Job Descriptions

Resident Director (Professional Staff position)

Resident Assistant
Programming Assistant
Fire Marshal
Summer Front Desk Assistant
Summer Overnight Conference Assistant
Summer Resident Assistant

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

RESIDENT DIRECTOR

I. TITLE
Resident Director, Department of Residential Life and Resident Education
DIVISION: Student and University Life
LOCATION: 100 Upton Hall
SCHEDULE: Flexible, July 1-June 30

II. ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: Assistant Director of Residential Life and Resident Education
Supervises: 5-15 paraprofessional student Resident Assistants (RA) in 1-2 residence halls, 1 Lead Resident Assistant (LRA), 10-25 student Security Desk staff and in some halls 1 Program Manager
Advises: 1-2 Residence Hall Programming Boards
Coordinates with: All U.S.M. Departments including: Police, Counseling, Advising, Facilities Management, and Residential Life as well as, students and student organizations, parents and the general public.

III. STATEMENT OF THE JOB
The Resident Director serves as primary live-in administrator of one to two residence halls housing a total of approximately 200-400 students. The Resident Director's primary focus is to ensure that the residence hall(s) are safe, secure, clean environments which support the students' pursuits of an educational degree as well as their growth and development. In accordance with this focus, the Resident Director will create and implement activities and programs that are responsive to students' needs, develop community and are conducive to the academic mission of the university. The Resident Director works in cooperation with other University departments to create a caring and purposeful living-learning community in the residence halls. The Resident Director provides leadership in creating a residence hall environment which fosters understanding, appreciation and celebration of diversity among residents and staff.

IV. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
A. Supervision and Training Responsibilities
     1. Recruit, select and train 5-15 Resident Assistants and 1 LRA, and in some cases 1 Program Manager.
     2. Supervise 5-15 Resident Assistants and 1 LRAby:
          A. Conduct weekly staff meetings to review daily operations, and community and student needs.
          B. Hold regular formal supervision meetings with individual staff to review their concerns, successes and           suggestions in relation to their floors, and to cultivate positive working relationships.
          C. Maintain a regular, visible presence in the hall(s) to assist and support Resident Assistants in their roles.
     3. Assist in the development and implementation of staff training and in-service programs for the entire Resident      Assistant/LRA/Program Manager staff.
     4. Schedule staff duty coverage from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily in each residence hall.
     5. Conduct mid-year and/or year-end evaluations of Resident Assistants.
     6. Supervise Resident Assistants in completing room inventories, maintenance requests, room changes and key      distributions/collections and floor/hall programming and student conduct related issues.
     7. Recruit, select, train and supervise 10-25 student Security Desk staff.

B. Administrative Responsibilities
     1. Oversee the daily operation of the residence hall(s) including housekeeping, maintenance and room assignments,      in cooperation with the Residential Life staff.
     2. Assist in the development of department protocols and procedures.
     3. Assess and report repairs and/or damage to the Assistant Director for Facilities for proper action.
     4. Plan and coordinate a Student and Common Area Damage program in the residence halls.
     5. Assist in the planning for and the recommendation of immediate and long-term renovation needs.
     6. Supervise the opening and closing of residence halls.
     7. Serve in an on-campus emergency response on-call rotation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
     8. Assist in maintaining safety and security in the residence halls (i.e. noise control, fire drills, and emergency      maintenance reporting).
     9. Coordinate hall opening and closing procedures including the recruitment, selection and supervision of 30-40      Welcome Weekend volunteers.
     10. As all halls are 9 month, the Resident Director will coordinate all University break staff duty coverage and      communicate this coverage to appropriate University departments, such as USM Police.
     11. Work with USM Police in responding to campus incidents, emergencies and student problems to ensure an      acceptable living environment is maintained.
     12. Work in conjunction with the Office of Community Standards to provide paperwork and documentation of      incidents, coordinate informal hearings, attend Appeal Hearings to represent Residential Life.
     13. Serve as liaison for Residential Life to any specialty housing programs in the hall(s).
     14. Chair committees such as: Staff Selection, Sustainability, Weekend Programming, Training, Special Events and      Resource Room within the Department of Residential Life.

