VSA Head of Student Care and Well-Being

Programs for Talented Youth, Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Assistant Director of VSA, the Head of Student Care & Wellbeing takes full responsibility for the social, emotional, and physiological health of Vanderbilt Summer Academy students. This position is multi-faceted and will require candidates to be flexible and work in a dynamic, ever-changing environment while managing multiple tasks. Not only are you responsible for nurturing and shaping a strong and welcoming environment for VSA students, but this position will collaborate with various VSA teams to support the overall experience of all VSA students. This role may require candidates to take the lead in one or more of the following areas: Student Allergy Support, Accessibility, Medication Distribution, Student Morale, Student Logistics, SWAG, Staff Morale, etc. This position requires flexible weekend hours.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Must be over 21 years old.
• 2-5 years of experience working with children/teens in a full-time professional capacity (previous VSA or Residential experience will be considered).
• Must be a self-starter and able to lead with little direction.
• Demonstrate exceptional maturity and character.
• Have experience communicating with parents or key stakeholders of an organization (both verbally and in writing).
• Embody a strong team-player ethic and sense of humor.
• Possess cultural sensitivity awareness and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Be able to successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.
• Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors.
• Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials.
• Must be able to traverse distances of at least one mile, including stairs, with or without accommodation.
• Must be able to lift and/or maneuver at least 40 lbs. with or without accommodation.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Be a certified education professional (school counselor, teacher, school leadership team member, etc.).
• Possess or be pursuing a Master’s degree in education, school counseling, social work, psychology, higher education, student affairs, etc.
• Previous experience as an RA, Area Coordinator or residential staff at a university or camp.

Responsibilities

• Establish an environment of support for staff and students.
• Serve as a resource to students who may need extra guidance when dealing with any of the following issues: personal, academic, relational, social, or interpersonal.
• Support and encourage students struggling with anxiety, homesickness, making friends, adapting to the program, etc.
• Handle unexpected student concerns, including but not limited to: student illness, violations of the VSA community code of conduct, anxiety attacks, etc.
• Serve as a resource to area coordinators, residential proctors, and academic proctors on how to properly support students in their groups/classes.
• Empower academic and residential staff to engage with their students in respectful, meaningful, and thoughtful ways.
• Facilitate communication among various staff members to support the student experience.
• Work closely with other leadership team members to accomplish program goals and address concerns in a timely manner.
• Check in with students regularly who were referred to Student Support or have written support plans.
• Support Students who go to the clinic/hospital for illness or physiological symptoms based on the recommendation of the VSA Nurse.
• Master VSA policies concerning medication intake (check-in) and distribution/logging, OTC medication distribution, health log processing and hospital/clinic visit procedures.
• Master SchoolDoc systems and processes including the EMAR and Health Log.
• Collaborate with VSA nurses and Program Assistants when supporting students with health concerns.
• Develop accessibility accommodations and strategies for students/staff who have limited mobility or have shown difficulty participating in VSA activities.
• Engage willingly as a team player with humor, enthusiasm and a compassionate understanding of middle and high school students.
• Enthusiastically adapt and pivot as needed to ensure optimal, engaging, and safe student experiences.
• Be willing to complete driving requirements in order to operate a university designated vehicle.
• Exemplify VSA’s purpose, identify and communicate the cornerstones of a respectful residential and academic community and serve as a role model for all staff and students.
• Uphold and enforce all program and University rules as outlined in staff and student handbooks.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, demanding work environment that requires continuing flexibility, a positive and caring attitude, and collaboration.
• Must be familiar with the responsibilities of being a mandatory reporter.
• Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Making a difference through investing in the lives of gifted and high achieving young scholars.
• Working at one of the most prestigious universities in the nation.
• Loving what you do while building your resume with leadership experience.
• Joining a team of dedicated staff who are passionate about developing talent in gifted students.
• Competitive compensation with meals provided during scheduled shifts.
• $26.00/hr
• This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level