Resident Advisor

Description

Whatcom Community College welcomes applications for the Resident Advisor (RA) position in Cedar Hall. Reporting to the Residence Life Coordinator, this position provides support to residents and Residence Life, building a community of a shared understanding of sustainability and inclusivity.

Vision:

Residence Life Education at Whatcom Community College is focused on building a community of respect, sustainability and inclusivity through secure, welcoming, and engaging living environments that encourage and support the academic and personal success of residential students.

RAs will need to perform duties and responsibilities during holidays, 3-day weekends and all break periods as needed including on-call rotation duty. Residence Life must be considered the principle employer. Second jobs, odd jobs or part-time work are permissible only so long as they do not interfere with time, availability, and the efficiency of the RA job (It is suggested that 10 hours or less per week for a second job is a reasonable guideline).

Job Responsibilities

Administrative Tasks:

-Record and report any maintenance needed through work orders and follow up with maintenance and students in a timely manner.

-Teach, engage, and orient students to living in the community and support services on campus. Educate students regarding WCC Residence Life Handbook and policies.

-Perform other duties as assigned and/or delegated by the Residence Life Coordinator.

Community Development and Resident Support:

-Promote community development through programming, policy enforcement and involvement.

-Conduct hall/floor meetings throughout the year as determined by supervisor.

-Interact with each resident on a regular basis

-Build and maintain a relationship of trust with individual residents. Maintain objectivity, neutrality and confidentiality.

-Be aware of residents’ special circumstances (i.e., health concerns, peak stress times, emotional difficulties, academic problems, etc.).

-Be familiar with campus and community resources and make referrals as appropriate.

-Encourage resident involvement and interactions within the community.

-Lead residents in establishing community standards.

-Actively support the efforts of the Residence Life team in programming and advocacy efforts.

-Create a welcoming environment within the RA apartment/room and community areas.

Programming:

-Plan, coordinate, and facilitate on-going student programs and activities, including residence life orientation programs.

-Involve residents in the planning and execution of programs. Program intentionally to the needs of the community based on assessment.

-Link programming efforts to guiding principles and programming requirements.

-Create appropriate, effective advertising for programs.

-Cooperate with other groups who also organize programs in the residence halls, such as Student Life, Financial Aid, Advising, AIM, etc.

-Support other campus offices and appropriate student organizations.

-Complete program reports.

Policy Enforcement & Safety:

-Read and understand the Rules and Policies Manuals, Contract, Procedures and Philosophy.

-Educate residents about policies and provide clarification as needed.

-Enforce any and all policies being violated – be proactive in responding to hearsay violations.

-Perform safety and security checks and inspections of the suites and common areas as needed

-Serve as the emergency responder, trouble-shooter, and mandatory reporter for the community. This requires communicating to and following up with appropriate students and staff regarding needs, problems, and concerns in a timely manner.

-Document and communicate safety and security concerns through the incident reporting process.

-Maintain objectivity and strict confidentiality regarding student conduct issues.

Time Commitment:

-Attend and participate in all required staff meetings, ongoing in-service trainings.

-Perform duties and responsibilities during holidays, 3-day weekends and all break periods as needed including on-call rotation duty.

-Resident Advisors are expected to work approximately 20 hours per week.

-Actively support and participate in Housing-wide recruitment and selection activities as requested.

-Be visible, available and approachable to residents. This means being in one’s room/apartment on a daily and regular basis (several hours per day not including sleeping time).

-Post availability hours for residents to see.

-Notify supervisor when gone overnight.

-Residence Life must be considered the principle employer. Second jobs, odd jobs or part-time work are permissible only so long as they do not interfere with time, availability, and the efficiency of the RA job (It is suggested that 10 hours or less per week for a second job is a reasonable guideline).

-Extra time, effort, and commitment is required during move in and move out periods, vacations/breaks and other peak times.

Qualifications, Salary and Appointment

Minimum Qualifications:

-Possess a valid Washington State driver's license and current auto insurance.

-Pass a pre-employment drug test.

Preferred Qualifications:

-Demonstrated experience working in a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, gender/sexuality, and ethnic backgrounds and identities.

-Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills, including listening, writing, and problem-solving skills.

-Demonstrated knowledge in student development practices and experience in administering student programs in a higher education setting.

-Demonstrated experience teaching and facilitating dynamic, interactive, and innovative workshops and presentations.

Salary and Appointment:

-This is a 12-month (Sept 1 – Aug 31) stipend, non-permanent position with a stipend of $500 per month. The position includes compensated assigned housing/apartment. Apartment reassignment might occur based on student and departmental needs.

Start Date:

-As soon as can be arranged with successful candidate.

Application Due Date:

-For guaranteed consideration, application packets should be received by Friday, November 13th at 5:00 pm. Position open until filled.

Special Instructions to Applicant

A completed application consists of an online application and:

-Letter of application detailing relevant experience and how the applicant is prepared to meet the duties of the position.

-Diversity statement that demonstrates a commitment to pluralism and the ability to support a diverse workplace and educational environment.

-Current resume.

-List of five recent professional references with contact information.

To apply please visit us at:https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/whatcomcc