Employment Opportunities Information

Writing Center specialists, dedicated writing specialists, and writing center liaisons are hired on an ongoing, as-needed basis. Interested applicants may complete an electronic application or pick up a paper application at the Writing Center in Bldg. 26B, behind the big clock. The Writing Center may schedule an interview with the applicant based on completion of the employment packet and verification that the minimum qualifications have been met. Submission of an application packet does not guarantee an interview. For more details, please read below, or you can also contact Trista Payte at tpayte@mtsac.edu.

Apply to Work at the Writing Center

The Writing Center accepts applications at all times for the following positions:

1. Writing Support Specialist
2. Dedicated Writing Specialist 
3. Writing Center Liaisons  

If you are interested in applying for any of the above positions, please review the job descriptions, qualifications, and application procedures below for each position.

• • Job Overview

    1. Writing support specialists work one-on-one with Mt. SAC students on various writing topics. The main responsibility of a writing tutor is to improve student writers' skills. In order to do this, tutors should be familiar with the writing process, writing strategies, research strategies, and grammar rules. Paid training is provided.

    2. Dedicated writing specialists are placed and work with a specific English professor and class. Their duties include one-on-one tutoring and group tutoring sessions for their class held in the Writing Center. Tutors also support group work in the classroom. Additionally, tutors in the classroom are expected to create group writing topics, and be familiar with the writing process, writing strategies, research strategies, grammar rules, and all course-specific materials. Paid training is provided.

    3. Writing Center liaisons are responsible for checking students in and out of the Writing Center for tutoring, workshop, and lab use. The front desk staff also make tutoring appointments, answer all incoming Writing Center calls, and complete clerical work. Paid training is provided.

    
    Hours vary and are based on center needs and applicant's availability. Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Pay range is from $15.50-20.00 per hour.
    
    

  • Minimum Qualification Requirements
    Writing Support Specialist: APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERATION:
    

    • Strong writing skills and an enthusiasm for writing / talking about writing
    • Completion of at least one semester of college course work and of lower division writing requirement (1A or equivalent)
    • Effective interpersonal communication skills
    • Two faculty/professional recommendations on writing ability and people skills. These can be from a faculty member from any college you've attended.
    • Ability and willingness to work with students and coworkers from a diverse linguistic, cultural, and ability background
    • Basic computer familiarity

    Dedicated Writing Specialist: APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERATION:
    

    • Strong writing skills and an enthusiasm for writing / talking about writing
    • Completion of at least one semester of college course work and of lower division writing requirement (1A or equivalent)
    • Effective interpersonal communication skills
    • Strong organizational skills
    • Two faculty/professional recommendations on writing ability and people skills. These can be from a faculty member from any college you've attended.
    • Ability and willingness to work with students and coworkers from a diverse linguistic, cultural, and ability background
    • Basic computer familiarity
    • An interest in pursuing teaching is strongly desired

    Writing Center Liaisons: APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERATION:
    

    • Excellent communication and organization skills
    • Ability to multi-task
    • Experience working in a fast-paced environment
  • Application Procedures

    1. and 2. To apply for a position as a Writing Support Specialist or a Dedicated Writing Specialist, please submit a completed employment application packet, which includes:

    • An employment application form
    • A completed work availability form
    • A writing sample (an academic essay recently written that is representative of your skills is perfect)
    • Two professors recommendations, via our Smartsheet Referral Form or e-mailed to tpayte@mtsac.edu 
    • Submit your completed employment application packet  to tpayte@mtsac.edu 

    3. To apply for a position as a Writing Center Liaison, please submit a completed employment application packet, which includes:  

    • An employment application form
    • A completed work availability form

    Submit your completed employment application packet along with the required documents to the Writing Center, building 26B, or via email to tpayte@mtsac.edu 

  • FAQs
    • How flexible is the work schedule? 
      We are as flexible as we can be, knowing many of you are students first. 
      
      
    • Will my work schedule change every week?  Or will it be the same? 
      Work schedules are fixed for the entire semester. 
      
      
    • Is it required that I take tutor training before becoming a WC tutor?
      No, it is not. Tutors will complete training while working as a tutor.
      
      
    • What will I learn in the tutor training?
      Basic tutoring theories and methods with a focus on anti-racism, anti-ableism, and Universal Design practices that benefit all students. Training also covers defining tutor roles and responsibilities as well as effective tutoring session structure and organization.
      
      
    • Do you hire international students? 
      We do! Contact the director ASAP if you are interested in working with us. (tpayte@mtsac.edu)
      
      
    • What do you see as important attributes of effective writing specialists?
      Empathy and a passion for assisting others on their learning journey are both a must. Additionally, flexibility and strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills are key to the job.Content knowledge and understanding of effective tutoring strategies are also helpful, but will be covered in training.
      
  • Advantages of Being a Writing Specialist
    • participation in a valuable, student-centered campus program
    • a collegial, supportive work environment
    • the convenience of a job on campus
    • a flexible schedule
    • a career development opportunity for those who wish to go into a teaching or writing-centered profession
    • experiences that you can take to apply to other similar jobs at a university setting
    • experiences that you can include on your transfer application/resume 
    • a deeper and sharper knowledge of the English language
    • a healthy connection with faculty, staff, and other students