Job Details
Job Title: Residence Hall Graduate Assistant
Department: Life & Career Studies Program
Reports To: Life & Career Studies Partnership & Program Coordinator
Status: Part-time, an average of 24 hours per week, 40-week contract (end of July to mid-May)
Salary: $13/hr. Private suite in staff-only residence hall provided.
Summary
The Life & Career Studies Program offers inclusive learning opportunities for adults with intellectual disability, Calvin University is looking for a dynamic, motivated individual to be a Residence Hall Graduate Assistant in Beets-Veenstra hall. In this position, you will act as a role model, and ensure the safety and inclusion of Life & Career Studies students on-campus. Responsibilities will include performing in-person checks, encouraging participation in residence hall events, problem-solving with residents, assisting with roommate disagreements, scheduling safe transportation, and responding to emergency calls. In addition, the Residence Hall Graduate Assistant will be responsible for organizing Special Olympics initiatives and co-teaching a weekly housing class that will be required for every Life & Career dorm resident.
This position will regularly require weekend hours but will have one planned weekend off per month.
The Life & Career Studies program is passionate about serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disability and empowering them to gain independence and employment skills. We are looking for a team member with the same passion for impacting the lives of those around them.
Spanish-speaking applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
This position is a 40-week, part-time, live-in position. This position is a one-year contract with the opportunity to be renewed.
Specific job duties:
1. Assist the supervising Area Coordinator(s) with providing overall leadership to Life & Career Studies students living on-campus.
2. Be the primary contact and support for Life & Career Studies residence hall students. This includes completing a morning check-in (7 - 8 AM) on designated days. In addition, must also be available to handle emergency calls on assigned days.
3. Meet with students individually, when needed, to help problem-solve issues frequently experienced by students adjusting to dorm life.
4. Meeting with students individually to help them identify inclusive activities, and events they are interested in and facilitate peer connections.
5. Plan, organize, and facilitate the Special Olympics initiative for Life & Career Studies students and the broader campus community.
6. Help coordinate, promote, and decrease barriers to students' participation in dorm activities.
7. Assist in supporting students in the conduct process by advocating for appropriate intervention techniques while promoting student accountability for actions.
8. Assist in maintaining effective student relations by collaborating on retention efforts, roommate negotiations, and informal mentoring to students to contribute to students' success and growth.
9. Serve as an immediate supervisor for undergraduate student workers as needed. Provide training to promote continued professional growth in undergraduate staff.
10. Provide a weekly housing class, in collaboration with the Resident Director, to all dorm residents to ensure a successful transition and maintenance of independent living within a dorm setting.
11. Assist the supervising Resident Director in training and advising Resident Assistants (RAs) on topics directly related to Life & Career Studies students.
12. Attend regular weekly meetings with direct Supervisor and monthly meetings with Resident Director and Resident Assistants. Attend meetings with Residence Life, Student Conduct, and Life & Career staff as needed.
13. Participate in regular professional development and learning opportunities with other Graduate Assistants and colleagues when available.
14. Work collaboratively with professional and student staff on various seasonal projects such as:
a. RA & ILS Training (August)
b. Move-In & Move-Out (August and April/May)
c. Life & Career Room assignment process (March)
d. ILS Recruitment (March)
15. This job requires working on Friday-Sunday most weekends of the month. One weekend off per month will be planned. Other work days are flexible and negotiable.
Compensation:
The position is a 40-week, part-time (24 hours/week), live-in position beginning in August. Compensation is $13/hour. A private suite in staff dorm housing will be provided at no cost. Meal plan is provided.
Qualified Candidates will possess:
A Bachelor's Degree is required. Individuals with a degree in Special Education, Education, Social Work, or Psychology are strongly encouraged to apply.
A passion for our mission of working with people with an intellectual and developmental disability.
Previous experience working with the Ready for Life Academy, Life & Career Studies, Residence Life, or prior teaching experience preferred.
Should be enrolled or planning to enroll in a graduate program by Spring 2024 semester.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT
1. Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.
2. A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.
DIVERSITY COMMITMENT
Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.