What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dorm Parent (12-Month Residential Life Professional) position at CATS Academy Boston?
Description
Dorm Parent (12-Month Residential Life Professional)
Braintree, MA
Description
The Dorm Parent is a full-time, 12-month residential life professional responsible for the safety, supervision, and holistic development of boarding students during both the academic year and summer programs. This role acts in loco parentis, providing care, structure, and compassionate guidance to young adults living away from home. Work is performed within a structured yet flexible rotating shift schedule that includes weekdays and weekends to support the 24/7 nature of our boarding community.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensure the safety, security, and physical well-being of all students at all times.
- Directly supervise students during assigned duty hours, including active room checks and regular student engagement.
- Maintain constant awareness of student whereabouts and uphold all check-in/check-out protocols.
- Follow and document all room procedures during move-in and move-out, accurately recording room conditions.
- Respond immediately to all emergencies (medical, behavioral, or fire) and implement established safety protocols.
- Build meaningful connections with each student to foster a structured, nurturing, and engaging dormitory culture.
- Plan, support, and supervise weekend and evening recreational and social activities on and off-campus.
- Serve as a positive role model and mentor; facilitate student development and life skills training.
- Provide emotional support and address student issues such as homesickness or peer conflicts.
- Support and promote the school's mission, values, and diversity initiatives within the residential community.
- Demonstrate proficiency in electronic school management systems (SMS) to update student concerns and share information.
- Accurately document incidents, room conditions, welfare notes, and communication in compliance with reporting requirements.
- Coordinate student transportation for appointments and activities, including driving students in authorized school vehicles.
- Administer medication and provide basic health support after the Medical Office closes.
- Be trained or willing to obtain training in medication administration, CPR/AED, First Aid, and critical residential safety competencies.
- Utilize effective de-escalation and mediation strategies, exercising sound judgment on when to escalate issues to the Administrator on Duty.
- Participate in professional development sessions, leadership meetings, and summer programming as assigned.
- Uphold all Academy safeguarding policies and comply with Massachusetts child protection and mandated reporting laws.
- Serve as a professional role model by demonstrating ethical behavior and maintaining appropriate boundaries within the school community.
- Adhere to all Academy policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.
Essential Skills
- Emotional Intelligence: Caring, patient, and understanding nature with adolescents.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication, listening, and conflict resolution skills.
- Relationship Management: Ability to set clear expectations and firm boundaries while fostering a supportive environment.
- Adaptability: Ability to work a flexible, rotating shift-based schedule including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
- Organization: Strong attention to detail for administrative tasks and accurate record-keeping.
- Judgment: Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and remain calm/decisive during emergencies.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Paid during student breaks
- Free board and lodging in a pet-friendly campus- utilities included
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Retirement Plan
CATS Academy Boston is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or accept discrimination against any employee or applicant in any manner prohibited by law. We welcome employment applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Requirements
- Valid state Driver’s License is required.
- CPR/First Aid certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).
- Medication Administration certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Prior experience working with high school-aged students in a supervisory, residential, or teaching capacity is highly desired. Experience in a boarding school environment or working with international students is a plus.