Position Overview
Head Counselors (HCs) supervise the participants and Residential Counselors (RCs) for the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies (SPCS) and Stanford Online High School (OHS) summer residential programs. HCs are primarily responsible for ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for all participants and staff.
Head Counselors (HCs) will live on campus and are visible role models and leaders. They serve as a crucial contact for participants and staff members, making themselves available to answer questions, provide mentorship, resolve concerns, and triage participant issues such as health, discipline, and all other aspects of participants’ residential life.
The Head Counselor will participate in approximately five days of onboarding prior to the arrival of participants which include, in-person and online training and administrative work.
General Head Counselor Position Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the safety and supervision of the minors assigned to their residence hall floor and course (if applicable);
- up to 105 minors within each session of the Summer Humanities Institute
- up to 45 minors within the Stanford University Mathematics Camp
- up to 45 minors within Stanford AI4ALL
- up to 240 minors within Summer @ Stanford High School and Summer @ Stanford Middle School.
- Mentor Residential Counselors who need assistance addressing a range of participant needs; providing guidance on appropriate action when participants are sick, injured, or in a crisis.
- Directly supervise and manage the work of all residential staff assigned to their residence and holding them accountable to complete assigned duties; working closely with the Assistant Resident Directors (ARDs) (direct supervisor) to mediate and resolve staff issues.
- If applicable, collaborate with staff members to support the academic success of their assigned program. This may include mentoring a small group of participants on their coursework during the program, attending class, discussion sessions and/or problem sets, and supporting the academic goals of the program.
- Assure the well-being of participants by assisting them physically navigate campus and off campus locations; conduct community walks of multi-story buildings to perform nightly room checks for all participants.
- Respond to calls and text messages promptly at any time during their on-call shift, and address any incident or concern within fifteen minutes of notification.
- Provide regular feedback about participants to the ARDs and share any concerns that require intervention.
- Participate in nightly hall meetings; lead conversations with participants and staff.
- Serve as a role model by demonstrating positive behavior and community presence, attending program events, engaging participants in conversations throughout the day, and building positive relationships with the residential staff and participants.
- Ensure that all programs and activities are accessible and contribute to participant’s sense of belonging and safety. Plan, lead, and actively engage in floor and program-wide activities to cultivate a sense of belonging.
- Schedule weekly check-ins with residential staff they supervise.
- Resolve higher-level participant issues and ensure all concerns are promptly addressed; supporting staff and providing feedback during post-incident debrief.
- Guide participants in educational initiatives centered around topics such as individual development, wellness, and community engagement; leading and participating in recreational and social activities.
- Support scheduled arrival and departure days, including the logistical preparation for each day.
- Be a good steward of program resources by ensuring that all supplies are properly stored and returned at the end of the program, and that the residence is consistently clean and well maintained. Oversee residence hall common areas (lounges, kitchens, study rooms, etc.) to ensure they are clean and that furniture is returned to its original placement and condition before lights out each night.
- Create the weekly staffing schedule, paying particular attention to the policies and regulations around total hours worked for non-exempt staff; consulting with the ARD as needed on staffing needs.
- Manage administrative tasks, including but not limited to: maintaining rosters, auditing keys, developing check in and check out sheets, purchasing, and event logistics.
- Ensure that participants and staff adhere to all applicable policies at all times, including the Administrative Guide Memo, program policies, the SPCS Code of Conduct, and the Protection of Minors policy.
Stanford AI4ALL Academic Responsibilities:
- Serve as academic support for participants navigating interdisciplinary AI projects, referring them to their assigned Graduate Mentor for content specific inquiries.
To be successful in this position, you will bring:
- College-level coursework; completion of approximately 60 degree-seeking credits (any subjects) or more. If applying to support Stanford AI4ALL, coursework and/or interest in computer science or AI preferred.
- At least one summer or year of experience in Residence Life at the high school or college level.
- Creative, team-oriented, and positive attitude, including an enthusiasm for working with high school students.
- Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive tasks with multiple deadlines and frequent interruptions including serving on call and responding to crisis situations throughout the day and night.
- Ability to act responsibly, supervise others, build teams, enforce policies, solve problems, make good decisions, and mediate conflict.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong work ethic and acumen for patiently responding to potential crises, including physical and mental health.
- The ability to occasionally climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), twist/bend/stoop/squat, reach/work above shoulders, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, use a telephone, write by hand, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds; and rarely kneel/crawl, grasp forcefully, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.
- Experience with, and interest in, administrative responsibilities.
Additionally, you will preferably bring:
- Summer camp/program experience or experience working with students ages 12-17, preferably with Stanford Online High School, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies, or a similar program.
- Resident Assistant experience, or other residential leadership experience.
- The ability to possess and maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to drive day and night.
- Work Standards: When conducting University business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
Notes
- The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
- Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
- Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. International students are encouraged to consult with their International Student Office to ensure they have the appropriate Visa to work with another program and/or University before applying.
- All candidates must remain on campus during all work hours.
- All Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies (SPCS) staff are expected to follow university guidelines as outlined in the Stanford Administrative Guide. Of significant note are the university’s Controlled Substances and Alcohol policy for all Stanford employees as well as the policy for youth-designated buildings. If applicable, adherence to all Stanford student policies and the Fundamental Standard.
- Please note that you will be subject to all health and safety policy requirements for Stanford employees.
Compensation
The compensation for the Head Counselor position is $2,050.00 per week plus housing and meals, valued at over $858.20 per week, free of charge. Weekly pay is taxable income. This is a temporary, full-time, residential position with substantial on-call duties averaging 60 hours per week for approximately 2 weeks. This position is exempt and is therefore not subject to the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act.