Resident Assistant Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the resident assistant job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

It highlights the major requirements you need to meet to be hired for the resident assistant role.

What Does a Resident Assistant Do?

The resident assistant is responsible for the provision of general information and support to residents, both on and off campus.

The resident assistant job description involves providing honest feedback upon the observation of a student in order to assist with his/her development as a resident.

It also entails recording accurate observations made by residents on the resident evaluation form.

The resident assistant summarizes the observations made on a weekly meeting.

It is also their responsibility to advise and support the development of resident programs, events and facilities.

Resident assistants attend Residents’ Association meetings to share their opinions and give input on what might work best at the College.

They attend Residence Affairs Council (RAC) meetings to share their opinions and give input on what might work best at the College.

It is also their duty to monitor behavior issues and report them to the Student Activity Coordinator, Student Housing office staff, or the Warden in charge of Housing and Residential Life Services (HRLS).

They are the first point of contact with students and staff on matters relating to their residence halls, including the suspension and expulsion of students, if necessary.

The resident assistant work description involves the provision of information regarding facility operations and maintenance, the provision of information regarding legal issues related to residence halls.

It also entails other duties and tasks assigned by the Warden in charge of HRLS and/or their designated delegate within HRLS (Supervisor).

Additionally, the resident assistant maintains a positive and supportive relationship with students, staff, students’ parents and other residents.

Maintaining the public areas of the residence halls to the appropriate standards and cleanliness, as well as reporting any damage to the public areas to the Warden in charge of Housing and Residential Life Services (HRLS) is an expected task for this role.

They provide assistance to other employees of the college with documentation requests or make recommendations regarding appropriate ways to handle a situation or program that may benefit residents.

Resident assistants enforce all policies, procedures, and regulations that are related to the operation and maintenance of the residence halls.

This position promotes, develops, maintains, and enhances awareness of opportunities for students to become involved in both internal and external community projects.

Scheduling of room inspections and performing room inspections as necessary is a key part of their duty.

The resident assistant provides support and assistance to residents in filling out applications for residence-based bursaries and scholarships, as well as other forms that may require student information, to ensure accurate completion.

They attend training sessions, workshops or conferences related to this position (on the job training).

Resident Assistant Job Description Sample/Example/Template

The resident assistant job description consists of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:

• Provides assistance and guidance to university staff and students in their daily duties surrounding the residence halls
• Assists with certain administrative tasks that relate to the residence halls, such as student, faculty and staff orientations, change of a student’s address, etc.
• Assists residents with personal/social issues as well as household chores as needed
• Utilizes residence hall technology such as computer assignment requests, room shares, long distance phone calls
• Provides information regarding residence hall activities to assist in student recruitment efforts
• Assists residents in preparing and maintaining their rooms, academic programs
• Attends and/or assists with university events and activities as needed
• Assists with maintenance issues that directly relate to resident education and support services, property maintenance, or other university residence hall needs as directed by the assistant director or director of housing
• Performs other duties as assigned by the assistant director or director of housing, according to the needs of the department/group, taking into consideration student interests, educational programs, and services available from residence hall staff.

Resident Assistant Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before in the position of a resident assistant or are presently working in that role and need to make a resume or CV for a new job, then you can apply the above resident assistant job description sample in making the Professional Experience part of the resume.

You can express the duties and responsibilities you have performed or are presently carrying out in your resume’s Professional Experience by utilizing the ones in the sample resident assistant job description above.

This will show to the recruiter/employer that you have been effective in performing the resident assistant role, which can greatly improve your chances of being invited to an interview and hired, especially if the new job that you are seeking requires someone with some resident assistant work experience.

Resident Assistant Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success

Here are important requirements you may be asked to meet to qualify for the resident assistant position with most employers/recruiters:

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Have a valid driver’s license or passable driving record, and auto insurance
• Must have completed high school and obtain a diploma or GED
• Have strong communication and interpersonal skills, especially as it relates to working with diverse groups of people
• Complete the mandatory eight-hour resident assistant training course within two weeks of hire date
• Actively contribute to the professional growth and development of others through residence hall leadership positions and participation in professional development opportunities provided by the university
• Valid cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate is required within six months of employment
• A background check is required at or prior to hiring
• Maintain current CPR certification and complete continuing education program as required by state and university policies
• Possess or be able to obtain a valid card (facility usage) for the building(s) where work is done
• Willingness to work all shifts assigned
• Must possess an understanding of the various university programs and services.

Resident Assistant Salary

According to Glassdoor, the national average compensation for a resident assistant in the United States is $28,316 per year.

Conclusion

This post is helpful to individuals interested in the resident assistant career. They will be able to learn all they need to know about the duties and responsibilities they typically perform.

It is also useful to recruiters/employers in making an effective job description for the resident assistant role in their organizations for use in hiring for the position.