Be a Resident Assistant

Successful candidates for our RA teams will be selected based on how they demonstrate their leadership capabilities and  from their experience in a residential environment (or other customer care setting).

Residential Services will be looking for evidence of:

• awareness
• sensitivity
• discretion
• ability to work independently and confidently without constant supervision in a variety of situations

These situations may require quick thinking, a friendly disposition, an ability to communicate effectively & often a smile!

You will live in University residences

RAs are required to live in University residences and take an active role in the ResLife Community facilitating a positive student environment.

They are required to respond to any incidents that may occur whilst on call  which may involve visiting flats / houses and to provide a connection between the university and its residents.

The emphasis is on fostering a supportive residential environment, so residents exceed their academic expectations whilst enjoying the benefits of living in University accommodation.

RAs play an important role in promoting positive lifestyle choices and ensuring the health and safety of all students.

Apply if you can...

• Confidently approach and positively communicate with students in all sorts of situations.
• Listen empathetically and advise students.
• Work on your own and as part of a team to keep residents safe and happy.
• Work with the ResLife team and signpost students to appropriate support services as required.
• Handle difficult situations.
• Make decisions.
• Report and liaise effectively.
• Retain your sense of humour and enjoy living in University accommodation!
• Have access to a Smart Phone and or Lap top for report writing

Job Title

Resident Assistant (RA)

Department

Residential Services, reporting to ResLife Coordinators

Roles available

Job purpose

Resident Assistants live in accommodation and take an active role in creating thriving campus communities.

This may include dealing with incidents that occur whilst on duty,  creating, supporting and promoting ResLife events and providing a link between the Residential Services team and residents.

Role and Responsibilities

• Assist with the arrival and induction of new residents. including the setting up  the accommodation and showing residents to their rooms.
• Participate in University Open Days and information sessions.
• Provide pastoral support and signpost residents to appropriate support services as required.
• Conduct monthly flat chats and routine health and safety checks.
• Assist with Fire Drills each semester.
• Create, support and promote all Reslife Events, encouraging participation from residents.
• Awareness of all Reslife Policies and Procedures.
• Ensuring that all noticeboards and Resident information is kept up to date.
• Respond to out of hours incidents whilst on call.
• Carry out various duties at the request of Reslife staff.

What's in it for you

• Meet new people from various cultures and backgrounds.
• Develop new skills and build confidence.
• Development of communication and mediation through accredited training.
• Enhance your CV with a comprehensive training and induction programme including First Aid, Safe Talk and Conflict and Mediation.
• The opportunity to gain valuable experience and network of fellow University employees.
• Experience of working as part of a diverse team within a busy Reslife office.
• Mentoring and leadership skills.
• PLUS money off your rent!!

Scope

• RAs will be part of a team operating on a rota and will normally be on duty at least two nights per week plus overnight on call and one weekend in four from 4pm Friday until 5pm Sunday.
• RAs are appointed to contribute to the creation of thriving campus communities and will be expected to be aware of issues affecting our residents.
• RAs will have a cohort of residents in a designated area for which they are responsible.
• RAs will be expected to assist other staff in the event of a major incident or as requested by Reslife staff at any time.
• RAs are required to live in the accommodation as their principal residence for the duration of the contract.
• RAs are expected to create a sense of community by championing events throughout the year in conjunction with Students Union and Sports Services.
• An RA is expected to exhibit a high level of commitment for the role and show initiative and self discipline.
• RAs performance will be monitored on an ongoing basis.