What are the responsibilities and job description for the NEXT Steps (Certificate Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities) Resident Life Educator position at Messiah University?
Position Type
Staff
Employee Group
Administrative
Time Status
Full-Time
Time Category
Full Time (1560-2080 hours)
Annual Hours
1733
# of Months
10
Hours Per Week
40
Work Dates
July 29- May 25 (or the Friday before Memorial Day) but because a new RLE will need training, this position would start one week earlier.
Campus
Main Campus (Grantham)
Position Description
Position Summary
NEXT Steps is a certificate program for students with intellectual disability. The Residence Life Educator for NEXT Steps in a live-in, professional educator whose primary responsibility is to deliver a student-development focused curriculum and co-curriculum that supports the mission of the NEXT Steps program. The NEXT Steps RLE actively promotes a safe and healthy living environment for students in the program while teaching foundational skills in independent living. They serve as an active member on the NEXT Steps team. This is a full-time, 10-month position.
Education Required
Master’s degree in education, special education, higher education, counseling, or a related field.
Education Preferred
Experience Required
1 year of post undergraduate residence life experience; 1-2 years of experience working directly with students with intellectual disability.
Experience Preferred
1 year teaching experience
Skills, Characteristics Required for Position
- Strong knowledge of strategies to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong verbal and written communication abilities
- Strong administrative skills
- Skillful in decision-making and problem-solving
- Technology skills, including Microsoft and Canvas
- Teaching ability, curriculum delivery, and assessment
- Knowledge and understanding of the stages of student development and the importance of holistic education
- Ability to work collaboratively within the department and other departments
Special Working Conditions
1. Live-in position; 40 hours a week, with some hours during nights, weekends, and occasional holidays.
2. After hours and on weekends, the Residence Life Educators are a critical component of the Institution’s risk management model. RLEs are expected to respond as an adult neighbor in the event of a major crisis such as a natural disaster or fire. NEXT Stpes RLE will be part of the administrative on-call team.
Driving Requirements
n/a
Essential Employee
N/A
Primary Duties
1. Assist with the interview, and selection process for prospective NEXT Steps students
2. Develop lesson plans and teach Independent Living course and associated labs for NEXT Steps students (NEXT 030/L, 035/L, 040/L, 045/L)
3. Foster safe, hospitable, holistic, living-learning environment that promotes a sense of belonging for all students, encouraging ownership of student learning, engagement, development, and well-being.
4. Complete daily living walkthroughs for up to 24 NEXT Steps students to monitor and evaluate the condition of student living space
5. Complete well-being walkthroughs for up to 24 NEXT Steps students to assess overall health and personal needs
6. Maintain student attendance and required records via assessment tool
7. Respond as required/requested to student crisis
8. Serve on the On-Consult Administrative Response rotation and work in cooperation with safety, counseling staff, medical staff.
9. Make intentional efforts to get to know NEXT Steps residents
10. Develop, promote, and increase inclusive residence hall activities for NEXT Steps students and peers, as part of their co-curricular programming
11. Provide administrative oversight
a. Complete administrative responsibilities within the residence hall
b. Assist in the opening and closing of residence halls.
c. Actively contribute to NEXT Steps and SSE Divisional meetings
12. Complete special tasks and projects assigned by the Director of NEXT Steps
13. Partner with the Director of NEXT Steps in department-wide initiatives
14. Assist in maintaining effective student relations by collaborating on retention efforts, roommate negotiations, and informal meetings that contribute to students’ success and growth.
Secondary Duties
1. Participate in various committees through membership in the Community of Educators.
2. Develop professionally by keeping current in education field
3. Work collaboratively with other campus offices.
4. Other duties as assigned.
2. Develop professionally by keeping current in education field
3. Work collaboratively with other campus offices.
4. Other duties as assigned.
Supervises: # of Administrative
0
Supervises: # of Staff
0
Supervises: # of Student
0
Posting Date
03/20/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Application Deadline
Diversity
Messiah University’s commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence draws inspiration from its mission “to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.” The university has pursued this vision through a strategic planning process that encourages diversity through employee and student composition, campus climate, and an educational program that seeks to equip and enable educators and students to embrace diversity. Candidates should clearly articulate why diversity and inclusive excellence matter to them as persons of faith as well as in their profession. Candidates will speak to how as a potential employee, they will contribute to the advancement of this vision through their teaching-learning, research, institutional service, and public engagement.
