Community Assistant

About the Opportunity JOB SUMMARY The Community Assistant is an entry-level, live-in staff member responsible for directly supporting the physical, emotional, social, and academic needs of first-year residential students. This position serves as a vital member of the Residential Life team, creating positive and valuable experiential learning opportunities that aid students in their academic coursework, help orient them to the Bay Area, and foster community building within residential and campus life. Community Assistants work collaboratively with Student Life and campus staff to maintain a safe, inclusive, and educationally purposeful residential environment that supports student success and personal development.   CORE RESPONSIBILITIES  Student Support & Guidance  Provide direct guidance and support to first-year students navigating their transition to college life and studying away from home  Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins with assigned residents each semester to assess academic, social, and personal well-being  Respond to student concerns promptly and connect students to appropriate academic, medical, and/or mental health resources  Facilitate peer-to-peer connections and support networks within the residential community  Document student interactions and concerns through established case management systems  Collaborate with Student Life and campus staff on student development initiatives and intervention strategies  Safety & Crisis Response  Serve as part of an on-call rotation (including after hours and overnight) for student residences to respond to incidents and emergencies  Maintain the safety and well-being of the residential population through regular community walks and community presence  Respond to incidents by following established protocols and coordinating with campus public safety and other resources when needed  Act as primary point of contact for students in residences during emergencies  Write accurate and timely incident reports documenting emergency situations and policy violations  Conduct post-incident follow-up with affected students and staff as directed  Complete routine room inspections to document and address potential health and safety issues  Maintain current knowledge of emergency procedures and campus safety resources  Community Development & Programming  Plan, coordinate, and implement diverse student programs, activities, and excursions that are educational, social, and/or recreational and enhance the residential experience. Programming may include evenings and weekends.  Create programming that helps students explore the Bay Area and develop cultural awareness  Facilitate community-building activities that foster inclusive and engaging residential environments  Responsibly manage programming materials, supplies, and basic budget allocations  Assess program effectiveness through participant feedback and attendance tracking  Partner with campus departments and local organizations, where appropriate, to enhance programming opportunities  Community Standards & Policy Enforcement  Monitor and uphold student behavioral and housing policies and protocols while maintaining high standards of conduct  Address policy violations through educational conversations and appropriate referrals  Document student conduct concerns and collaborate with supervisor on resolution strategies  Serve as a positive role model for community standards and expectations  Facilitate conflict resolution between residents when appropriate  Assist residents in understanding and navigating university policies and procedures  Administrative Responsibilities  Assist with day-to-day operational needs within Housing & Residential Life  Assist with residential opening and closing processes at the beginning and end of academic terms  Prepare and submit regular updates to supervisor, as requested, on student concerns, community issues, and programming outcomes  Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions  Other duties as assigned  QUALIFICATIONS  Required Qualifications  Bachelor's degree  1-2 years of demonstrated student service experience or higher education experience in housing, residence life, or student affairs  Experience living with or working with high school or undergraduate students (residence life, student affairs, camp counselor, or similar role)  Experience working with sensitive and private information and maintaining confidentiality  Sound judgment and analytical skills for problem solving and decision-making  Ability to work under pressure and respond effectively to crisis situations  Ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse environment  Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and build relationships with diverse stakeholders (colleagues, campus partners, students, families, etc.)  Experience managing, facilitating, and coordinating events for large groups with enthusiasm and attention to detail  Fluent in English with excellent written and verbal communication skills  Availability to work evenings, weekends, and participate in on-call rotation  Proficiency with basic office technology and computer systems (Microsoft 365)  Preferred Qualifications  Previous residential life or live-in staff experience  Training in crisis intervention, mental health first aid, or conflict resolution  Experience with case management or student conduct software (Maxient)  Physical, Mental, and Environmental Demands  Work regularly involves weekend, evening, and overnight availability, and responsibilities may often extend outside traditional business hours  Work may involve exposure to distressing situations requiring emotional resilience and professional boundaries  Work often requires flexibility in terms of time, and physical demands  Work often requires walking moderate distances and climbing/descending stairs reg