Upward Bound Resident Advisor

Length of Job: As needed through the fiscal year (ends August 31 of each year). Spring break trip typically in April, Simpson University residential week typically the second week of June. Field Trip typically week 6 during the third week of July. Overnight college visits during the academic year.

Job Description: Simpson University Upward Bound (UB) seeks RAs to supervise and advise high school students during our summer residential program, as well as during our field trips during spring break, the summer program, and the academic year. UB provides academic and enrichment activities to about 60 high school students per grant who come from low-income families where neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree. The program offers a summer residential component focused on enhancing the academic skills of the participants and provides participants with fast-paced, intensive academic coursework and other social, cultural and recreational enrichment activities.

The residential week positions are live-in, full-time/temporary positions typically scheduled from the second week of June, which provide experiential learning opportunities for college students and college graduates wishing to gain practical experience working with youth in academic and social development. The spring break and summer program trips are typically four to seven days on the road visiting various college campuses throughout the western states.

Upward Bound is not just a summer job; it is a commitment to educational equity and an extension of our service to the community. Our charge is not only to increase the number of students who go to college, but to also help shape our participants into future leaders.

Responsibilities: Through this position, RAs will enhance leadership, organizational, problem solving and communication skills in a safe, educational environment, while enhancing their ability to establish and maintain meaningful and professional student relationships. Resident Advisors will lead students in enrichment activities with a social skill-building focus. RAs will:

• Develop positive and supportive relationships with Upward Bound students, mentoring them on academic, personal, social, and college/career concerns.

• Maintain appropriate, professional boundaries with students.

• Assist in establishing and maintaining a positive and safe environment in the UB residence hall for students and staff, creating an atmosphere that appreciates the diverse cultures, traditions, lifestyles, and beliefs of all students.

• Lead group study sessions, including tutoring and teaching study skills.

• Take primary responsibility for students in his/her group, by monitoring academic, personal and social progress and updating other staff as necessary.

• Lead and participate in free time and structured evening activities.

• Conduct morning wake up calls and evening lights out rounds in the residence hall and hotels and provide supervisory coverage as needed.

• Maintain student confidentiality as appropriate.

• Handle and/or refer student disciplinary issues, crises and personal issues to UB career staff.

• Assist in monitoring students’ arrival and departure during residential week as well as overnight trips.

• Lead and/or accompany students on daily field trips.

• Coordinate with full-time staff and attend all staff meetings.

• Maintain program rules and expectations by reinforcing and implementing the policies in the Simpson University Upward Bound Handbook.

• Assist in maintaining safety and security in the residence halls and hotels, including taking responsibility for Simpson University, hotel, and UB property.

• Perform other tasks as reasonably assigned by Upward Bound Advisors and/or Director.

Qualifications: Applicant must be a college graduate, or currently enrolled in college, in good academic standing and have completed at least two years of college. Must possess strong leadership qualities and have the ability to function as a team player. Also important:

• Must be able to communicate constructively and effectively.

• Must be sensitive, respectful and understanding of the needs of economically and academically disadvantaged, ethnically diverse high school students.

• Must be able to establish and maintain a trusting and productive working relationship with program students and staff.

• Must possess the commitment and stamina to participate constructively in potentially stressful personal interactions and situations.

• Experience working with low-income students in a residential setting is highly desirable.

• Valid California Driver’s License is preferred.

General Expectations:

• Personal relationship with Jesus, a vibrant Christian faith, and a commitment to Christian community; capable of sharing faith and engaging in conversations about Christ

• Demonstrate Simpson University Values in the performance of all duties

• Maintain lifestyle in accordance with Simpson University Lifestyle Policy in Staff Handbook

• Maintain the confidentiality of information, data and records

• Properly exercise tact, diplomacy, discretion, and professional judgment

• Demonstrate strong customer service skills in the performance of job duties

• Demonstrate good organizational and communication skills in the performance of job duties

• Supervises employees in accordance with Simpson University policies and procedures

• Support the overflow needs of other departments within the respective university area

• Perform other duties in accordance with this position as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor

Note: The individuals selected for these positions would need to satisfactorily complete a background check regarding their ability to work with children, pursuant to California state law.

The screening of applications will continue until the positions are filled. Simpson University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

$18/ hourly