Rapid Response and Community Support Specialist

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Affairs Rapid Response and Community Support Specialist is part of the Student Affairs division at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for providing coordinated, real-time response to student-related crises, incidents, and high-impact events across the University. This position plays a critical role in ensuring student safety, wellbeing, and continuity of care by delivering responsive, student-centered interventions and collaborating with campus partners. Reporting directly to the Student Affairs Response Team Manager, the Specialist works closely with Public Safety, Residential Experience, the Student Care Network, and other key stakeholders to assess, respond to, and manage a wide range of complex student situations. The Student Affairs Rapid Response and Community Support Specialist serves on a highly visible and dynamic response team, providing 24/7 on-call support and on-the-ground intervention for student crises, demonstrations, and emergent situations. This role requires strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate effectively in high-pressure environments. The Specialist coordinates institutional responses, facilitates communication among stakeholders, and ensures appropriate follow-up and transitions of care for students. Through proactive relationship-building and engagement, this position supports a safe, responsive, and supportive campus environment.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is necessary.
At least two years of experience in higher education or crisis response is necessary.
Demonstrated ability to manage high-pressure situations is required.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in higher education, counseling, social work, or a related field is preferred.
Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation is preferred.
Strong communication and collaboration skills are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve on the Student Affairs Rapid Response and Community Support Team, a comprehensive crisis and incident management system that is responsive, flexible, and engaged in the University community, and provide direct, on the ground responses with discretion and effective decision-making.
Participate in a comprehensive training program for response team staff, including crisis response, trauma-informed practices, mediation and conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and coordination with campus and community partners.
Build and sustain relationships with students in residential communities, student organizations, and other spaces.
Execute 24/7 incident response involving students, including individual student crises, demonstrations and protests, event-related incidents, and other emergent situations.
Coordinate institutional responses to individual student crises, including mental health emergencies, safety concerns, behavioral incidents, and other urgent student needs.
Manage demonstrations, protests, and high-impact student activities and events, ensuring appropriate planning, monitoring, and response in collaboration with students, student organizations, and campus partners.
Participate in the University Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during large-scale events or emergencies involving students.
Engage with parents related to emergencies, crises, and/or incidents, as needed.
Coordinate response and support efforts in residence halls or for student living off campus when students require immediate support or intervention.
Assist with mediation or conflict resolution for conflicts involving students or student groups.
Elevate issues to the Manager or Associate Dean, when needed, and ensure clear and consistent documentation of responses.
Collaborate with campus partners including Public Safety, Residential Experience, Student Care Network, Office of the General Counsel, and Communications to ensure coordinated, consistent, and student-centered responses.
Coordinate transitions of care following crises or incidents by connecting students to appropriate campus and community resources for ongoing support and follow-up.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Contribute to the broader mission and objectives of Student Affairs and the University by serving on divisional and institutional committees, task forces, and working groups.
Actively participate in key divisional initiatives and events, including Move-In Day and all-division meetings and gatherings.
Maintain a working knowledge of relevant university policies, procedures, and systems—such as those related to travel, procurement, expense, and time reporting—to ensure effective, compliant, and responsible operations.
Demonstrate a collaborative spirit by supporting divisional colleagues and engaging in efforts that advance shared goals and strategic priorities.