Job Description: Residential Counselor for Scholar Weekends

General Information About Duke TIP Scholar Weekends

Scholar Weekends provide opportunities for academically talented students in grades 8-11 to take short courses during weekend-long programs held on Duke’s East Campus.

The Residential Counselor Position

Residential Counselors (RC) supervise a group of 12-16 students, carry out registration and help set up and clean up for meals. RCs are supervised by and work closely with the On-Site Coordinator and 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 completing organizational tasks, RCs will attend staff meetings.  Detailed responsibilities include, but are not limited to, items listed under Specific Duties.

Qualifications

A minimum of one year of college academic and residential experience is required for Scholar Weekends RCs. 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 TIP rules; and manage administrative responsibilities. There is a driving requirement for certain positions at Duke TIP. Eligible drivers must possess a valid driver’s license, be at least 21 years old, have an approved driving record on file, and be willing to drive Duke TIP vehicles.

Specific Duties

Student Supervision

  • Supervise a group of 12-16 students during non-academic time, which includes supervising students staying in a hotel during the overnight portion of the program. Get to know the students in the group and communicate with each member of the group. Meet upon arrival at the hotel on Saturday with the students in the RC group.
  • Carry out registration and help direct students and parents to their assigned classroom.
  • Serve as a positive role model and resource for all students.
  • Be a visible and accessible presence on campus. Immediately report critical information to the On-Site Coordinator.
  • Accompany assigned group of students back to class from meals each day.
  • Respond to student emergency situations at all times. Utilize emergency protocol outlined in staff meeting.

Student Discipline

  • Work with the On-Site Coordinator 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 TIP rules consistently and fairly. Follow up immediately on student behavior problems as directed during training.

Administration

  • Assist in student arrival registration and departure procedures.
  • Assist with all meal set-up and clean-up.
  • Complete a written program evaluation at the end of the term.
  • Perform other duties assigned by the On-Site Coordinator.
  • Attend the residential staff meetings on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
  • Provide support and assistance to other TIP staff members.

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 the designated Residential Staff meeting Saturday morning.
  • Residential Counselors are required to supervise students at the hotel, and sleep in their assigned room Saturday 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.
    • Using tobacco products in the classroom building 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 distributed during staff meeting.
  • Abide by all policies set forth by the host institution.