C. Student Development
     1. Develop and implement a comprehensive programming plan based on Student Development theory and      NASPA Wellness Wheel for the students residing in the residence halls.
     2. Create a residence hall environment that is sensitive to the diverse cultures, traditions, lifestyles and beliefs of its      students.
     3. Serve as resource to and provide training for the Hall Programming Board in each residence hall, working      closely with them to assist in the development of programming, to appropriately utilize their budget and to ensure      timely transactions with appropriate Residential Life staff members
     4. Work together with student leaders to provide a forum for student issues and concerns to be discussed.
     5. Coordinate in-hall new and returning student welcome programs.
     6. Assess student leadership needs and opportunities in the residence hall and at the University. Encourage and      omotivate student involvement in traditional and non-traditional leadership activities.
     7. Provide all students with information about residence hall and campus services, safety and security issues,      University and Residence Hall policies, and their respective reporting systems.
     8. Develop supportive relationships with the students in the residence halls. Meet with students regarding personal,      social and administrative concerns.
     9. Develop an awareness of the broad scope of student needs in the residence hall.
     10. Assist in providing students with support for their academic, vocational and counseling needs.
     11. Be available and visible in the hall at different times of the day and week so as to be accessible to a large      number of students.
     12. Evaluate, intervene in and/or refer student disciplinary issues, crises and personal issues and make      recommendations for responses based on behavioral concerns.
     13. Assist students with mediation and conflict resolution.
     14. Present and interpret residence hall policies and the Student Conduct Code to students.
     15. Investigate violations of the Residence Hall Contract and/or Student Conduct Code.
     16. Document possible infractions to be used by Residential Life and the Office of Community Standards.
     17. Respond to physical and psychiatric emergencies in accordance with emergency protocol at the University of      Southern Maine.
     18. Confront and report incidents of harassment, discrimination and intimidation against and by students, staff and      faculty.

V. MARGINAL FUNCTIONS
A. Participate in University activities and committees as a representative of the Department of Residential Life.
B. Assist with the recruitment and selection of Residential Life staff members as needed.
C. Assist the Division of Student and University Life in accomplishing the departmental goals of the Diversity Plan.

VI. BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Advise the Hall Programming Boards in budgeting funds and work with all appropriate Residential Life staff to ensure timely transactions.
B. Oversee funds for Resident Assistant programs, in-service training programs and Resident Assistant fall and spring training.
C. Participate in department goal setting, budget formulation and management process as needed with the Director and the Business Manager.

VII. PUBLIC/PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
A. Develop and implement a professional development plan with assistance from the Assistant Director.
B. Membership in state, regional and national professional organizations related to career of choice, such as NEACUHO, MASAP, NASPA or ACPA, is encouraged.

IX. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
A. Ability to communicate effectively with all types of people.
B. Ability to understand work to be done, organize that work and delegate tasks to staff members.
C. Ability to coordinate programs and processes, and to synthesize them into successful student and departmental services.
D. Ability to analyze information and to problem-solve.
E. Knowledge of, and ability to work within, a University environment with all of its constituencies.
F. Ability to conceptualize large projects requiring the integration of various systems.
G. Ability to work independently and use sound judgment to make decisions.
H. Ability to be an effective mentor to students and to appropriately advise university students about personal and vocational choices, including advising them as to what departments might be able to more effectively assist them with their particular issues.

X. QUALIFICATIONS
A. Required: Bachelors degree or completion of degree by July 1, 2009 and previous residence hall or related experience.
B. Preferred: Masters degree in college student personnel or related field.

Please submit cover letter, resume and three references to Jason Arey, 100 Upton Hall, Gorham, ME 04038; jarey@usm.maine.edu. Please reference Job #8579.
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RESIDENT ASSISTANT

RESIDENT ASSISTANT
A. Organizational Description
The Resident Assistant is a University of Southern Maine student staff member who lives and works directly with resident students. The RA is a campus leader who plays a crucial part in the development of campus community. The RA works as a peer, helping residents with the broad range of issues and situations that typically arise in a residential environment. S/he is selected by and reports to a member of the Residential Life staff.

