Well at campus events, resource fairs, and outreach initiatives

Program Implementation
• Assist in planning, implementing, and evaluating health promotion programs and campaigns
• Collaborate with student organizations, residence halls, and campus partners to expand program reach and well-being messaging

Health Communication & Advocacy
• Contribute to health messaging through social media, campaigns, distribution of promotional materials, and peer engagement strategies
• Promote health literacy and awareness using inclusive, student-centered approaches
• Support efforts that reduce stigma and increase help-seeking behaviors
• Serve as a campus ambassador for wellbeing initiatives

Leadership & Capacity Building
• Assist in staffing the department reception desk
• Participate in ongoing training aligned with NASPA Certified Peer Educator Competencies
• Serve as a role model and ambassador for healthy behaviors and community well-being.
• Contribute to team culture that values inclusion, equity, and belonging
• Actively engage with fellow students on health and wellness topics

Assessment and Continuous Improvement
• Complete program evaluations and assist in tracking participation and outcomes
• Provide feedback to improve effectiveness and student engagement
• Support data-informed decision making aligned with HPW strategic goals

Learning Outcomes
Students in this role will:
• Demonstrate competency in peer education theory and facilitation skills
• Apply health behavior theory to program design and delivery
• Develop professional communication and leadership skills
• Gain experience in program planning, evaluation, and assessment
• Strengthen understanding of public health and health equity principles

Additional Information

Student employees are eligible to participate in the University’s 403(b) Plan.  More information can be found here.

Pay Rate

$15/hour

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Interest in student wellbeing, health promotion, or community engagement.
• Reliable, organized, and able to work independently and on a team.
• Comfortable connecting with peers in person and working at events with high student interaction.

Preferred Skills (Optional)
• Comfortable speaking to peers in person to help them navigate resources on campus.
• Experience in event planning and/or customer service.
• Passion for wellness topics (mental health, physical health, stress management, mindfulness, education related to substance use of cannabis and alcohol).

Work Hours

• 10-20 hours per week. Work hours will vary, will be determined based on the student’s availability.
• Some evening and weekend hours may be required.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
-Effectively communicate on a daily basis

Proposed Starting Date

August 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Resume, Cover Letter and Work Availability

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

In addition, all appointments are contingent upon proof of eligibility for employment at Illinois State University to perform the required duties described above on your scheduled start date. The Immigration and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires all new employees to file an I-9 in person and no later than three days from the beginning of employment. This may be accomplished within the department or through Human Resources. A list of the types of documentation you will be expected to provide is available at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents. Failure to comply with this law will result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University, as your employer, is required by federal law to ensure proper tax withholding from wages and to ensure that the required reporting of employee wages, withholding, and employment taxes is accurate. For this reason, every employee must have a valid Social Security Number registered with the University at the time of employment and/or as soon after as possible, but no later than 45 days from the start date. Failure to comply with this law may result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University student employees are restricted to no more than 28 hours per week of on-campus employment for all positions held.

International students are restricted by their visa status to no more than 20 hours per week of on-campus employment when the university is in session but may work more when the university is not in session. International students should contact the Office of International Studies and Programs for guidance if they have questions concerning employment restrictions.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.