What are the responsibilities and job description for the Residence Life Educator position at Messiah University?
Position Summary
The Residence Life Educator (RLE) is a live-in, professional educator whose primary responsibility is to deliver a student-development focused curriculum and co-curriculum that supports the University’s mission while achieving undergraduate learning outcomes. The RLE educates to impact student’s intellectual, spiritual and personal development by teaching foundations for learning, leadership competencies, self-awareness, faith development and social responsibility. The RLE actively promotes a safe living-learning environment. They are also responsible for the recruitment, selection, teaching, supervision, assessment of learning and evaluation of 9 – 12 undergraduate student staff members, administration of up to 385 residents in residential spaces, and serving as an active member of the Residence Life team. This is a full time, 10-month position. Education Required Master’s degree in student affairs, higher education, counseling or related field required. Education Preferred Experience Required 1 year of post undergraduate residence life experience Experience Preferred Skills, Characteristics Required for Position
- Ability to see student learning as a central mission to Residence Life and to fully engage students in meeting desired learning outcomes.
- Demonstrated mastery of Student Development subject matter
- Demonstrated mastery of disciplinary methods for acquiring and expressing knowledge sufficient to initiate students in the search for new knowledge.
- Commitment to the development of delivering education in both curricular and co-curricular contexts.
- Ability to deliver undergraduate learning outcomes via creative pedagogies.
- Ability to demonstrate a commitment to service, reconciliation, and justice, and to teach students to effectively and ethically respond to the complexities of an increasingly diverse and interdependent world.
- Teaching ability, curriculum development and delivery, and assessment in in both curricular and co-curricular contexts.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the stages of student development and the importance of holistic education
- Ability to teach skills which promote analysis, reflection and communication.
- Demonstrated commitment to teaching an appreciation for aesthetic dimensions of life and promoting the process of learning as a life-long pursuit.
- Ability to educate students on how to make connections between faith and learning.
- Ability to teach students to develop the intellect and character necessary to express Christian commitments in responsible decisions and actions.
- Ability to increase students’ ability to discern their vocation.
- Demonstrated commitment in encouraging students to gain awareness of options for employment, voluntary service, and or graduate education.
- Ability to model Christian faith journey
- Ability to work collaboratively within the department and other departments
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Strong administrative skills
- Supervisory and decision-making abilities
- Strong verbal and written communication abilities 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; minor crises and issues are handled after hours by the On-Call RLE. In the spirit of the RLE position being live-in no more than four of the eight RLEs can be away from campus overnight at any given time when classes are in session.
3. In order to fulfill on-call responsibilities, RLEs are expected to have a valid driver’s license.
4. Presence when students are on campus in a key part of this role. Therefore, RLEs are encouraged to use paid time off / vacation time when classes are not in session..
5. Specific Terms of Employment : The position is renewed each year based upon needs of the Institution and the performance of the incumbent Residence Life Educator. Employment as a Residence Life Educator has a five-year term limit. Driving Requirements In order to fulfill on-call responsibilities, RLEs are expected to have a valid driver’s license. Essential Employee N / A Primary Duties 1. Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula and co-curricula for students in alignment with Messiah university undergraduate learning outcomes (ULO’s) and Student Success and Engagement Educational Plans. This includes teaching students to :
2. Deliver curricula and co-curricula in daily sessions with undergraduates as a follow up to expressed needs for their success, engagement and retention in addition to regular residential programming; daily one on one sessions and weekly meetings with individual and collective RA leaders; and weekly meetings with members of SSE division’s Touching Base team.
3. Communicate, promote, and hold students accountable to Messiah University community standards.
4. Facilitate educational conduct meeting weekly for students who violate the Code of Conduct by delivering and assessing curricula aimed at developing their Engagement, Personal Development, Interpersonal Development and Community membership (E.P.I.C.)
5. Prepare and deliver Resident Assistant leadership education in alignment with student leadership curriculum. This includes teaching RA’s to grow in competencies of :
6. Implement and perform assessment of curricula and staff to ensure excellent service, educational effectiveness and progress on student learning outcomes.
7. Academically advise undeclared students.
8. Teach HDFS-205 Principles of Peer Relationship
9. Teach SSE’s Becoming U extended orientation.
10. Develop professionally by keeping current in Student Development field, by continuing study, holding membership, participating in professional organizations and sharing with the department.
11. Evaluate students’ performance
12. Maintain student attendance and required records
13. Maintain regularly scheduled hours to advise and mentor students.
14. Provide administrative oversight :
15. Foster safe, hospitable, holistic living-learning environments that promote a sense of belonging for all students, encouraging ownership of student learning, engagement, development and well – being.
16. Coordinate and assist with retention efforts of students
17. Make intentional efforts to get to know your residents.
18. Complete special tasks and projects assigned by the Director of Residence Life.
19. Partner with the Director of Residence Life in department-wide initiatives.
