Job Title:
Big Pond Education Residence Assistant (RA)
If you…
…are the sort of person who is full of ideas, brimming with energy and has an interest in a part time group leader / mentor role for an academic year in Dublin?
Do you…
…want to work for a vibrant, modern organisation that will value your input and provide a great addition to your CV? If so, read on. If you like the sound of us and this role, we want to hear from you!
The company:
Big Pond Education is an international education provider headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. We work with universities and colleges in the USA to develop pathway and customizable programs for their students. We are committed to the advancement of environmental, economic and social justice through education abroad and are dedicated to making an impact on our local community as well as our students.
Big Pond values and embraces a difference of opinion, experience, background and ability. Any candidate requiring an accommodation, whether physical, emotional or mental, should inform the hiring manager at least a week before the interview.
Inside the Res
● Build a sense of community by being accessible, approachable and available to students and promoting self-regulation and community respect
● Support in preparing the residence halls for arrivals
● Support the arrivals and orientations process (e.g. airport pick ups, welcome reception prep, student welcome meetings etc.)
● Keep a close eye on all health and safety related issues
● Provide 24/7 student coverage as part of Big Pond team, fulfilling all responsibilities as part of the team roster
● Work closely with all programme staff (housing, admin., and academic)
● Undertake nightly rounds of building when on call
● Act as conduit between students and fellow residents, students and programme staff
● Devise in-house community building activities (minimum 3 per semester) e.g. Movie/games night, guest speaker on student related topic, local excursion
● Enforce residential policies, rules and regs.
● Support programme staff in disciplinary matters
● Promote sustainable living initiatives and manage the end of semester/year reuse/repurpose/recycle drive
● Provide a weekly on-call report to office staff on ‘life in the res’ e.g. events, concerns, conduct etc.
Outside the Res
● Staff one weekend study tour each semester (tours go to Northern Ireland and the west of Ireland)
● Attend and staff student events e.g. welcome reception, guest speaker events, weekend day trips
● Post about student life events and opportunities on Big Pond social media
● Attend medical appointments with students or emergency medical situations as they arise
● Read and understand all policies and procedures relating to student health, safety, conduct and emergency protocol
● Work closely with supervisor on all matters related to student medical or emotional problems or concerns
● Report and claim any programme expenses in a timely fashion
● Support the team in staffing guest visits (residence tours, attending meetings etc)
● Support team in emergency situations relating to student health, safety and wellbeing
The ideal Candidate
● An undergraduate degree, or equivalent higher education experience is required
● Holding a postgraduate degree or working towards one is desirable
● The role requires a patient, kind, approachable, empathetic, considered, resourceful, calm person
● The role requires intercultural skills, crisis management skills, excellent communication skills and an ability to work under limited supervision
● The candidate must have a flexible approach to work, refined time-management skills and a strong work ethic
● Knowledge of Dublin and Ireland, as well the higher education systems of both Ireland and the United States, is desirable
● A background in event planning, residential supervision and/or working in a student setting is desirable
The Contract
This is a fixed term contract for the 2022-23 academic year. Training will begin in mid/late August 2022 with move-in date the beginning of September 2022. The contract will end at the end of April 2023 in line with the Big Pond academic year. There is a one month probationary period.
RAs will live rent free at Highfield House Student Residence. RAs live in shared apartments at our Highfield House student residence. The RA will share their apartment with fellow staff members and non-programme residents (usually mature and/or post-graduate student residents). Each resident will have their own bedroom and en-suite bathroom. Heating, electricity, TV and broadband is all included. RAs will receive a stipend of €1,000 per month. An additional stipend will be given for laundry costs. Any programme related expenses incurred will be covered e.g. meals while on a weekend or day trip.
Applicants must possess the legal right to work in Ireland.
For all applications, please send a CV and covering letter to contact@bigpondeducation.org . Expressions of interest are welcome.
Application deadline: Friday, 24 June at 5pm Dublin time.
Interviews: Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 June
Start date: Monday, 15 August