Upward Bound Summer Residence Assistant

TITLE: Upward Bound Summer Program Residence Assistant

DEPARTMENT: Upward Bound

REPORTS TO: Director, Upward Bound

CLASSIFICATION: Student

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Temporary 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt   

JOB SUMMARY: 

Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants preparing for college entrance. The program offers opportunities for students to improve their pre-college performance and succeed in higher education. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families, students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree, and low-income, first-generation military veterans preparing for postsecondary education. The program’s goal is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

The primary objective of the Residence Assistant (RA) position is to ensure the well-being of program members in grades 9-12, focusing on health, safety, morale, discipline, interpersonal relationships, and academics during the residential portion of the Upward Bound Summer Academy.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Help supervise Upward Bound residents and hall activities.
• Coordinate residential hall-related matters.
• Serve as a liaison between student life, Upward Bound participants, and staff.
• Help resolve personal and social problems that arise in the residential hall.
• Make referrals to the counselor and program director as needed.
• Help coordinate social activities with Residence Life and Upward Bound staff.
• Assist in chaperoning educational and cultural enrichment trips.
• Perform other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with high school students from diverse backgrounds.
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
• Organizational and leadership skills.
• Understanding of and sensitivity to the challenges faced by economically and educationally disadvantaged youth.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all interactions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

OTHER DUTIES: 

• Attend required training and development sessions.
• Maintain a safe and supportive environment for all program participants.
• Enforce residential hall policies and procedures.
• Support and uphold the mission of the Upward Bound Program.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must have a minimum of junior status at Kentucky State University.
• Minimum 3.0 grade point average.
• Experience working in a residential hall setting preferred.
• Sensitivity to and awareness of program participants' needs.
• Preference given to candidates from low-income and first-generation college student backgrounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Residence hall environment.
• Evening and weekend work required during the program duration.
• Moderate physical activity, including walking and standing for extended periods.

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.