Job Description:

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU seeks qualified candidates for the position of Residential Counselor.  The Gatton Academy is a public residential STEM high school program, established and funded by the Kentucky legislature, on the campus of Western Kentucky University.  Students complete their last two years of high school and earn at least 60 hours of college credit. This is a 10-month position (August through May) and reports to the Assistant Director of Residential Life. Gatton Academy staff are employees of Western Kentucky University. 

Residential Counselors live in a dorm room with en suite bath on single gender student wings. They have access to a shared staff kitchen. The residential setting for Residential Counselors does not accommodate partners, spouses, or children.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Creates and manages a safe, healthy, and nurturing living/learning environment within the residence hall.
• Develops a supportive community consistent with the Gatton Academy’s creed of Integrity, Compassion, and Respect through creative educational, cultural, social, and recreational programming.
• Advises, counsels, and seeks to develop students through individual interactions and by creating and sustaining a supportive living environment.
• Provides appropriate support and referrals for students during emotional and physical crises.
• Provides academic support services in coordination with other Gatton staff, and serves on the Student Support Team.
• Provides leadership and supervision on Gatton study abroad programs.
• Monitors and documents student progress in academics and personal growth.
• Serves as an advisor and liaison for clubs and activities.
• Provides on-call support to students on a rotation basis.

Essential Functions

Creating a Supportive Learning Environment

• Collaborate with all Gatton Residential Counselors and staff to create and sustain a community that fosters student learning, independence, and academic success.
• Establish rapport and develop mentoring relationships with students.
• Live on student wing and serve as a role model/mentor in all areas of personal, relational, and academic life.
• Play an integral role acclimating students to Gatton in student orientation week.
• Transport students in University owned or rented vehicles.
• Implement Gatton initiatives, particularly those focused on student retention.

Administrative Functions

• Maintain and oversee wing programming and supply budget.
• Assess the efficacy of programs and activities.
• Report and keep record of maintenance and security issues within the wing.
• Communicate regularly with parents in support of students and to foster parental involvement in the academy.
• Collaborate with housekeeping and facilities staff to maintain a living environment conducive to learning.
• Staff and support the front desk as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Information:

Salary:  $29,000

Compensation and Benefits

• 10-month contract paid over a 12-month period.
• Partially furnished room with cable, internet service, and utilities (fair market value of approximately $10,000 per year). Room use is restricted to the employee.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Salary of $29,000 annually, with benefits package including options for medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, University tuition waiver (up to 6 credit hours per semester fall, spring, and summer or winter), University Bookstore discount, and reduced price membership to the University’s health and fitness facility.
• Paid staff meal plan option is available.

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all candidates. Western Kentucky University will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices in accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services (EEO) at (270) 745-5121.

Application Instructions:

All of the following items must be submitted through WKU's electronic talent management system: 

• Cover Letter
• Resume

You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received.

http://wku.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=187410

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Experience working in residential life at the secondary or post-secondary level as hall director, residential assistant, desk clerk, or similar position.
• Must be able to reside on a single-gender residential wing within Gatton’s residence hall.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license.
• Must be willing to submit to a state and national criminal history background check.