Community Advisor

1. Position Summary and Job Magnitude

The Community is a leader, role model, mentor, resource and support to the Residence Life Staff and the Residence Council. The primary objective of the CA and the Residence Life Department is to foster a community environment that eases the student transition into college/university and supports the personal and academic success of their students. The CA will live in an assigned residence room and be responsible for facilitating social and educational programs and creating a safe, respectful environment through the enforcement of the Residence Community Living Standards. This position is designed to prepare the CA for a professional role in Residence Life.

2. Essential Functions and Basic Duties

General Responsibilities

• CAs are expected to give the responsibilities of the position priority over all other activities except those which pertain to their academic success.

• Will be required to participate in the on-call schedule with other property managers

• As scheduled by the Residence Life Coordinator/Manager, CA will work between 40 - 44 hours per week.

  • Attending training sessions.

  • Assist with the development and delivery of training to other Residence Life Staff (RLS) and the Residence Council (RC).

  • Assist with the planning and facilitation of regular operational tasks of the residence, including student move-in and orientation.

• Wear the CA uniform as directed.

• Read, understand, and model the expectations of student behaviour detailed in the Community Advisor Conditional Offer of Employment, the Student Resident Agreement (SRA), the Residence Handbook, the Residence Community Living Standards (RCLS), and associated residence and college/university handbooks, policies and procedures.

• Be visible, approachable, and accessible during scheduled shifts and associated duties.

• Serve as a positive role model for others at all times; behaving in a manner that exemplifies the values of the residence and college/university community, maintaining high standards of personal conduct, and understanding that intimate personal relations with Residents are unwise.

• Attend all scheduled meetings, including but not limited to:

  • A one-hour weekly staff meeting; and

  • Regular individual reporting meetings with the Residence Life Coordinator (or designate).

• Attend all scheduled training sessions, including but not limited to:

  • Pre-service orientation and information sessions (1-2 days in April);

  • Residence Life Staff Property Training Program (1-2 weeks in August);

  • Residence Life Staff Training Conference (1 week in August); and

  • In-service training sessions (1-2 hours/month and 1 day in January).

• Remain in the residence during scheduled shifts and/or while ‘on duty.’

• After training, conduct level one violation meetings with residents and assign sanctions.

• Complete all other duties as required by Residence Management.

Programming/Community Development

• Work with the Residence Life Coordinator (or designate) to assess community needs and to develop monthly programming which attempts to address the needs identified.
• Develop and maintain contact with RLS through:
  • Holding regular office hours;
  • Chairing weekly staff meetings;
  • Meeting with individual RLS regularly; and
  • Reviewing daily and weekly log reports from RLS and providing feedback.
• Assist with the writing and presentation of RLS performance evaluations.
• Assist with the recruitment, selection and training of RLS.

Administration

• Complete all assigned administrative tasks, including but not limited to: incident reports, person of concern reports, programming logs, program evaluations, waivers, on-call shift reports, maintenance work orders, etc.
• Report any and all incidents, that in any way concern the Residence that become your knowledge, to a member of the Residence Management Team in a timely manner (incidents include, but are not limited to, Ambulance, Police, or Fire officials being called to the Residence, any breaches of residence rules or illegal acts in residence).

Student Support/Safety in Residence

• Respond to questions and concerns raised by the community in a timely and responsible manner.
• Assist with the resolution of conflicts in the community, such as roommate conflicts.
• Assist residents with personal, social and academic concerns and refer residents to appropriate resources as required.
• Respond to and provide assistance during residence emergencies or student crises.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality in regards to resident issues.
• Support RC executives achieve the objectives set out in the “Residence Council Terms of Reference” and/or “Constitution” or similar foundational documents.
• Facilitate RC recruitment, selection/election, and training.
• Attend and oversee the planning and facilitation of regular RC meetings, events and programs, including:
  • Weekly RC executive team meetings;
  • Monthly RC executive one-on-one meetings; and
  • Supporting facilitation of monthly Residence Forums.

Networking/Relationship Building

• Work in co-operation with other staff including but not limited to: the Residence Life Manager (RLM), the General Manager (GM), the Operations Manager (OM), Residence Service Representatives (RSR), other residence and college staff, student leadership groups and community partners.
• Serve as a liaison between the Residence Staff, Residence Council, the college/university, and students.

Crisis and Emergency Response

• Report any and all incidents, that in any way concern the Residence that become your knowledge, to a member of the Residence Management Team in a timely manner (incidents include, but are not limited to, Ambulance, Police, or Fire officials being called to the residence, any breaches of residence rules or illegal acts in residence).

Health & Safety

• Works in compliance with the provisions of the OHSA, regulations and internal policies and procedures and reports any contraventions to their supervisor.
• Uses or wears the equipment, protective devices or clothing that Campus Living Centres requires.
• Reports to the appropriate supervisor(s) any hazards, missing or defective equipment or protective device which could endanger any person.
• Does not engage in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct.
• Reports any risks or potential risks of violence or harassment encountered in the workplace immediately to supervisor.
• Knows, understands and implements safe work practices and procedures and employs established rules and procedures for handling materials, equipment and processes (e.g., reporting unlabelled containers, using proper lifting techniques, etc.).
• Requests that worn out or defective equipment be replaced, when appropriate.
• Uses equipment and materials only in the manner intended.
• Reports any injuries, incidents and unusual conditions immediately to supervisor.
• Inspects the work area and equipment daily and reports any hazards immediately to supervisor.
• Attends all required health and safety training programs (e.g. WHMIS, orientation), and applies knowledge to daily operating procedures at Campus Living Centres.

3. Performance Measurements

Performance will be primarily measured on the following factors:

• Initiative
• Inter-Personal Skills
• Customer Service
• Reliability
• Skill & Knowledge
• Quality of Desired Results
• Adaptability & Flexibility
• Organizing & Planning
• Overall Performance

Skills/Abilities:

• Must possess superior verbal communication skills.
• Must possess above average customer service skills.
• Must possess superior attitude towards learning.
• Must be able to handle multiple projects at once.
• A passion for leadership; excellent communication skills; positive attitude; team player.
• Demonstrated positive contribution to the residence community (and a clean student conduct record).

Experience Required:

• Previous leadership experience is an asset.
• Prior to the commencement of the term of the contract, each CA candidate must complete the following:
• Independent completion of ‘Standard First Aid’ & CPR Level “C” (must be valid for the duration of the contract term);
• Valid Criminal Record Check (will be conducted by Residence Management for successful candidates only).