Exempt, Resident Advisor

About the College

Whatcom Community College (WCC) is a public associate and applied baccalaureate degree granting institution with an accomplished faculty and staff who serve 7,604 students annually on its beautiful 72-acre campus in Bellingham, Washington.

Whatcom offers transfer degrees, applied baccalaureate degrees, professional and technical training programs, basic education, job skills, and community and continuing education classes. Programs and courses are offered through in-person, hybrid, and online modalities to promote access for a diverse student population.

The College is committed to equal opportunity and believes diversity of experiences and cultures enrich our campus community. The College is accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. For more information about WCC, please visit www.whatcom.edu

The Community:

Whatcom's campus is located in Bellingham (population 95,960). Bellingham showcases a strong commitment to education and is regularly rated on "best of the Northwest" lists. Bellingham is midway between Seattle, WA and Vancouver, B.C. Canada.

The city is surrounded by the rural landscape of Whatcom County (population 226,850), which is home to a thriving network of farms and scenic wilderness. As you explore our community, you'll discover historic neighborhoods, waterfront cities, farmlands and mountain towns all within a few dozen miles of each other. Bellingham and Whatcom County are known for their outdoor activities. Whether your idea of fun is visiting galleries, watching live theater, kayaking, hiking, snowboarding, or unwinding with a good book, you'll love Bellingham and Whatcom County. To learn more about Bellingham, please visit: http://www.bellingham.org

General Description of Work

Whatcom Community College welcomes applications for the Resident Advisor (RA) position. Reporting to the Residence Life Coordinator, this position will provide support to residents and Residence Life, building a community with a shared understanding of inclusivity and sustainability. The College intends to hire three Resident Advisors.

Vision:

WCC's Residence Life is committed to creating a safe and inclusive living and learning environment for all students and employees. Our Housing and Residence Life Education Program aims to cultivate a dynamic living experience for students to engage with peers. We strive to create a community of sustainable practices, inclusive understanding of each individual's unique identity and experiences as well as an attitude of accountability to each other.

RAs are expected to fulfill job responsibilities during break periods and holidays as needed, including on-call rotation duty. Residence Life must be considered the principle employer.

Responsibilities

Administrative Tasks:

• Follow up on maintenance needs submitted by residents and communicate with Residence Life Manager any additional needs. Teach, and orient students to community living and Residence Life policies and procedures.

• Complete move in inspections prior to move in date and welcome new residents to Cedar Hall when they arrive.

• Complete unit inspections when residents move from Cedar Hall.

• Perform other duties as assigned and/or delegated by the Residence Life staff.

Community Development and Resident Support:

• Promote community development through programming, policy enforcement and involvement.

• Conduct monthly floor meetings

• Interact with residents on your floor on a regular basis to provide support as needed.

• Build and maintain a relationship of trust with individual residents. Maintain objectivity, neutrality, and confidentiality.

• Be aware of resident's special circumstances (i.e., ESA, health concerns, peak stress times, emotional difficulties, academic problems, etc.).

• Be familiar with campus and community resources and make referrals as appropriate.

• Encourage resident involvement and interactions within the community.

• Lead residents in establishing community standards.

• Actively support the efforts of the Residence Life team in programming and advocacy efforts.

• Create a welcoming environment within the RA suite and/or community area to meet with residents.

Programming:

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate on-going student programs and activities, including residence life orientation.

• Involve residents in the planning and execution of programs. Program intentionally to the needs of the community based on assessment.

• Link programming efforts to education, social interactions, health and wellness and other resources.

• Create appropriate, effective advertising for programs.

• Collaborate with other groups on campus such as Student Life and Development, Financial Aid, Advising, AIM, etc. to broaden program offerings.

• Complete program proposals and reports.

Policy Enforcement & Safety:

• Read and understand the resident housing contract, resident handbook and Cedar Hall Operations Manual.

• Educate residents about policies and procedures, providing clarification as needed.

• Enforce all policies being violated and be proactive in responding to hearsay violations.

• Perform monthly unit inspections and safety and security checks/inspections as needed.

• Serve as an emergency responder, trouble-shooter, and mandatory reporter for the community. This requires communicating to and following up with appropriate students and staff regarding needs, problems, and concerns in a timely manner.

• Document and communicate safety and security concerns through the incident reporting process.

• Maintain objectivity and strict confidentiality regarding student issues.

Time Commitment:icipate in all regular staff meetings and ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

• Perform duties and responsibilities during holidays, 3-day weekends and break periods as needed including on-call rotation duty.

• Be visible, available, and approachable to residents. Post availability hours for residents to see.

• Residence Life must be considered the principle employer.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 18+ years of age.

• Must pass a background check.

• Demonstrated positive engagement in a diverse environment, inclusive of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, gender/sexuality, and ethnic backgrounds and identities.

• Must be a current student at Whatcom CC, Bellingham Technical College, Northwest Indian College or Western Washington University.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One year of employment in student housing or related experience.

• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills, including listening, writing, and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated experience creating and facilitating interactive, and innovative workshops and presentations.

Salary

Salary and Appointment:

• This is a 12-month stipend, non-permanent position with a stipend of $500 per month. The position includes compensated assigned housing in a studio suite. Apartment reassignment might occur based on student and departmental needs.

Start Date:

• As soon as can be arranged with successful candidate and no later than August 1, 2024.

Application Due Date:

• For guaranteed consideration, application packets should be received by Monday, June 3rd at 5:00 pm. Position open until filled.

How To Apply

A completed application consists of an online application and:

• Letter of application detailing relevant experience and how the applicant is prepared to meet the duties of the position. Cover letter should also include a diversity statement that demonstrates a commitment to supporting a diverse workplace and educational environment.

• Current resume.

• List of three, professional references, at least one of which is a current or past supervisor with current contact information.

Mission and Vision Statement

Mission: Whatcom Community College contributes to the vitality of its communities by providing quality education in academic transfer, professional-technical, and lifelong learning, preparing students for active citizenship in a global society.

Vision: Whatcom is a supportive community, empowering lives through education.

EEO Statement

Whatcom Community College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. WCC provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, or honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of trained guide dog or service animal in its programs and activities. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). As of October 1st, 2020 as per RCW 28B.112.080 WCC will be requiring all finalists for positions to complete a Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct. WCC provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Executive Director for Human Resources, 237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 360.383.3400. For Title IX compliance, contact: Title IX Coordinator, 237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 360.383.3400. WCC publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Access and Disability Services Office at 360.383.3080; VP 360.255.7182. Whatcom Community College is a smoke-free/drug free environment.