About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees.

The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers.

In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Upward Bound Summer Institute (UBSI) is a 6-week residential experience hosted at UMass Amherst for 40 - 60 high school students.

The UBSI Assistant Residential Supervisor supervises volunteers and students, oversees implementation and evaluation of programming, and coordinates with staff during this intensive six-week program.

This is a grant-funded position supervised by the Upward Bound Program Director. This is a temporary, unbenefited position.

Essential Functions

• Participates in a one-week mandatory staff orientation and training during the week prior to the program.
• Administers and operates the summer residential program for 40-60 Upward Bound Scholars (high school students).
• Supervises two (2) Americorp Volunteers and 8-10 Tutor / Mentors; includes preparing and managing work schedules.
• Coordinates all Upward Bound Scholar activities with Director and Assistant Directors.
• Lives on campus and provide 24- hour LIVE-IN supervision to Upward Bound Scholars Sunday through Friday.
• Creates and maintains a positive, productive, safe and harmonious living environment for students and staff throughout an intensive six-week summer institute.
• Plans and supervises day and night duty as assigned by the Program Director and Assistant Directors.
• Plans and coordinates cross-curricular and recreational programming, including activities to support the program's positive climate program.
• Attends, monitors, and participates in daily meals.
• Assists in chaperoning all field trips, and cultural and recreational activities, as needed.
• Attends staff development activities, weekly staff meetings, and student assemblies.
• Prepares and submits written evaluations of staff, students, and summer program.
• Operates motor vehicle to travel to work sites.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience in or with Upward Bound / TRiO or similar residential program as participant or staff.
• Leadership skills.
• Experience living in a residential dormitory or on own.
• Ability to work with high school-aged youth.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills.
• Professional attitude.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Awareness of factors affecting student access and success in higher education, including those affecting marginalized students, students from diverse backgrounds, and students with disabilities.
• Ability to work in a diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Possess a positive, student-centered perspective.
• Class D Driver's License.

Qualifications Acquired on the Job

• Experience supervising staff.
• Program implementation skills.
• Additional knowledge of factors that affect educational access and success.
• Ability to practice Upward Bound education philosophy.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Knowledge of theories of positive behavioral support, student development and cultural competency.
• Knowledge of and experience in using positive approaches to behavioral management with high school age students.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Lifting and / or carrying of 30 lbs. or more.
• Standing for extended periods of time.
• Work in a crisis response environment.

Additional Details

• Must undergo a background review (CORI).
• Graduate students welcome to apply.

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday; including a 4 pm-1 am shift.
• 40 hours per week.
• This is a temporary, unbenefited position.

Salary Information

• $16.00 per hour.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please upload a resume along with the completed application. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.

To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.

It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Last updated : 2024-04-24