Job Description: Residential Counselor for Field Studies

Employment

General Information about Duke TIP Field Studies

Duke TIP Domestic Field Studies are open to students in grades 9-12 and International Field Studies are open to students in grades 10-12. These two-week courses meet seven days a week for field work or classroom-style instruction. Class size varies from 18-32 students, supervised by a staff of Instructor and a minimum of two Teaching Assistants (TA)/Residential Counselors (RC). Some Field Studies may also have a Group Leader. Due to the intensive nature of the Field Studies, the Instructor/TA teams are also responsible for residential aspects of the programs and Residential Counselors participate in class room activities.

The Residential Counselor Position

Residential Counselors (RC) supervise a group of 12-18 students. RCs work closely with other staff members to accomplish the overall mission of the program by attending to the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of program participants. Residential Counselor responsibilities include day, evening, and night commitments, although there are times when an RC is off-duty while students are in class. In addition to supervising students and holding programs/events during non-class times, RCs will attend staff meetings, be scheduled for duties on a rotating basis, and complete projects during the day and attend academic activities and excursions. Students’ schedules may vary, and RCs will work with Instructors/GL to coordinate activity schedules. Detailed responsibilities include, but are not limited to, items listed under Specific Duties.

Qualifications

A minimum of two years of college academic and residential experience is required. Experience as a camp counselor, college RA, or similar position is preferred; staff or participant experience with programs for the academically gifted is helpful. Applicants must possess a genuine interest in the academic, social, and emotional growth of adolescents, exhibit maturity and a positive attitude, and be willing to serve as a role model for students. Applicants must be able to work as part of a team; organize projects and activities; explain, support, and enforce Duke TIP rules; and manage administrative responsibilities. There is a driving requirement for some Domestic (U.S.) Field Studies positions at Duke TIP. This includes possessing a valid driver’s license, being at least 21 years old, having an approved driving record, and willingness to drive Duke TIP vehicles.

Specific Duties

Student Supervision

Supervise a group of 12-18 students. Get to know the students in your group, and communicate daily with each member of the group.
Review the Medical Form for every student in your group
Get to know all students at the Field Study.
Serve as a positive role model and resource for all students.
Be a visible and accessible presence throughout the program. Be aware of student concerns and problems, and immediately report critical information to your supervisor.
Respond to student emergency situations at all times. Utilize emergency protocol outlined in the Staff Handbook and in training.
With the Instructor/GL, establish and enforce rules for the hotel, residence hall, or residence in which the students will stay.
Assist with student arrival and departure, including meeting students at the airport as needed.
Assist with social and recreational activities during the program.
Assist with emergencies that may arise during the program.

Programming

As the Field Study schedule allows, organize and lead daily programs and activities for students, including evening programs and weekend events. Use creativity in designing activities that appeal to a diverse group of students and build a strong community. Work with the Instructor/GL to schedule and plan the activities.

Academic Support

Foster an environment conducive to students’ educational goals.
Assist Instructor with management and discipline in the classrooms and on field trips as needed.
Supervise students during excursions, activities, meals, and breaks.
Attend class with your students regularly.
Assist and collaborate with instructional staff as needed.
Be available to help students with questions or concerns about their academic coursework.
Work with Instructors when requested to provide assistance with students’ academic or behavioral issues.

Student Discipline

Work with other RCs, TAs, Group Leader, and Instructors to establish appropriate methods of articulating program and academic expectations and enforcing program rules.
Clearly articulate program and academic expectations and standards to students.
Enforce Duke TIP rules consistently and fairly. Follow up immediately on student behavior problems as directed in the Staff Handbook and during training.

Team Membership

Meet regularly with other staff members to plan and organize daily activities for students.
Provide support and assistance to other Duke TIP staff members.

Administration

Complete room inspections at the beginning and end of the program or upon departure from a location.
Assist in student arrival and departure day procedures.
Participate in a duty schedule for various responsibilities.
Complete a written program evaluation at the end of the term.
Perform other duties assigned by the Instructors, Coordinator of Educational Programs, or other Duke TIP administrative staff.

General Expectations

Arrive on your contracted start date at the specified time and location.
Perform all contractual duties at the assigned times.
Support the Duke TIP Mission and all administrative decisions.
Abide by all Duke TIP policies and procedures.
Attend all designated orientation sessions and all scheduled meetings during the program.
Residential staff members are required to live in program-sponsored housing and sleep in assigned room each night.
Obey all traffic laws, including speed limits and seatbelt regulations, when transporting students or driving Duke TIP vehicles for other business purposes. Duke TIP vehicles may not be used for personal errands.
Refrain from the following strictly prohibited activities:

Consuming alcoholic beverages in the presence of students or at any time at the program site (including, but not limited to, housing facilities, classrooms, parking lots, athletic fields, etc.) regardless of the distance from Duke TIP's designated area.
Returning to campus in an inebriated condition.
Possessing, selling, distributing, or using illegal drugs.
Inviting guests to visit the residence halls or to stay overnight in residence hall rooms.
Using tobacco products in the residence hall or in the presence of students.
Using inappropriate language, including profanity, discriminatory statements, and sexual innuendoes.

Maintain professional relationships with all staff members. Relationships and/or conflicts among staff members should never interfere with the proper performance of duties.
Maintain professional relationships with students at all times.
Enforce all student rules fairly and consistently according to the policies outlined in training.
Abide by all policies set forth by the host institution/country.
This position requires a full time commitment. Holding other jobs or taking classes during the contracted time period is prohibited.