Life & Career Residence Hall & Community Living Support Graduate Assistant

Calvin University•Grand Rapids, MI

19h•Onsite

About The Position

Calvin University is seeking a dynamic, motivated Residence Hall Graduate Assistant to support Life & Career Studies Program (LCS) students living in a traditional first-year/sophomore residence hall. The live-in assistant serves as a role model and helps ensure students’ safety and inclusion on campus. The role includes working individually and in small groups with students to support their independent-living goals, connect them with social opportunities, and provide social coaching as needed. The position is part-time, averaging 27 hours per week over a 36-week contract from late July to May. Hours are flexible, but the assistant must work assigned weekends, including two to three weekends per month, and be available for emergency calls on two days and evenings. Compensation is $2,500 per semester, a private suite in the staff residence hall, and a $1,000 meal allowance per semester. Calvin University’s Life & Career Studies Program serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supports their independence and employment skills. The position works with the supervising LCS Housing Manager and collaborates with Residence Life, Student Conduct, and LCS staff. The assistant attends a weekly team meeting and participates in professional development and learning opportunities as available.

Requirements

Commitment to Calvin’s educational mission as a Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.
Commitment to the Christian faith and to integrating faith, learning, and student development.
Demonstrated awareness and commitment to building relationships and communicating positively across dimensions of diversity, including race, gender, physical limitations, class, and religious perspectives.
Ability to work assigned weekends and be available for emergency calls.

Responsibilities

Assist the supervising LCS Housing Manager with providing overall leadership to LCS students living on campus.
Be available to handle emergency calls two days and evenings, including two to three weekends per month.
Meet individually with LCS students as needed to help them problem-solve issues associated with adjusting to dorm life.
Help students identify inclusive activities and events of interest and facilitate peer connections.
Help coordinate and promote LCS participation in residence life activities and reduce barriers to participation.
Work alongside students to promote independent-living skills based on their individualized goals.
Support effective student relations through retention efforts, roommate negotiations, and informal mentoring.
Attend a team meeting one day per week.
Attend meetings with Residence Life, Student Conduct, and LCS staff as available.
Participate in professional development and learning opportunities with other Graduate Assistants and colleagues as available.