Senior Community Leader(s)

Reporting to the Assistant Manager – Community Life (AMCL) and the Community Life Coordinator (CLC) (supervisor), the Senior Community Leader (SCL) is a part time, live-in student leadership position within the Department of Student Housing. This position is essential to the development of a positive community and learning experience for residents and Community Leaders (CL). As the primary support for the Community Leader team, and community residents, the SCL assists in the creation of a safe and welcoming environment for all community members. Working collaboratively with the Community Life Management Team (CLMT), the SCL contributes to the creation of an inclusive, supportive, and engaging community that fosters resident well-being, academic success, and personal development.

The SCL supports the implementation of the Community Development Program Model and the goals outlined in the Student Leader Handbook. In addition to the responsibilities of a Community Leader, the SCL assists with programming, conduct processes, team development, and administrative oversight for a group of assigned CLs.

The SCL also serves as an upper year peer leader, communicating and upholding the Community Standards, connecting residents to resources both on and off campus, and managing conflict and crisis situations. The foundation of the SCL position is to develop a supportive community that is conducive to academic and personal growth while enhancing the overall experience of living in Student Housing.

Duties and Responsibilities

Community Support & Leadership Includes :

• Acts as a peer mentor for a designated group of CLs, providing regular check-ins, feedback, and support.
• Supports team development and morale through initiatives, professional development sessions, and team-building activities.
• Provides coverage for CLs when needed, including attending floor / area meetings as a secondary support.
• Holds regular one-on-one meetings with assigned CLs and assists them in balancing responsibilities.
• Attends and supports team meetings, including weekly staff meetings and leadership development sessions.
• Demonstrates consistent presence in Student Housing to promote accessibility and support.
• Role Modeling, Strong Community Presence, Student Resource and Support. Community Leaders are peer leaders in the community and are expected to be professional and respectful of our diverse student population at all times.
• Model responsible community living by upholding all Student Housing and VIU policies, regulations, community standards, and expectations as outlined by the Student Housing Agreement, Student Housing Community Standards Handbook and the Community Life Management Team (RLMT) and the Student Housing Management Team (SHMT).
• Acts as a second point of contact and resource for students living in Student Housing.
• Connects with Community Leaders in assigned living area, prioritizing the development of personal relationships through attending events, door-to-door visits, one-on-one check ins, group chats, meetings, and other forms of communication.
• Is aware of community dynamics and addresses and mediates conflict in the CL Team and assists with their community conflicts as needed, referring up to their supervisor or manager as needed.
• Works to ensure that residents in Student Housing are promoting clean, safe, and welcoming shared spaces that all residents can enjoy.
• Acts in a respectful and professional manner in all interactions with students and staff.
• Respects and supports the diversity of the Student Housing community by promoting a space that is inclusive to all persons regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, national heritage, and lived experiences.
• Follows the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and maintains the principles of confidentiality.

Community Engagement Includes :

Community Safety & Conduct Support Includes :

Participates in staff meetings and one-on-one meetings. An example of this schedule is outlined below and is subject to change : Monthly one-on-one meetings with the CLC or as needed

Weekly Conduct Meeting

Additional check-ins with the AMCL or SHMT

Weekly meetings with the Community Life Team (1-hour weekly time commitment, beginning no later than 8 : 00pm). Meeting days and times will be decided by the CLC & SCL(s) at the beginning of each semester. Staff meeting times will be based on staff members’ academic schedules only. Non-academic commitments will not be considered.

On-on-one check ins with Community Leaders in their assigned areas

Staff retreats, mid-semester refreshers, and leadership workshops

Provides feedback on team processes, work-life balance, and student staff experience.

Maintains Community Life shared spaces and supports inventory and supply coordination.

Fulfills other responsibilities as assigned by the CLC, AMCL, or SHMT consistent with the expectations of the role.

Regular Meetings, Ongoing Communication, and Working with the Community Life and Student Housing Department on various tasks.

Attends Community Life Staff Training, on-going training sessions, student leader retreats and training workshops as required.

Responds to communication from the CLMT on a regular and timely basis (i.e. generally within 1-2 business days).

Submits community reports as determined by the CLMT, as well as any other reports requested.

Participates in leading staff meetings and one-on-one meetings

Individual meetings and / or building meetings with the SCL / CLC / AMCL

Assists with the recruitment, selection and hiring processes of student staff by assisting with information sessions, promotional campaigns, and group interviews.

Provides feedback to the Student Housing department (e.g. processes, procedures, structure, work-life balance).

Works with the CLMT to ensure that Community Life workspaces and storage spaces are properly maintained.

Performs other duties as assigned by the SHMT that are consistent with the nature and expectations of this job description.

Supervision Received & Exercised

Supervision Received

Senior Community Leaders are directly responsible to the AMCL and their CLC supervisor who provide regular support and assistance to the SCL in the execution of their responsibilities. SCLs are evaluated by their CLC throughout the term of their employment and any concerns or disciplinary action is reported to the AMCL. In addition, CLs are supported by the entire SHMT.

Supervision Exercised

While SCLs do not formally supervise other staff, they provide mentorship, leadership, and peer support to CLs and contribute to their ongoing development.

Unusual Working Conditions

This position is a live-in position with an assigned Student Housing room. The SCL acts as a resource to the CLs and students in the community and, as appropriate, the Student Housing system as a whole. The SCL works a combination of pre-determined and flexible self assigning hours which require weekend, holiday, reading week, stand by, and evening / nighttime commitments throughout the year.

The SCL is responsible for balancing their academic, personal, and work commitments within the role. The SCL attends Community Life Staff Training prior to the start of the semester (this time period is included in the contract dates, and attendance is mandatory).

The SCL responds to various student and CL concerns (as appropriate) which may include student drop-ins outside of scheduled In Night and Outreach shifts. In addition to their regular duties, the SCL takes part in a rotating In Night schedule, where they are expected to be present during evenings, weekends, and holidays. In Night shifts include acting as a front-line staff member and responding to calls for assistance from the Student Housing community. The SCL is required to remain in Student Housing until the scheduled end of their employment contract, unless otherwise authorized in advance by the AMCL.

Absences greater than 24 hours must be submitted to their CLC and AMRL at least one week in advance and are subject to approval.

Required Qualifications

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.