B. Essential Functions
1. Provide information about, and make referrals to, University services and resources.
2. Plan and implement programs that consist of educational, cultural, social and recreational activities and programs that encourage the holistic development of residence hall students.
3. Assist in the administrative operation of the residence hall.
4. Assist in the enforcement of University and Department policies and regulations.
5. Participate in the official openings and closings of the residence halls at the beginning of the academic year, before and after official University breaks and at the end of the academic year.
6. Seek and maintain frequent and substantial communication with respective Resident Director and other appropriate members of the Residential Life staff.
7. Maintain frequent contact with all floor residents to track academic, vocational, developmental & personal progress.
8. Cover duty responsibilities in order to:
     A. Respond to emergencies according to emergency procedures.
     B. Work with other staff to provide a safe, supportive environment for students to sleep, study and recreate      appropriately.
9. Report in a thorough, timely manner, any facility issues in the appropriate manner.
10. Support the policies and procedures of Residential Life

C. Critical Skills
1. Demonstrate leadership potential and/or previous leadership experience.
2. Strong interpersonal skills.
3. Responsible and reliable.
4. Willing to respond to crisis situations
5. Willing and able to work as a member of a team.
6. Organizational skills.
7. Positive attitude.
8. Approachable.
9. Ability to appreciate the diverse nature of a residence hall environment.
10. Good academic and conduct standing with the University.
11. Intimate knowledge of the residence hall environment.
12. A willingness to learn about oneself and others.
13. Successful completion of 12 credit hours of course work at the University.
14. A commitment of one full academic year (or the remainder of such at the time of hire).

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PROGRAMMING ASSISTANT

PROGRAMMING ASSISTANT
A. Organizational Description
The Programming Assistant is a University of Southern Maine student staff member who lives and works directly with our Learning Communities (LCs). The PA is a campus leader who plays a major part in the development of community on their floor. The PA works closely with the RA and the RD to put on quality programs in our LC's.

B. Essential Functions
1. Plan and implement programs that consist of educational, cultural, social and recreational activities and programs that encourage the holistic development of residence hall students.
2. Participate in the official openings and closings of the residence halls at the beginning of the academic year and at the end of the academic year.
3. Seek and maintain frequent and substantial communication with respective Resident Director and other appropriate members of the Residential Life staff.
4. Maintain frequent contact with all floor residents to track academic, vocational, developmental & personal progress.

C. Critical Skills
1. Demonstrate leadership potential and/or previous leadership experience.
2. Strong interpersonal skills.
3. Responsible and reliable.
4. Willing and able to work as a member of a team.
5. Organizational skills.
6. Positive attitude.
7. Approachable.
8. Ability to appreciate the diverse nature of a residence hall environment.
9. Good academic and conduct standing with the University.
10. Intimate knowledge of the residence hall environment.
11. A willingness to learn about oneself and others.
12. Successful completion of 12 credit hours of course work at the University.
13. A commitment of one full academic year (or the remainder of such at the time of hire).

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FIRE MARSHAL

FIRE MARSHAL
A. Organizational Description
The Fire Marshal is both a University of Southern Maine student staff member who lives and works with in the residence halls, and a line fire fighter for the town of Gorham.
Fire Marshals conduct weekly fire inspections of the public areas of residence halls and sporadic room inspections, reporting findings to Residential Life, Facilities Management and the local fire department. Fire Marshals serve as call fire and rescue personnel for the local fire department. Fire Marshals also work to promote fire safety awareness and education through their role as resource personnel and their use of educational programming.

B. Essential Functions
1. Conduct weekly fire inspections of their assigned halls.
2. Report in a thorough, timely manner any safety related facility issues in the appropriate manner.
3. Serve as a liaison between the Department of Residential Life and the Gorham Fire Department.
4. Respond to emergency situations within respective residence halls and Gorham
Campus.
5. Plan and implement safety education programs for residence hall audiences.
6. Seek and maintain frequent and substantial communication with respective Resident Director and other appropriate members of the Residential Life staff.
7. Support the policies and procedures of Residential Life.

C. Critical Skills
1. Interest in fire safety and inspections
2. Able to complete all training required for employment by Gorham Fire Department
3. Strong interpersonal skills
4. Responsible and reliable
5. Willing to respond to crisis situations
6. Willing and able to work as a member of a team
7. Organizational skills
8. Positive attitude
9. Approachable
10. Ability to appreciate the diverse nature of a residence hall environment
11. Good academic and conduct standing with the University
12. A commitment of one academic year (or the remainder of such at time of hire)
13. Intimate knowledge of the residence hall environment

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SUMMER FRONT DESK ASSISTANT

SUMMER FRONT DESK ASSISTANT
A. Organizational Description
The Front Desk Conference Assistant is responsible for assisting the department of Residential Life in providing housing services during May, June, July and August. This position not only involves various tasks as outlined below, but also serves as an important public relations position for the Department of Residential Life and U.S.M.

B. Essential Functions
1. Act as front desk receptionist within an assigned resident hall
2. Assist with conference group/camp and individual student check-in and check-out
3. May assist with linen inventories
4. Assist with key and access card inventoried and preparation for summer guests and conference group
5. Preparing bulletin boards for incoming conference groups
6. Serve as information assistant with the hall
7. Perform other duties for the department as assigned

C. Secondary Functions
1. Perform additional administrative duties within 100 Upton Hall
2. Act as tour guide for visitors on campus
3. Perform room/hall inventory work as needed

D. Critical Skills
1. Ability to work independently on assigned projects
2. Ability to communicate effectively with all types of people
3. Ability to analyze information and problem solve
4. Ability to be flexible in work approach
5. Ability to be responsible in work approach

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SUMMER OVERNIGHT CONFERENCE ASSISTANT

SUMMER OVERNIGHT CONFERENCE ASSISTANT
A. Organizational Description
The Overnight Conference Assistant is responsible for assisting the Department of Residential Life and Resident Education in providing housing services during May, June, July and August. This position not only involves various tasks as outlined below, but also serves as an important public relations position for Residential Life and U.S.M. There may be certain times when there are no conferences in need of Overnight Conference Assistants. During those times, other duties within the department will be assigned.

B. Essential Functions
1. Provide front desk coverage to include group check in and check out, from 8 pm - 11 pm,
2. Design bulletins boards for floors.
3. Provide overnight duty coverage in an assigned hall from 11:00 pm to 8:00 am
4. Be prepared to respond to emergencies,
5. Connect and acquaint yourself with conference members during shift,
6. Check outside doors in building,
7. Perform other duties for the department as assigned,
8. Provide information to guests as requested,
9. Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings with Resident Director.

C. Critical Skills
1. Ability to communicate effectively with all types of people,
2. Ability to analyze information and problem solve,
3. Ability to be flexible in work approach,
4. Ability to be responsible in work approach.

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SUMMER RESIDENT ASSISTANT

SUMMER RESIDENT ASSISTANT
A. Organizational Description
The Summer Resident Assistant is responsible for assisting the Department of Residential Life and Resident Education in providing housing services during May, June, July and August. This position not only involves various tasks as outlined below, but also serves as an important public relations position for Residential Life and U.S.M. The RA is a campus leader who plays a crucial part in the development of campus community. The RA works as a peer, helping residents with the broad range of issues and situations that typically arise in a residential environment. S/he is selected by and reports to a member of the Residential Life staff.

B. Essential Functions
1. Provide duty coverage in the hall from 7:00pm-7:00am every night during the summer. Perform rounds from 7pm until midnight and forward the RA duty phone to your room and respond to calls.
2. Remain in the building from 7:00pm-7:00am when on duty, and un-forward the phone in the morning.
3. Assist with resident and conference check-in and check-out during your scheduled hours and as requested by the RD/RHC.
4. Assist in inventorying building/room furniture, keys, and access/meal cards.
5. Create and display appropriate signs, bulletin boards and safety information throughout the building.
6. Assist with the preparation of the hall for the summer season and for the transition to fall.
7. Dispense and collect assigned room keys, cards and other items from residents and conference guests.
8. Communicate appropriate information to other university offices (dining services, police department, conference department) regarding residents and conference guests.
9. Make contact, the RD on duty, and coordinators of any conference groups during your shift.
10. Perform scheduled rounds within the building.
11. Provide exemplary customer service to guests.
12. Compile paperwork pertaining to each conference/camp in a timely manner.
13. Assist with coverage in other buildings as requested.

C. Critical Skills
1. Demonstrate leadership potential and/or previous leadership experience.
2. Strong interpersonal skills.
3. Responsible and reliable.
4. Willing to respond to crisis situations
5. Willing and able to work as a member of a team.
6. Organizational skills.
7. Positive attitude.
8. Approachable.
9. Ability to appreciate the diverse nature of a residence hall environment.
10. Good academic and conduct standing with the University.
11. Intimate knowledge of the residence hall environment.
12. A willingness to learn about oneself and others.
13. Successful completion of 12 credit hours of course work at the University.
14. A commitment of the entire summer, during May, June, July and August (or the remainder of such at the time of hire).

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